Vietnam · Study Abroad
How to study in Vietnam as an international student — application steps, student visas, and living costs.
AI-drafted, editorial review pending. The official links below are checked — confirm specifics with the authority.
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.
- 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
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
Apply for admission
Apply for admission through the relevant application route by the deadline, with transcripts, test scores and supporting documents.
- 4
Receive offer and enrollment document
On acceptance, obtain your official enrollment/acceptance document, which you will need for the visa application.
- 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
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.
- 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
- MOET admissions portal
Official admissions resource.
- Vietnam Education Quality Management Agency
MOET agency for diploma recognition and quality management.
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.
Government portals
- Viet Nam Government Portal — Central government portal for ministries, policy and legal documents.
- National Portal on Immigration — e-Visa application, visa extension and temporary residence cards.
- Vietnam Customs — Tariff schedules, import and export procedures and the customs single window.