Parents Shell Out Millions in Non-Refundable Deposits to Secure Private School Spots in Ho Chi Minh City

Families in Ho Chi Minh City are facing mounting financial pressure as private and international schools begin demanding non-refundable deposits worth tens of millions of Vietnamese dong to reserve student placements for the 2026–27 academic year. The practice, which has become increasingly common among sought-after institutions, is drawing sharp criticism from parents and education advocates who warn of serious financial risks for households already stretched thin.

The deposits, which can range from several million to tens of millions of dong depending on the school, are typically forfeited if a family changes their mind or secures a place at another institution. For many middle-income families, this represents a significant financial gamble, particularly when parents are applying to multiple schools simultaneously in a competitive enrollment environment. Critics argue the policy places an unfair burden on families while offering little accountability to the schools collecting the funds.

Education authorities and consumer protection groups are calling for greater transparency around the practice, urging schools to clearly disclose deposit policies before parents commit to any payments. Some legal experts have questioned whether non-refundable deposit arrangements are fully compliant with Vietnamese consumer protection regulations, suggesting the matter warrants closer regulatory scrutiny.

The situation reflects broader tensions in Ho Chi Minh City's booming private education sector, where demand for quality schooling continues to outpace supply, giving institutions considerable leverage over anxious parents. As the city's wealthiest families compete fiercely for limited spots at top schools, experts warn that without clearer regulations, the deposit system risks becoming an entrenched and exploitative norm. Parents are urged to carefully review all contractual terms and seek legal advice before signing enrollment agreements.

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