Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country neighboring China, Laos, and Cambodia. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations with its beautiful beaches, enchanting historical sites, amazing food, and friendly people. The country’s interesting culture and admirable traditions blend well with a thriving modern economy and cosmopolitan cities.
While Vietnam is known to be an inexpensive travel destination, it is also a rewarding and affordable destination for international students. In this article, we will be looking at the best universities in Vietnam for international students.
Is Vietnam good for international students to study in?
Vietnam has made it easier for international students to study in Vietnamese universities since 2011. Several initiatives for internationalization are in place, including more English-taught programs and opportunities for research. As one of the most economically stable countries in Asia, Vietnam is constantly improving and you can see a multitude of education and career opportunities.
Most international students come from the Asia Pacific, but there are increasing numbers from Europa and the United States. Affordable tuition for quality programs is one of the primary reasons for this. Tuition fees vary between programs, but international students generally pay between 1000 – 2500 USD per year. Study costs in private universities may be higher than in public or state institutions.
Vietnam is an affordable country to live in as well. Students can expect to pay between 1000 – 1600 USD per semester for accommodation, and around 700 – 1400 USD per month for transportations, meals, books, and other recreational activities.
Can international students work in Vietnam while studying?
International students in Vietnam can work as interns and you won’t be needing a special for it. However, regular work for foreign nationals has a few more requirements. Your employer must first prove that there is no local talent available for the specific employment you’re applying for.
Check Also: Available Programs for International Students
Can international students stay in Vietnam after graduation?
After graduation, foreign nationals who wish to stay in Vietnam can apply for a visa extension from the Vietnam Immigration Departments in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. If you are seeking more stability, you may seek employment in the country beginning with applying for a work permit from the Department of Labor, Invalid and Society. A Vietnam work permit is valid for three years and renewable upon expiry.
As mentioned above, however, Vietnamese companies must prove that they have first looked into local candidates before accepting foreign applicants. After successfully securing employment and a work permit, you will be issued a Temporary Residence Card that is valid for one to five years.
Best Universities in Vietnam for International Students
1. Vietnam National University Hanoi (VNU Hanoi)
The Vietnam National University, Hanoi is the best university in Vietnam for international students. It is one of the two most prestigious and competitive universities in the country together with VNU Ho Chi Minh City. While the institution officially carried its present name and form in 1993, it traces its roots back to 1906 colonial-era Indochina University. Today, VNU Hanoi is composed of 12 sub-sections and two specialist schools offering multidisciplinary programs in the health sciences, social sciences and humanities, and science and technology.
VNU Hanoi expands its academic scope to training and research on par with top universities across the globe. It was one of the first institutions in Vietnam to offer courses in English as well. Students at VNU Hanoi will study with an international community.
2. Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
The Hanoi University of Science and Technology is the oldest and largest technological university in Vietnam located in the Hai Ba Trung district, Hanoi. Always first ranking in technology training, this top university in Vietnam has produced the country’s top engineers and scientists, as well as respected government officials. It is presently organized into 16 schools, three faculties, and ten research centers and institutes focusing on, among others, food technology, biotechnology, materials science, and renewable energy.
HUST has an expansive campus of 26 hectares, one of the largest in Vietnam. It houses 200 amphitheaters, teaching halls, conference rooms, 20 practical workshops, and eight national key laboratories. Over 33000 students enrolled at HUST also enjoy a dedicated and international-standard sports complex.
3. Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM)
The Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City is a public research university and one of the two largest higher education institutions in Vietnam, together with VNU Hanoi. VNU-HCM offers undergraduate and graduate programs to over 56000 students in the fields of natural sciences, social science and humanities, technology, business, literature, and foreign languages. The university is also affiliated with several research units specializing in, among others, national defense studies, nanotechnology, and climate change.
VNU-HCM, one of the best universities in Vietnam, is known for its selective admission policy, but many international students have successfully applied and are currently pursuing degrees across its six academic divisions. Furthermore, students and staff at VNU-HCM work with international universities on the most advanced research activities.
4. Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU)
Ton Duc Thang University is a young yet leading research university in Vietnam. It boasts an international and first-rate learning environment across its five campuses in and around Ho Chi Minh City. TDTU comprises 17 faculties offering undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in a variety of disciplines. These areas are law, science and technology, social science and humanities, business and economics, foreign languages, the arts, and vocational skills.
A regular in World University Rankings, TDTU has a large cluster of international students participating in research cooperations, campus rotations, cultural exchanges, and preparatory and full-English taught programs. Furthermore, this top university in Vietnam is ranking globally among the most sustainable universities.
5. Can Tho University (CTU)
Can Tho University is a public multidisciplinary university in Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s largest agricultural production area. Since its foundation in 1996, it has been leading education and research in agricultural sciences. CTU also offers degrees in the areas of aquaculture, environment and natural resources, rural development, natural sciences, engineering technology, economics, and information technology.
As one of the best universities in Vietnam for international students, CTU welcomes international students every year from the U.S., Japan, Belgium, and many other countries around the globe – either as interns, exchange students, regular students, and researchers. The university is active with academic cooperation with international organizations, resulting in upgraded facilities and materials for researchers.
We hope that this article on the best universities in Vietnam for international students was helpful. To know more information on studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
