Studying in Vietnam is an attractive opportunity to foreigners due to low tuition fees and the increase in the number of international programs offered by the numerous Vietnamese universities. Since January 2013, the higher education sector in the country has experienced reforms in order to provide greater opportunity and accessibility to foreign students. This has attracted many foreign students as well as further investment in this sector.
There are also opportunities to do single semesters abroad at various Vietnamese universities. You should inquire at your current university of enrollment for more information regarding study abroad programmes.
Why study in Vietnam?
Vietnam is an emerging country to keep an eye on in the decades to come. The country is likely to have something to teach everyone. From arts and culture to history and architecture, your learning opportunities will be expanded greatly if you decide to study in the country. Regardless of your occupational field of choice, it is likely that Vietnam will show up on your radar in some form or another in your career.
By living and studying as a student in Vietnam you are opting for a student life rich with culture, diversity, and potential to make lifelong friends from around the globe, all whilst getting a qualification to your name. Vietnam has a high youth population, many of whom speak English, as well as universities that teach in various different languages.
Student visa
If you wish to pursue your higher studies in Vietnam, you must apply for a long-stay student visa. It is possible to enter the country on a tourist visa to enroll in a university, after which you will apply for sponsorship. You can then apply for student visa at the Immigration Department of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Useful links:
Vietnam Embassy in the UK
Vietnam Embassy in the USA
Universities in Vietnam
Vietnam has many higher education institutions, including public and private universities. Those of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are national universities; whilst the Thai Nguyen University, the Hue University and the University of Da Nang are regional universities.
These each offer 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.
Useful links:
Vietnam National University
Da Nang University
Can Tho University
Nguyen Tat Thanh University
RMIT
CFVG
Vietnamese-German University
The academic year 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 offer programs over three 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.
