Start My Assessment

← All countries

Vietnam

Start My Assessment

At a glance

Living index rating
Very affordable
Monthly rent
₫200,000 – ₫3,000,000 in a dorm; ₫2,000,000 – ₫4,000,000 shared room (Hanoi, HCMC)
Monthly food
₫3,000,000 – ₫5,000,000
Other monthly expenses
₫1,500,000 – ₫3,000,000 (transport, utilities, phone, personal)
Visa processing time
About 1 – 2 weeks after the school sponsors your application
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • DH (study) visa, sponsored by your Vietnamese university through the Immigration Department
  • Admission letter from a Vietnamese school or university
  • Valid passport, photos and supporting documents requested by the school
  • After arrival, apply for a temporary residence card for the length of your course (or extend the visa)
  • Vietnam has proposed letting international students work up to 20 hours a week; check the current rules with your university

Work permit after studies

  • No post-study work visa
  • With a job offer, your employer applies for a work permit (or exemption) and an LD visa / temporary residence card
  • Most work permits require a degree and relevant experience

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence is only granted in limited cases (e.g. family members of Vietnamese citizens, recognised experts and scientists, people with meritorious service)
  • Citizenship requires 5 years as a permanent resident, Vietnamese language skills and usually giving up your other nationality

Family details

  • Spouses and children under 18 of DH visa holders can apply for a TT (dependant) visa or residence card
  • You must show you can support them financially
  • TT holders need their own work permit to work

Universities in Vietnam

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (207), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.