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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE

From Year 7 onwards, our multilingual Careers and University Guidance team — including Korean, Vietnamese, and international specialists — provides every student with personalised 1:1 counselling at no additional cost. Students receive early support in building strong activity portfolios, shaping their pathways, and preparing for competitive global admissions. With specialist expertise, including experience from a QS Top‑50 university admissions office, our team guides students toward best‑fit destinations worldwide. This year, 35% of our Year 13 students received offers from QS Top‑50 universities, including Yale, Cambridge, Stanford, Yonsei and NUS — evidence of a guidance programme that prepares every learner to thrive at the world’s leading universities.
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UNPARALLELED UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE IN HANOI

At the British International School Hanoi, our University Guidance team is world-class. Working alongside form tutors, heads of year, and subject teachers,  they provide all the support your child needs to find their best-fit university and secure offers from leading institutions around the world. With decades of international experience and first-hand knowledge from visiting more than 150 universities worldwide, our university counsellors are truly experts in study abroad admissions processes, college interviews and applications.

University Guidance at BIS Hanoi begins early, giving our students a head start. We support students to work backwards from self-discovery, understanding their strengths, passions, and potential careers. With this unique approach, our students gradually build invaluable skills and experiences over the years, so that when the time comes, their university applications practically write themselves.

Our graduates go on to some of the best universities in the world, including top 10 universities such as Imperial College London (ranked #2) and Stanford (ranked #3). Some also pursue creative pathways at the most prestigious arts schools globally, such as the University of the Arts London, Savannah College of Art and Design and Parsons (The New School).

OUR UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS
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BIS HANOI STUDENTS STAND OUT

We know what top universities are looking for and how to help our students stand out amongst thousands of applicants. At BIS Hanoi, students gain access to exceptional academic programmes, international partnerships and exciting enrichment and opportunities that allow them to build a distinctive portfolio of achievements and experiences.
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Academic excellence
Our Class of 2025 achieved an impressive IBDP average of 33.24, opening doors to the best universities worldwide. Our pathway from the IGCSE to the IBDP combines academic breadth with the depth needed to excel in their chosen fields. Students also have the opportunity to select individual IB courses as part of the BIS Hanoi Diploma, allowing them to tailor their curricula to best support their future aspirations.
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Our philosophy
University preparation is a journey, not a final step. By starting early, students gradually build their portfolios, experience by experience, activity by activity, so when the time comes to apply, they have a compelling story to tell and the confidence to stand out. 
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University fairs and visits
Alongside hosting the Hanoi University Fair with over 160 universities represented, our students regularly meet international college admissions officers on campus. These interactions give them valuable insights into university admissions processes and help them build early connections. 
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Workshops and college consultation
From Year 7 onwards, our University Guidance team delivers tailored university preparation workshops to help students explore their interests, develop skills, and understand career pathways. In Years 12 and 13, one-to-one university consultations provide personalised guidance on applications, essays, and interviews. 
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Co-curricular activities
With a diverse range of clubs, activities and leadership opportunities, every student can explore passions that enrich their profile and strengthen their future applications.
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Summer & winter programmes
We provide students with world-class collaborations and partnership opportunities, including the University of Cambridge Judge Business School Programme, the Harvard Model Congress Programme, KAIST Science Outreach Programme and the University of Hong Kong Summer Institute.
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MEET OUR GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS

Every journey is personal. Our expert Guidance Counsellors, Mr Joe McKinney and Ms Rachel Hahn, support each student with tailored guidance, ensuring they feel confident, prepared, and excited about their future.
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Joe McKinney
Head of Careers and University Guidance
Joe is our Head of Careers and University Guidance, guiding students and families through every step of the university application journey. With over 11 years of experience in higher education, Joe has worked at leading UK institutions including the University of St Andrews, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Dundee.
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Joe McKinney
Joe has visited more than 150 universities around the world and attended over 50 university guidance conferences, bringing a wealth of global insight to his work with students. Joe is also an active member of the International Association for College Admission Counselling, ensuring he stays connected to the latest trends and best practices in university guidance.
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Rachel Hahn
Careers and University Counsellor and Korean Liaison
Rachel is our Careers and University Counsellor and Korean Liaison, supporting students and families throughout the university admissions process across Asia, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and Korea. With a strong background in education, she has previously taught English as a Second Language at the university level and brings a deep understanding of the student experience.
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Rachel Hahn
Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from U.S. universities, including a Master’s in Educational Policy, Organisation and Leadership. She also holds IB Counselling Certificates and a professional Certificate in College Advising and Higher Education Counselling from Teachers College, Columbia University.
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Hien Tran
Vietnamese Liaison and Secondary Administrator
With a Master’s in Organisational Project Management from Bournemouth University and a Bachelor’s in Finance & Economics from BUV, she has dedicated her career to supporting students. 
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Hien Tran
After two years in the UK helping international students secure university placements, she brings her passion for education and community to BIS Hanoi as the Vietnamese Liaison and Secondary Administrator—strengthening connections with families and championing student success.
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The IB is a powerful qualification. In combination with IGCSE, it puts students in a very great position for applying to university.
Joe McKinney
Head of Careers and University Guidance
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SUPPORT AT EVERY STEP

From early career exploration in Year 7 to confident university applications and life beyond graduation, we support students at every stage of their journey. Through personalised guidance, co‑curricular opportunities, expert university counselling, and practical life skills, students are empowered to discover their strengths, make informed choices, and thrive independently. Our support continues even after graduation, ensuring students always have a trusted network to turn to.
 
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Exploring careers and interests
From Year 7, students begin to explore what excites them, from subjects they enjoy to careers they may never have considered. They get to ask questions, test ideas, and imagine possibilities, all while discovering the skills and experiences that different pathways require.
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Building skills and experiences
We inspire students to try new things, discover what excites them, and build on their strengths through co-curricular opportunities. Whether joining a club, leading a project, or taking on a new challenge, these experiences not only bring joy and confidence but also become the foundations of a strong university application. When the time comes, our team is there to guide subject choices at IGCSE and IBDP, ensuring students can pursue both their passions and their goals.
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Choosing the right university
Finding the perfect university fit is as much about lifestyle and personality as it is about academics. Using our “4 S’s” framework: Study, Stay, Social, Safe,  our counsellors help students think about the kind of environment where they’ll truly thrive, so they can choose a university that feels right in every way. BIS Hanoi students also benefit from our AI-powered Cialfo platform, which helps them filter and shortlist universities based on their preferences and aspirations. It supports students, parents, and the school, making university selection smarter, easier, and more collaborative.  
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Applying with confidence
When it’s time to apply, students receive individual support with essays, portfolios, interviews, and more. By drawing on the experiences they’ve enjoyed along the way, they learn how to present themselves authentically and stand out with confidence. The application process is streamlined through Cialfo, allowing students to apply to multiple universities at once and track every application in one place.  
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Life skills for independence
University is about independence, and we prepare students for that too. From cooking simple meals to opening a bank account, they leave BIS Hanoi with practical life skills that give them confidence to live on their own.
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Social and emotional support
Balancing academics, activities, and applications can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why our counsellors and teachers are always there to listen, encourage, and guide, making sure every student feels supported on their journey.
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Alumni support
The support doesn’t end at graduation. Our alumni know they can still turn to us, whether they need important documents, advice on postgraduate study, or simply a familiar voice to help them navigate the next stage of their journey.
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YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE BEGINS HERE

As a BIS Hanoi parent, you have access to the expertise and personalised guidance of our world-class university counselling team, ensuring your child has the best possible chance of reaching their dream university. If you have any questions or would like support, please contact us at university@bishanoi.com. 
 
Not a BIS Hanoi parent yet? Give your child the best start with the top university consultants in Hanoi. Our Admissions Team will be happy to guide you through the process and show you how your child will be set up for success. Submit an enquiry form to learn more. 
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