Study abroad
Study in Vietnam
Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.
About studying in Vietnam
Thinking about studying in Vietnam? The country is in South-East Asia, with higher education centred on cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Programmes range from bachelor’s degrees to master’s and doctoral study, depending on the institution, and cover fields from engineering and computing to health, business and the arts.
Students interested in digital technology, manufacturing and agriculture may find the local context especially relevant. The main language is Vietnamese; the availability of English-taught programmes varies between institutions. The sections below cover subjects, intakes, costs, funding and student visas so you can plan your next steps.
Why study in Vietnam?
Students choose Vietnam for different reasons: a particular course, a university’s reputation in a field, the language, the location or the chance to experience life in South-East Asia. The right decision depends on your subject, budget, preferred city and long-term plans.
- Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Computing & Information Technology, Engineering and Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, with options differing between universities.
- Industry context: Digital technology, manufacturing and agriculture matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
- Cities and campus life: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
- Culture and language: living in Vietnam means everyday contact with Vietnamese and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
Look closely at course content, entry requirements and student support, and think about where you would like the qualification to take you.
Top subjects to study in Vietnam
Students heading to Vietnam often start by exploring the areas listed here. The selection is editorial and does not rank one subject above another.
- Computing & Information Technology
- Engineering
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Hospitality, Tourism & Events
- Business & Management
- Health, Medicine & Veterinary Studies
Because digital technology, manufacturing and agriculture matter locally, students in related fields may find useful context for projects and internships. Each subject has its own page for Vietnam on this site, with its specializations.
It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.
Universities in Vietnam
- UEH UniversityHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- THE 2026 501–600
- Duy Tan UniversityDanang, Vietnam
- THE 2026 601–800
- Ton Duc Thang UniversityHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- THE 2026 601–800
Scholarships to Study in Vietnam
Scholarships for studying in Vietnam are offered by different kinds of organisations, each with its own rules and deadlines.
- government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by Vietnam
- universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
- foundations, charities and international organisations
- research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
Funding is never guaranteed: check eligibility, deadlines and what the award includes, and have a plan in case you are not successful. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.
Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.
Intakes to study in Vietnam
The academic year in Vietnam commonly begins around September. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.
Because deadlines differ between universities, keep a simple timeline for each application: when it opens, when it closes, when decisions are expected and how long the visa process may take. Leave room for delays in obtaining documents.
Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.
A simple planning checklist:
- shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
- prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
- apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
- allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation
Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.
Cost of studying in Vietnam
Budgeting for a degree in Vietnam starts with the tuition fee for your specific course, which depends on the institution, subject and level.
When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:
- application and registration fees
- course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
- health insurance and any visa or permit costs
- accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme
Check the latest fees on each institution’s website and confirm whether they can change during your course.
It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.
Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.
Student visa requirements to study in Vietnam
Whether you need a visa to study in Vietnam depends mainly on your nationality and the length of your programme.
Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:
- an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
- a valid passport and passport photos
- evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
- health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
- proof of language ability or previous qualifications
Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. The embassy or consulate of Vietnam in your country, and its official immigration authority, are the right places to confirm what applies to you.
Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.
Cost of living in Vietnam
Your everyday budget in Vietnam will depend on your city, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Costs in Hanoi can differ noticeably from those in Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang and smaller towns.
The main costs to plan for are:
- Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
- Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
- Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
- Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
- Insurance and health: any required health cover
- Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life
Ask your institution for its estimate of student living costs and plan for some extra money for arrival and emergencies.
Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.
FAQs about studying in Vietnam
Why should I study in Vietnam?
It depends on your goals. Vietnam offers programmes across many subjects, a location in South-East Asia and study in Vietnamese (with some English-taught options). Students interested in digital technology, manufacturing and agriculture may find the local context especially relevant.
What subjects can I study in Vietnam?
Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Computing & Information Technology, Engineering, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences and Hospitality, Tourism & Events. The subjects page for Vietnam lists every subject available here with its specializations.
When do courses start in Vietnam?
Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.
How much does it cost to study in Vietnam?
Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.
Do international students need a visa to study in Vietnam?
Most international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources and the embassy or consulate of Vietnam.
Are scholarships available for international students in Vietnam?
Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.
Which cities are popular with students in Vietnam?
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.
Can I study in English in Vietnam?
Many courses are taught in Vietnamese. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.
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