How to Study in Ho Chi Minh City for International Students
Ho Chi Minh City, one of the beautiful cities in Vietnam, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Ho Chi Minh City currently has 19 universities, from which 15 universities are a part of the public sector and 4 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Ho Chi Minh City you should definitely check out are HUTECH University of Technology, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, and International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
Being able to study in Ho Chi Minh City as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Ho Chi Minh City, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Ho Chi Minh City
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 39,000,000 VND to 100,000,000 VND, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 39,000,000 VND and 70,000,000 VND.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Ho Chi Minh City
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Ho Chi Minh City, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City | 39,000,000 VND | 39,000,000 VND |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Ho Chi Minh City
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Van Lang University | 40,000,000 VND - 60,000,000 VND | |
| Hong Bang International University | 55,000,000 VND - 100,000,000 VND | 61,600,000 VND - 70,000,000 VND |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Ho Chi Minh City, check out the Cheap Universities in Ho Chi Minh City!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Ho Chi Minh City for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.
Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.
In Ho Chi Minh City, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Ho Chi Minh City may require non-native English speakers to prove language proficiency by taking standardized English tests, such as the International English Language Testing System also known as IELTS, and the Test Of English as a Foreign Language or TOEFL. You can also check out if your target university is accepting a Duolingo English Test score because some universities in Ho Chi Minh City are accepting Duolingo scores. When you take any of these tests, note that you’ll need to get at least the required minimum score to qualify for your preferred university.
To give you an idea, here are some universities in Ho Chi Minh City and their required minimum scores for each program level.
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City
Bachelor’s degree
- IELTS: 6
- TOEFL: 73
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 6
- TOEFL: 65
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.
Application Procedure to Study in Ho Chi Minh City
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Ho Chi Minh City have online applications available on their websites, like HUTECH University of Technology and University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Ho Chi Minh City.
HUTECH University of Technology
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Ho Chi Minh City differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Ho Chi Minh City.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re going to study in Ho Chi Minh City, you will need to apply for a student visa in Vietnam
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Vietnam. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a DH Visa.
To start your student visa application in Ho Chi Minh City, you will need to present the following:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport with photocopies
- Two passport-sized photos
- Letter of acceptance from the university
- Cover letter issued by parents or the sponsor
- Proof of payment of application or registration fee
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Proof of basic knowledge of English or Vietnamese
- Accommodation details
- Academic records
- Medical certificate
- Ticket itinerary
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Vietnam is 800 USD for 1 Year (Multiple Entry), 135 USD for Stamping Fee.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Request for the Copy of the Approval Correspondence from the International Office of the university you wish to enroll in.
- Prepare your documents for visa application.
- Submit the application requirements at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate nearest to your country of residence.
- Pay the visa application fees.
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Ho Chi Minh City. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!