ABOUT VIETNAM
As the world’s fifteenth most populous country, the nation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is located in the eastern edge of South Asia covering 311,699 square kilometeres. It shares its land borders with China in the North, Laos and Cambodia in the west, while its maritime borders with Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Since it has a tropical and temperate climate, its weather is mostly driven my monsoon which no major signicance in temperature which range between 22 degrees C to 27 degrees C. Although Hanois has always been the capital of the city, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hue, Can Tho and Phan Thiet have been a hub for many students to study and stay. Vietnam is currently a developing country with a lower middle income economy. However, its recent development in state infrastructure and export agreements have made it climb the ladders of one of the fastest economies. Its contribution to the international community mostly comes from its role in the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, the CPTPP and the WTO.
HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM IN VIETNAM
The Higher Education structure in Vietnam can be best described as a culmination of three different cycles. They are:
The Bachelor’s or the first cycle: For students graduating fresh out of school, the Higher Education system in the country gives students an undergraduate degree in a variety of fields that they may have interest in. Vietnam hosts some of the finest universities that offer bachelor degree courses in applied sciences, arts, business management, IT, education, engineering, environmental sciences, hospitality, humanities, journalism, law, medicine, natural sciences and social sciences. The degree might take upto 4-5 years to complete depending on the course.
Requirement to study Bachelor’s in Vietnam:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
- IELTS overall score of 4 and above
Master’s or the second cycle: After the successful completion of their bachelor’s degree, students may choose a variety of master’s courses that Vietnam provides based on their subject of interest and dream career ahead. These include applied sciences, arts, business management, IT, education, engineering, environmental sciences, hospitality, humanities, journalism, law, medicine, natural sciences and social sciences. While the degree may take upto 1-2 years to complete depending on the course, students are often taught through seminars, exercises, practical workshops, field trips and research. These help them to not only prepare for a professional career but also an academic career if they choose to later in life.
Requirement to study Master’s in Vietnam:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
- Successful completion of bachelor’s with 60% and above
- IELTS overall score of 4 and above
Doctoral degree or the third cycle: After the successful completion of their master’s degree, international students in Vietnam can also apply for a doctoral degree which all universities offer in the country. Students are expected to conduct an independent research under direct academic supervision which is later subject to approval by a panel of experts appointed by the university. While the degree may take upto 3-4 years to complete, students are also given a financial grant that will help them stay and continue research in the country.
Requirement to study PhD in Vietnam:
- Successful completion of class 12 with 60% and above
- Successful completion of bachelor’s with 60% and above
- Successful completion of master’s with 60% and above
- Independent research idea
- IELTS overall score of 4 and above
Cost of studying in Vietnam:
Unlike most countries, tuition fees in public universities are very affordable with an average of USD 1000 to 2500 (around INR 75600 – 180000) per year. However, private universities may range between USD 30000 – 40000 (around INR 2269500 – 3000000). While students can avail on campus accommodation, renting a flat with other amenities in a Vietnamese city will likely range between USD 300 to 650 (around INR 22000 – 49000).
WORK OPPORTUNTIES
The Vietnamese student visa allows international students to work 20 hours per week. Students may find a variety of opportunities in the country such as cafes, restaurants, offices and other service domains. However, students are advised to be acquainted with the native Vietnamese language to communicate better in the country.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
To obtain a student visa for Vietnam, an applicant must submit:
- A passport that is valid throughout their planned stay
- A letter of acceptance from any Vietnam University
- Proof of sufficient funds to sustain their stay in the country
- Proof of health insurance
SCHOLARSHIPS
While Universities may have their own set of scholarships, the government and nongovernmental organisations has been recently very proactive in providing financial assistance to international students. Stay tuned to our website for more information on scholarship opportunities.