How to Study in Vietnam for International Students
Vietnam is known for its incredible schooling systems which are beneficial for international students. It provides high-quality education with excellent standards nurtured by its ingrained Confucian values. Savor the unforgettable learning experience due to the dedication of the educators and state-of-the-art facilities. Beyond the classroom, experience the dynamic nature and flavorful food in Vietnam!
When it comes to the choices that are available, Vietnam currently has 72 universities, from which 59 universities are a part of the public sector and 13 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 Vietnam you should definitely check out are Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Duy Tan University, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
Being able to study in Vietnam 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 Vietnam, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Vietnam
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Vietnam, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 18,000 VND to 100,000,000 VND, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 25,700 VND and 95,507,800 VND.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Vietnam
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Vietnam, 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 |
| Vo Truong Toan University | 10,500,000 VND | |
| Vietnam National University of Agriculture | 18,000 VND - 32,300 VND | 25,700 VND - 30,900 VND |
| Hanoi University | 35,000,000 VND - 50,000,000 VND | |
| Hue University | 9,800,000 VND - 11,700,000 VND | 9,800,000 VND - 11,700,000 VND |
| Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology | 72,000,000 VND | |
| Vietnam National University, Hanoi | 46,971,000 VND - 64,585,200 VND | 51,000,000 VND - 75,000,000 VND |
| Hanoi Medical University | 82,512,500 VND | |
| Hanoi University of Science and Technology | 77,797,500 VND - 91,942,500 VND | 58,937,500 VND |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Vietnam
| 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 |
| Nguyen Tat Thanh University | 22,000,000 VND - 32,000,000 VND | 22,000,000 VND - 32,000,000 VND |
| Duy Tan University | 95,507,800 VND | |
| Lac Hong University | 27,000,000 VND - 30,000,000 VND | 34,500,000 VND - 43,333,400 VND |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Vietnam, check out the Cheap Universities in Vietnam!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Vietnam for International Students
Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Vietnam, 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 Vietnam, English is the main language of instruction. An academic institution in Vietnam 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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam and their required minimum scores for each program level.
Nha Trang University
Master’s degree
- IELTS: 5.0
- TOEFL: 46
- Master's English Language Requirements Page
Hanoi University of Pharmacy
Bachelor’s degree
Vietnam National University of Agriculture
Bachelor’s degree
- TOEFL: 71
- IELTS: 5.0
- Bachelor's English Language Requirements Page
Master’s degree
- TOEFL: 71
- IELTS: 5.0
- 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 Vietnam
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Vietnam have online applications available on their websites, like Vietnam National University, Hanoi and Duy Tan University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Vietnam.
Vietnam National University, Hanoi
Duy Tan University
Hanoi University of Science and Technology
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
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 Vietnam 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 Vietnam.
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 Vietnam
Now that you’re accepted into your chosen institution, it’s time to apply for a student visa in Vietnam. A student visa is an essential document for studying abroad. It’s an important government document that you need to present before going to Vietnam as an international student.
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 Vietnam, 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 Vietnam. 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!
Hello, I am currently a student in Canada and I was wondering about going to school in Vietnam. I am planning on going to Vietnam in fall and I would like to experience school in a different country.
Hello, it seems like you are looking for a study abroad program, rather than a full-degree program in Vietnam. Then, it is best if you see if your college has a agreement with a Vietnamese institution.