ISHCMC expands academic pathways, giving students more ways to shape their futures

New Personalized Diploma Program builds on ISHCMC's academic legacy, offering greater choice for Grades 11 and 12 while retaining the full IB Diploma Programme.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) will introduce a new Personalized Diploma Program (PDP) from August 2027, expanding academic choices for students in Grades 11 and 12 alongside its established International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).

Building on a learning community shaped by generations of students, educators and families since 1993, the expanded model gives students more ways to shape their senior studies around their strengths, interests and future ambitions. Through a combination of academic choice and educator guidance, ISHCMC aims to help each student make informed decisions about their next steps while contributing to a community that continues to grow with every generation.

Different pathways. A future shaped over generations.

The full IBDP will remain an important part of ISHCMC's academic offering. The PDP provides an alternative for students seeking a different combination of subjects, bringing together individual IB Diploma courses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses and ISHCMC courses within a personalized program.

Both pathways lead to the ISHCMC High School Diploma, with additional qualifications available depending on the courses taken and assessments completed. Students completing the full IBDP may also earn the IB Diploma by meeting the International Baccalaureate's requirements. Students following the PDP may earn individual IB course and AP certificates, depending on their course choices and assessment results.

The expanded model recognizes that students may have different interests, strengths and intended university destinations. Rather than expecting every student to follow the same route, ISHCMC will support students in exploring the options available and building an academic program suited to their goals.

"At ISHCMC, every generation benefits from what those before them have built, while adding something of their own. Expanding our academic pathways is about giving students more ways to build on their strengths, pursue their ambitions and shape their futures, supported by the experience and community that have grown here over generations." Mr. Marco Longmore, Head of School.

Guidance that carries learning forward

Choosing a senior academic pathway is an important decision for students and their families. University requirements vary by country, institution and degree program, making informed subject selection an essential part of planning for life after school.

ISHCMC's High School and Future Pathways teams will work with students and families to explore course options, understand relevant university entry requirements and make considered decisions about their academic direction. Both pathways can support university applications, with eligibility depending on the qualifications completed and the requirements of each university and program.

The PDP is not intended to be a less demanding alternative to the full IBDP. It offers a different way to structure senior studies around individual goals and course choices, with the expectations and requirements of each course remaining central to the student's academic experience.

"Every student's next steps will look different, and our role is to help them understand what those steps require. By working closely with students and families, we can connect individual interests with informed academic choices, helping students approach their future plans with greater clarity and purpose." Mr. Kohulan Jeganathan, High School Principal.

The new model will begin in August 2027. Ahead of entry into Grades 11 and 12, ISHCMC will work with students and families to explain the available pathways, explore course options and support planning for the transition into senior school. Families can contact the ISHCMC High School and Future Pathways teams to discuss the options and relevant academic requirements.

About the International School Ho Chi Minh City

Established in 1993, the International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is a full-continuum IB international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offering education from Early Years through Grade 12. Its community brings together families from more than 60 nationalities.

SOURCE International School Ho Chi Minh City