Studying in Vietnam

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Updated by Chelsea Gallagher on 19 November, 2023

Studying in Vietnam is an attractive opportunity for foreigners due to low tuition fees and the growing number of international programs. Since January 2013, Vietnam's higher education sector has experienced reforms to provide more significant opportunities and accessibility to international students. This has attracted many international students who are pleasantly surprised with the quality of life and friendliness of their classmates.  

There are also opportunities to do single semesters abroad at various Vietnamese universities through programs like GoAbroad or IPSL. If you are already enrolled in a university in your home country, find out if there is an active exchange program available and the important enrollment dates to keep in mind.

Why study in Vietnam?

Vietnam is an emerging country to keep an eye on and has a wide variety of unique opportunities for everyone. From art to history and developing sustainable travel initiatives, your learning opportunities, both personally and intellectually, are endless.

By living and studying in Vietnam, you are opting for a student life rich with culture, diversity, and the potential to make lifelong friends from around the globe, all whilst working towards a qualification. Vietnam's population demographic is evenly split between genders, with a concentration of 69.3 % of 15-69-year-olds and a median age of 32. All ages will feel welcome and be able to connect with a community tailored to their interests.

Universities in Vietnam

Vietnam has many higher education institutions, including public and private universities. Hanoi University and Ho Chi Minh City University are national universities, whilst Thai Nguyen University, Hue University, and the University of Da Nang are regional universities.

Tuition fees range from USD 2,500 to USD 7,500, and each offers a wide variety of specialized programs, including science, information and communication technologies, finance, accounting, as well as engineering and international studies. Most programs are taught in English.

University enrolment in Vietnam

To apply at a university in Vietnam, please click on their admissions information and be prepared to submit your last year of education credits, plus any further requirements designated by the University administration, including but not limited to a health declaration, student questionnaire, and potential letter of reference from the student's current education institution. If you are applying for scholarships in Vietnam, financial reports will need to be submitted, translated and notarized.

The academic year in Vietnam is divided into two semesters: the first starts in September and ends in January, and the second starts in mid-February and ends in June, including a holiday period. Some institutions, like the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have three enrollment periods, with semesters lasting 16 weeks each.

Good to know:

You are advised to obtain health insurance before flying to Vietnam. However, some institutions may offer health services to their students.

Obtaining a student visa in Vietnam

If you wish to pursue higher education in Vietnam, you must apply for a student visa to obtain a DH temporary resident card. This visa can only be obtained after you have received an invitation letter of study from the institution of your choice. It will grant the student a 12-month visa, which must be connected to a valid passport. The student's passport must also be valid for at least one month after the 12 months of study.

Useful links:

Vietnam Embassy in the UK

Vietnam Embassy in the USA

Vietnam - IPSL

Study in Vietnam - Study in Bach Khoa | Go Overseas

Go Overseas - Study in Vietnam

How to Apply for a Student Visa to Study in Vietnam

Guide to applying for a Vietnam student visa for foreigners

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.