🇻🇳 Vietnam · Study Abroad

How to study in Vietnam as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.

Quick answer

To study in Vietnam you apply to the university, which sponsors your student visa (DH category); after arrival you obtain a temporary residence card for the duration of your studies. Some programs are in English; many require Vietnamese, and scholarships may include a language year. Explore the university sites and apply by the deadline.

Studying in Vietnam means matching a university programme, language of instruction and visa or temporary-residence status. International students should verify recognition and admissions directly with institutions.

  • MOET runs higher-education data and admissions resources, while universities handle programme-specific requirements.
  • Foreign diplomas used in Vietnam may require recognition through education-quality channels.
  • Admission, scholarship and immigration timelines should be planned together before travel.

Step-by-step

  1. 1

    Choose your course and institution

    Choose your program and apply to the university; some programs are in English, many in Vietnamese. Explore the university sites.

  2. 2

    Meet academic and language requirements

    Meet the academic entry requirements and prove language ability (e.g. an English or local-language test) at the level the course demands.

  3. 3

    Apply for admission

    Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.

  4. 4

    Receive offer and enrollment document

    On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.

  5. 5

    Apply for your student visa

    The university sponsors your student visa (DH category); after arrival, obtain a temporary residence card for the duration of your studies.

  6. 6

    Arrive, enroll and know the rules

    Arrive before the term, complete enrollment and any residence registration, and note the rules on part-time work and post-study stay.

Checklist

  • Course, level and institution chosen
  • Academic + language requirements met
  • Admission application submitted by deadline
  • Offer + enrollment/acceptance document received
  • Proof of funds + health cover prepared
  • Student visa applied for + granted
  • Arrival, enrollment + registration done
  • Work-hours and post-study stay rules understood

Official authorities

Frequently asked questions

What is a DH visa?

Vietnam’s student visa category, sponsored by your university; after arrival you get a temporary residence card for your study period.

Do I need Vietnamese?

Often — many programs are in Vietnamese and scholarships may include a preparatory language year; some programs are in English.

Who sponsors my visa?

Your university, which sponsors the DH student visa and helps you obtain the temporary residence card after arrival.

Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.

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