When a family decides that a change of learning environment may be beneficial for their child, understanding the required documents, procedures and practical considerations can make the school transfer process considerably smoother.

What documents are required for an upper secondary school transfer?

Under Clause 2, Article 2 of Circular 50/2021/TT-BGDĐT issued by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, an upper secondary school transfer application generally includes a number of compulsory documents, together with supporting documents where applicable.

A transfer application signed by a parent or legal guardian

The transfer application is the formal document expressing the family’s intention to move the student to a different school. It should clearly state the student’s full name, current year level, existing school and the school to which the family wishes to transfer. 

For students under the age of 18, the application must be signed by a parent or legally recognised guardian. In some circumstances, a school may request additional verification if the legal guardian is not the student’s biological parents

The original school record and lower secondary graduation certificate

The student’s original school record and lower secondary graduation certificate are among the most important documents in a transfer application. The school record provides a formal account of the student’s academic performance, conduct and development throughout their previous years of education. Before the transfer, it should be completed and certified by the current school. The lower secondary graduation certificate confirms that the student has met the requirements to progress to upper secondary education.

Families should ensure that both the original school record and the lower secondary graduation certificate are prepared before beginning the transfer process.

Evidence of priority or additional consideration, where applicable

Students who are eligible for priority consideration under relevant policies may need to submit supporting documents. These may include documentation confirming that the student belongs to a family recognised for service to the country, is the child of a wounded soldier or fallen service member, belongs to an ethnic minority group, or meets another recognised priority category. Providing complete documentation helps ensure that the student’s entitlements are properly considered during the admissions or enrolment process.

A step-by-step guide to transferring upper secondary schools

Following the correct sequence can help families avoid unnecessary delays and protect the student’s academic interests. 

Step 1: Research and contact the prospective school

The first step is to identify a school that is genuinely suited to the student’s needs, capabilities and future direction. Parents should carefully explore the school’s curriculum, teaching approach, faculty, facilities, school fees, student support systems and admissions policies. For families considering schools such as Scotch AGS, it is also important to understand how the school’s Australian curriculum, international learning environment and educational philosophy differ from the student’s current programme.

Once a suitable school has been identified, parents should contact its Admissions Office directly for guidance. Many independent, international and academically selective schools require students to complete an entrance assessment. This may include assessments of academic ability and English proficiency, as well as an interview to understand the student’s readiness and overall suitability for the programme.

Families should identify a school that is aligned with both the student’s immediate needs and longer-term aspirations.

Step 2: Request the student’s records from the current school

After the prospective school has indicated that the student may be accepted in principle, parents can begin the process of withdrawing the student’s records from the current school. A formal request should be submitted to the relevant teacher, academic office or school administration department. The request should clearly state the reason for the transfer. Processing times vary between schools, but the release of records may take approximately 3-7 working days. 

Step 3: Submit the application and complete enrolment at the new school

Once the required documents have been collected, parents can submit the full application to the Admissions Office or academic administration department of the new school. The school will review the documents, confirm that the information is accurate and compare the student’s records with the details provided during the initial enquiry or assessment. The length of this process may vary depending on the school, the time of year and the number of applications under consideration. In some cases, the review and enrolment process may take 1-2 weeks.

Families should submit complete and accurate documentation to help the school process the application efficiently.

Step 4: Complete the school fee, uniform and preparation requirements

After the student has formally received an offer of enrolment, the family will need to complete the remaining administrative arrangements. These usually include the payment of tuition fees and any applicable charges for services, resources, transport, meals, co-curricular activities or other school programmes. Parents should request a clear explanation of the fee structure so that the family can plan appropriately.

Students will also need to prepare the required uniform, textbooks, digital devices and learning materials. Some schools provide uniforms directly, while others work with designated suppliers. 

Common upper secondary school transfer scenarios

Each transfer situation may involve different requirements. Understanding the most common scenarios can help families prepare more carefully.

Transferring within the same province or city

This is one of the most common forms of school transfer. It may occur when a family moves to a different district or when parents believe that another educational environment may better meet the student’s needs. 

A transfer within the same province or city may be relatively straightforward, particularly if both schools follow the same national curriculum and local education regulations. However, families should not assume that all schools operate in the same way. Teaching quality, subject provision, student support, school culture and learning expectations can vary considerably.

Transferring to a school in another province

A transfer between provinces may be more complex, particularly for students seeking a place at a public school. In addition to the standard documents, the family may need to provide proof of a change of residence, confirmation of a parent’s employment transfer or documentation relating to temporary residence.

Requirements vary between local authorities, so families should consult the receiving school and the relevant education department before finalising their plans.

One of the main challenges is the possibility of differences in teaching schedules, textbooks and academic progress between provinces. Parents should speak with teachers at both schools to identify any gaps in content and develop a plan to help the student catch up where necessary.

Transferring from a public school to an independent or international school

An increasing number of families consider moving their children from public schools to independent, bilingual or international schools in search of a different learning experience. The administrative process may follow the standard transfer procedure, but the receiving school will often require additional academic and English language assessments.

The difference between the two learning environments may be significant. Students may need to adapt to greater classroom participation, project-based learning, presentations, academic writing, critical thinking and more independent approaches to study. School fees represent another important consideration. Families should review not only the annual tuition fee but also the longer-term financial commitment associated with the student’s intended pathway.

Transferring from an international or bilingual school to a public school

Some families may consider moving a student from an international or bilingual school to a public upper secondary school because of financial circumstances, a change in academic direction or a desire to prepare more directly for Vietnam’s national upper secondary school graduation examination. In this situation, careful attention should be paid to the recognition and alignment of the student’s previous programme.

Parents should request a detailed transcript and confirmation of the subjects and learning outcomes completed at the international or bilingual school. The receiving public school will need this information to compare the student’s studies with the requirements of the national curriculum. In some cases, the student may be required to complete additional subjects or assessments to address differences between the two programmes.

Different transfer circumstances require different levels of academic and administrative preparation.

Important considerations before transferring schools

To help the student settle into the new environment, families should consider several wider factors.

Choosing the right time to transfer

The period before the beginning of a new school year, usually between May and July, is often the most suitable time to complete a school transfer. This gives the student time to finish the previous academic year, complete the required procedures, prepare emotionally and become familiar with the new school before classes begin. Some schools may also accept transfers at the beginning of the second semester, usually around December or January.

Ensuring subject compatibility

Under Vietnam’s current general education curriculum, upper secondary students may follow different subject combinations depending on their strengths and intended university pathway. When transferring schools, families need to check whether the receiving school offers the same or a compatible subject combination. This becomes even more important when moving between different education systems.

Preparing the student emotionally

For an upper secondary student, transferring schools can be emotionally demanding. The student may be leaving close friends, familiar teachers and a learning environment in which they already understand the expectations. At the same time, they may be entering a new community with different academic standards, routines and social dynamics. Parents should make time to discuss the transfer honestly with their child. The conversation should include not only the reasons for the change, but also the student’s concerns, expectations and reservations. Rather than presenting the transfer as a decision made entirely by adults, families should give the student an appropriate voice in the process. When students understand the purpose of the change and feel that their concerns have been heard, they are more likely to approach the new environment with confidence and openness.

Timing, academic compatibility and emotional readiness are all essential to a successful school transition.

What are the requirements for transferring to Scotch AGS?

Students applying to transfer to Scotch AGS are expected to meet the school’s requirements in relation to documentation, academic readiness and suitability for the programme. The application process may include:

  • A complete admissions application, including the student’s original school record, birth certificate and other required supporting documents.
  • An entrance assessment to understand the student’s academic level and English-language proficiency. An interview to explore the student’s learning habits, interests, aspirations and readiness for the school’s educational approach.
  • Completion of the applicable enrolment fee, tuition fee and other charges by the deadlines stated in the offer letter.
Scotch AGS is a trusted choice for students and families seeking a high-quality upper secondary education.

This article has outlined the documents required for an upper secondary school transfer, the four-step application process and the key points families should consider. Transferring schools is more than an administrative procedure, it is an important decision that can shape a student’s future learning journey. Families should therefore carefully consider the curriculum, educational environment, financial commitment and, most importantly, the student’s readiness for change before making the most appropriate decision.