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 IT to the pharmaceutical field, your learning opportunities, personally and intellectually, are endless. Local universities and colleges continue to enhance their academic standards and facilities and draw students from around the world. Read on for an overview of the application process and insights into student life as an expat considering studying in Vietnam.
Higher education in Vietnam
Studying in Vietnam is an attractive opportunity for foreigners due to low tuition fees and the growing number of international programs. Vietnam's higher education sector has experienced reforms to provide more significant opportunities and accessibility to international students. This has piqued the interest of many students ranging from European countries and East Asian nations.
As Vietnam continues to gain recognition for its education sector, exciting investments are taking place by the government country-wide. Upcoming goals include achieving 100% standardized school facilities by 2030 and more opportunities to obtain a dual degree from an Australian, United States, or European-based collaborative college.
Notable accomplishments
The Vietnam National University in Hanoi continues to climb the ranks of the prestigious Quacquarelli Symonds (QS Asia) University Rankings. Moreover, the RMIT University won the prestigious Golden Dragon Award for the 20th consecutive year as a top foreign-invested enterprise in Vietnam.
Students enrolling in local universities also participate in a rich cultural exchange. It's a unique opportunity to experience a different part of the world while expanding a young mind's global perspective and building a professional network. Vietnam's strategic location makes it an ideal stepping stone for further international experiences, with many universities offering short-term study abroad opportunities, such as 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?
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. 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 of Technology 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. Select programs are taught in English, and you should confirm before applying.
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, English competency score, and potential letter of reference from the student's current education institution. If you are applying for scholarships in Vietnam, they may request financial documents, including but not limited to bank statements, proof of household income, and any advanced payment receipts. These will all need to be translated and notarized to be accepted.
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:
Study in Vietnam - Study in Bach Khoa | Go Overseas
How to Apply for a Student Visa to Study in Vietnam
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