Studying in Vietnam: Opportunities and Practical Tips

Published on May 4, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Exploring academic horizons beyond traditional borders leads many students to consider emerging destinations for their higher education, and Vietnam stands out as one of these captivating options. With a rich cultural heritage, a rapidly growing economy, and an expanding education system, this Southeast Asian country offers international students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a vibrant culture while acquiring valuable academic skills.

By choosing Vietnam, students benefit from an enriching experience that combines modernity and tradition, acclimates them to a diverse global market, and broadens their professional and personal perspective.

University Landscape in Vietnam for Adult Expatriates

The most recognized Vietnamese universities that welcome foreign students include:

University	Regional Ranking	Programs in English	Key Areas of Expertise
VNU Hanoi (Vietnam National University, Hanoi)	124th QS Asia	Wide range, bachelor’s to doctorate	Sciences, engineering, technology, economics, social sciences
VNU Ho Chi Minh City	144th QS Asia	Numerous international programs	Computer science, engineering, natural sciences, business
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT)	3rd in Vietnam	Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate in English	Engineering (automotive, chemical, electronics, mechanical, IT, telecom)
UEH (University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City)	136th in Asia	Business, economics, finance	Economics, management, finance, logistics
Duy Tan University	251-300 in Asia	English-language programs available	Technology, engineering, management, health
Van Lang University	491-500 in Asia	Several programs accredited by AUN-QA and FIBAA	Business, design, engineering, health, arts, architecture

Admission Procedures for Expatriates:

• Application file to be completed online or via email, generally including transcripts, a statement of purpose, and a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree depending on the level sought.
• Language skills:
  • For programs in English: mandatory English test (IELTS 5.5-6.5 or equivalent TOEFL depending on the program).
  • For programs in Vietnamese: Vietnamese language certificate (most often a minimum B2 level).
• Recognition of foreign diplomas:
  • Certified translation of the diploma and transcripts into English or Vietnamese.
  • Attestation of equivalence issued by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education upon request.
• Institution-specific process:
  • Some universities (e.g., HCMUT) require an entrance exam for certain science or engineering programs.
  • Admission based on application (grades and high school final exam results, sometimes an online interview).

Attractive Factors for International Students:

• Cost of living: very affordable (about 400-700 USD/month for housing, food, and transportation in major cities).
• Tuition fees:
  • Public universities: 2,500 to 7,500 USD/year for foreign students.
  • Scholarship opportunities for top candidates.
• Teaching quality:
  • International accreditations (AUN-QA, FIBAA, etc.).
  • Many foreign faculty members and international partnerships.
• Cultural richness:
  • Great cultural and social diversity, dynamic student life, numerous festivals and international events.
  • Welcoming environment for expatriates, safety, recognized Vietnamese hospitality.

Testimonials from Expatriates Who Chose Vietnam for Their Studies:

“I chose HCMUT for the quality of its engineering programs and the opportunity to exchange with students from all over Asia. Daily life in Ho Chi Minh City is very affordable, and the social atmosphere is very pleasant.”

— Clara, French master’s student in civil engineering

“I was impressed by the modernity of the campuses and the support from professors. The Vietnamese are very open, which allowed me to integrate quickly and improve my English.”

— Samuel, Beninese student in economics at UEH

“The teaching is demanding but the methods are innovative, close to European standards. The possibility of going on an exchange to a partner university was decisive in my choice.”

— Anna, German, bachelor’s in international business at Van Lang

Key Points to Remember:

• Vietnam is welcoming more and more international students thanks to the growing recognition of its universities, the quality of English-taught programs, and a favorable economic and cultural environment.
• The highest-ranked universities offer diverse programs and transparent admission procedures.
• Life in Vietnam combines moderate cost, rich intercultural experience, and high-level education.

Admission Procedures and Diploma Equivalency

Steps to Apply to a Vietnamese University

• Choose the university and program that suit your academic and personal goals.
• Gather the required documents for the application file:
  • Transcripts and diplomas
  • CV
  • Statement of purpose
  • Valid passport
  • Financial guarantee
  • Letter of recommendation (depending on the institution)
  • University-specific forms
  • Health declaration or student questionnaire (sometimes required)
• Submit the application within the deadlines set by the university:
  • Generally, the reception period runs from September to March for enrollment the following year.
  • Processing time for admission files varies from 4 to 8 weeks minimum.
• Wait for the university’s acceptance letter.
• Upon receiving the invitation letter, start the student visa application:
  • A student visa is mandatory (tourist visa is not accepted).
  • The university can assist with the procedure and provide the entry authorization number.
  • The passport must remain valid for at least one month after the study period.

Required Tests and Certifications

A Vietnamese language test may be required depending on the chosen program (especially for programs taught in Vietnamese).

For English-taught programs, presenting an IELTS or other recognized English test (TOEFL, Cambridge) is often required.

The required thresholds vary by university and level of study (generally IELTS 5.5 to 6.5 for Bachelor’s or Master’s).

Summary Table of Documents and Tests

Document/Test	Requirement	Remarks
Transcripts, diplomas	Mandatory	Translated into English/Vietnamese
CV	Mandatory	Academic format
Statement of purpose	Mandatory	Personalized
Passport	Mandatory	Valid 12+ months
Financial guarantee	Often required	Bank statement
Letter of recommendation	Sometimes	Depending on university
Vietnamese language test	Depending on program	Especially for programs in VN
IELTS/TOEFL	For English-taught programs	Variable threshold

Recognition of Foreign Diplomas

The recognition of foreign diplomas is handled by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam (MOET).

For certain programs, it is necessary to obtain an attestation of equivalence issued by specialized organizations under MOET.

The procedures include providing certified translations of diplomas, transcripts, and sometimes verification with the original institution.

Credit Equivalencies

Vietnamese universities may grant credit equivalencies, mainly for students from recognized institutions or who have completed similar programs.

The equivalence request must be accompanied by detailed course descriptions and obtained results.

Credit awards depend on program compatibility and validation by the host university’s academic board.

Administrative and Financial Support for International Students

Administrative support: Many institutions offer a dedicated service for international students, helping with application preparation, visa applications, and settlement.

Scholarships and financial aid:

• Some universities offer merit-based or support scholarships for foreign students.
• Scholarships from the Vietnamese government or international organizations are accessible based on merit or financial need.

Access to resources:

• Information on scholarships and support is generally available on the university’s official website or through the international relations office.
• Agencies such as Campus France or StudiesUP can also guide candidates through procedures and direct them to available aid programs.

Funding Your Higher Education and Obtaining Expatriate Scholarships

Funding Options for International Students in Vietnam

International students have several funding avenues to pursue their studies in Vietnam. Scholarships are the primary resource, covering partial or full tuition, accommodation, and health insurance.

Scholarships Offered by Vietnamese Institutions

Vietnam Maritime University offers a structured scholarship program for the 2025-2026 academic year, aimed at international students at Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. The program is divided into three categories based on coverage rate:

Scholarship Category	Number of Scholarships	Coverage
Full scholarship	8	100% of tuition, accommodation, and health insurance
Higher partial scholarship	12	70% of tuition
Partial scholarship	12	30% of tuition

Studies are conducted in English. Several other Vietnamese universities, including VinUniversity, RMIT Vietnam, and Ton Duc Thang University, also offer scholarships for foreign students, covering various fields such as engineering, sciences, technology, and social sciences.

Excellence Scholarships and International Exchange Programs

The French Embassy in Vietnam promotes student mobility through several excellence scholarship programs. The Eiffel program welcomes about fifty Vietnamese annually, intended for students pursuing a Master 2 or Doctorate in priority fields such as fundamental sciences, engineering sciences, economics and management, and law. The scholarship covers a monthly allowance, and doctoral students also receive a round-trip plane ticket.

The “911” program of the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training funds doctorates abroad, with France hosting about a hundred scholarship holders annually. This program offers language training before departure and support in identifying a thesis topic in a French laboratory.

Students enrolled in offshore programs in Vietnam can participate in end-of-study internships in France, receiving a monthly scholarship of 250 euros in addition to the internship allowance, as well as social coverage and a travel pass.

Application Criteria and Procedure

To apply for scholarships at Vietnam Maritime University, candidates must complete an electronic online form and provide complete documentation in PDF format (maximum 4 MB per file). Required documents include:

• Copy of obtained diplomas and transcripts
• Application form
• Recent medical certificate
• Recent copy of anthropometric sheet
• English proficiency certificate (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• Passport

The application deadline for the 2025-2026 year was set for June 17, 2025.

Tips for an Effective Application

Document Preparation

Scan all documents in high quality and ensure each file does not exceed 4 MB. Transcripts must be accompanied by official translations if necessary. Verify that all certificates (medical, language) are recently dated and internationally recognized.

Language Certificate

Obtain an IELTS 6.0 score or equivalent before submitting your application. This criterion is non-negotiable for most scholarships. Prepare well in advance to obtain this certificate.

Statement of Purpose and CV

Although not systematically mentioned in the criteria, these documents strengthen your application. Highlight your academic achievements, research projects, and clear professional goals.

Selection of Study Program

Align your field of study with the priorities of the institutions or governments. Programs in sciences, engineering, and technology receive more funding.

Strategies to Maximize Your Chances of Obtaining a Scholarship

Diversify Applications

Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. Do not limit yourself to a single institution; explore opportunities at VinUniversity, RMIT Vietnam, and other recognized universities.

Strictly Respect Deadlines

Deadlines are strict. Organize yourself to submit your application at least one week before the closing date.

Leverage Online Resources

Consult portals dedicated to scholarships in Vietnam and embassy websites to identify other opportunities. The French Embassy provides an online platform centralizing all scholarship offers.

Demonstrate a Strong Academic Profile

Excellence scholarships prioritize candidates with outstanding academic results. Emphasize your grades, awards, or distinctions received.

Personalize Each Application

Adapt your statement of purpose to each institution and program. Show that you have researched the university and understand its values and goals.

Part-Time Work as a Funding Supplement

Although specific information on part-time work for international students in Vietnam is not detailed in available sources, this option generally serves as a supplement to scholarship funding. International students can explore opportunities such as:

• Teaching foreign languages, especially English and French
• Paid internships at multinational companies
• Work in the tourism sector or call centers
• Administrative positions in educational institutions

It is recommended to check with the university and Vietnamese authorities regarding current regulations on international student work, particularly hour limits and authorized sectors.

Additional Resources

Regularly check embassy and academic institution websites to identify new opportunities. Erasmus+ exchange programs and scholarships from the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) also offer funding possibilities for students going to or coming from Vietnam. Support from alumni and academic advisors can significantly improve the quality of your application and your integration into the Vietnamese university environment.

Continuing Professional Training and Online Programs for Expatriates

Expatriates in Vietnam have access to a wide range of continuing professional training, meeting both personal development needs and integration into the local market.

Main Types of Continuing Professional Training Available for Expatriates:

• Foreign language training (Vietnamese, English, French), highly in demand to facilitate integration and professional communication.
• Training in international business, intercultural communication, management, tourism, hospitality, food service, and services, which are promising sectors for expatriates.
• Programs in intercultural negotiation and adaptation to the Vietnamese context.
• Courses in sciences and engineering, in partnership with local and international universities.
• Training in nonviolent communication and diversity management, useful for managers and executives.

Table of Sectors Most Popular with Expatriates for Continuing Training:

Business Sector	Type of Training	Demand Level
International business	Degrees, seminars, workshops	High
Tourism and hospitality	Internships, certifications	High
Communication	Intercultural training	Medium to high
Languages	Intensive courses, certifications	Very high
Engineering and sciences	University cycles	Medium
Services	Vocational training	High

Popular Online Platforms for Expatriates:

• Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning: offer courses in English in various fields, including business, technology, and soft skills.
• Duolingo, Memrise, Pimsleur: for learning Vietnamese and other languages.
• France Éducation International and Akteos: platforms specializing in language and intercultural training.
• Local and international universities (e.g., University of Nha Trang) offering online programs, sometimes in English or French.

List of Advantages of Online Programs for Expatriates:

• Flexibility of schedule and ability to learn at your own pace.
• Accessibility from any location, ideal for mobile expatriates.
• Wide choice of targeted skills: management, languages, soft skills, etc.
• Adaptation to the Vietnamese market’s needs, thanks to specific modules (e.g., intercultural negotiation, local business).
• Access to recognized certifications, facilitating international employability.

Administrative Procedures or Special Requirements for Enrollment:

• Proof of identity and, sometimes, proof of resident status or work visa.
• Some programs require a minimum language level (English or Vietnamese).
• For recognized degrees, provide previous diplomas and possibly proof of professional experience.
• Payment of tuition or training fees, which may vary depending on the program and platform.
• For certain local trainings, enrollment through universities or partner organizations and compliance with Vietnamese administrative procedures.

Examples of Expatriate Testimonials and Success Stories:

• Some French graduates have successfully integrated into local companies through the Avenir Pro program, combining immersive internships and adapted training in sectors like tourism and sales.
• Executives have improved their ability to negotiate and integrate through intercultural and language training modules.
• Expatriates report having obtained positions of responsibility after completing training in management or intercultural communication.

Initiatives by the Vietnamese Government and Local Organizations:

• Professional mobility programs and university partnerships (e.g., PFIEV), promoting skill exchange and expatriate training.
• Support for certifications and Validation of Acquired Experience (VAE) to facilitate recognition of skills acquired abroad.
• Organization of events and intensive training (e.g., BELC Vietnam, Vietnam IIT) for language professionals and international managers.
• Collaboration with associations for expatriate professional integration (e.g., Français du Monde Vietnam).

Summary of Enrollment Procedures for Continuing Training for Expatriates in Vietnam:

Procedure	Required Documents	Specifics
University enrollment	Passport, visa, diplomas	Possible language test
International online platform	Email, online payment	No residency requirement
Local specialized training	Proof of stay	Interview or prior test
Validation of acquired experience	Skills portfolio	Process overseen by partners

Examples of Platforms and Programs:

• Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning (courses in English and certifications)
• Vietlanguage Center Nha Trang, University of Nha Trang (Vietnamese language)
• Akteos, Ceran (intercultural training)
• France Éducation International, BELC Vietnam (language and pedagogical training)
• Français du Monde Vietnam – Avenir Pro (professional integration, internships)