MBBS in Vietnam (2026)

Studying MBBS in Vietnam is an affordable option for international students, with the 6‑year program (5 years study + 1 year internship) costing around ₹25–40 lakhs including tuition and living expenses. Dong A University offers a Doctor of Medicine program recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), taught in English with early clinical exposure. Similarly, Buon Ma Thuot Medical University (BMTU).

Key Highlights:

Highlight	Details
Program Duration	6 years (5 years study + 1 year internship)
Total Cost	₹25–40 lakhs (including tuition + living expenses)
Tuition Fees	USD 5,000–6,000 per year (₹4–5 lakh)
Language of Instruction	English (in major universities for international students)
Top Universities	Buon Ma Thuot Medical University (BMTU), Dong A University
Living Costs	₹1–1.5 lakh per year (affordable compared to other countries)
Career Scope	Practice in Vietnam or abroad after clearing licensing exams (FMGE, USMLE, PLAB)

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Top MBBS Universities in Vietnam

Vietnam’s leading medical universities provide affordable MBBS programs with strong clinical exposure. Many are WHO-listed and recognized internationally, making them suitable for Indian students seeking cost-effective medical education abroad.

University Name	Key Highlights
Hanoi Medical University	Oldest medical university, WHO-listed, strong clinical rotations
Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy	English-medium options, international collaborations
Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy	Advanced research, modern labs, community health focus
Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy	Regional hub, emphasis on rural & community medicine
Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy	Affordable tuition, preventive medicine focus
Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy	Strong hospital partnerships, clinical training
Buon Ma Thuot Medical University	Private, NMC-approved, modern facilities
Dai Nam University (Faculty of Medicine)	Private, English-medium options
Phan Chau Trinh University	Located in Da Nang, modern infrastructure
Van Lang University (Faculty of Medicine)	Ho Chi Minh City, strong industry partnerships

Course Structure of MBBS in Vietnam

The MBBS program in Vietnam typically spans 6 years, including both academic study and a compulsory internship. The curriculum is divided into three phases: pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical training. Students gain a strong foundation in basic sciences before moving into specialized medical subjects and hands-on hospital rotations.

Year/Phase	Course Structure
Year 1–2 (Pre-clinical)	Basic sciences: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Community Medicine
Year 3–4 (Para-clinical)	Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine
Year 5 (Clinical)	Clinical subjects: Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology
Year 6 (Internship)	Compulsory hospital internship with rotations across major departments

Top MBBS Specializations in Vietnam

After completing the MBBS program, students in Vietnam can pursue a variety of specializations. These fields allow doctors to focus on advanced medical practice, research, and patient care in specific areas of medicine.

Specialization	Focus Areas
Cardiology	Diagnosis and treatment of heart diseases, cardiac surgery, interventions
Pediatrics	Child health, neonatal care, adolescent medicine
Surgery	General surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery
Psychiatry	Mental health, counseling, behavioral therapy
Gynecology & Obstetrics	Women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, childbirth
Oncology	Cancer diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Neurology	Brain and nervous system disorders
Dermatology	Skin diseases, cosmetic dermatology
Emergency Medicine	Trauma care, critical care, emergency response
Public Health	Preventive medicine, epidemiology, health policy

Eligibility & Admission Requirements for MBBS in Vietnam

To study MBBS in Vietnam, international students must meet academic requirements in science subjects, clear entrance exams (if applicable), and demonstrate English language proficiency. Universities also require students to be at least 17 years old at the time of admission.

1. Academic Requirements for MBBS in Vietnam:

Requirement	Details
High School Qualification	Physics, Chemistry, Biology with minimum 50–60% marks
Age	Minimum 17 years
Additional Criteria	Good health certificate, valid passport

2. Entrance Exams for MBBS in Vietnam:

Exam	Requirement
University-specific entrance test	Covers Physics, Chemistry, Biology
National entrance exam (for locals)	Required for Vietnamese students
Direct admission (some private universities)	Based on high school grades

3. English Scores for MBBS in Vietnam: 

Test	Minimum Score
IELTS	6.0
TOEFL iBT	80
PTE Academic	50

Cost of Studying MBBS in Vietnam

Vietnam is considered one of the most affordable destinations for MBBS studies. Tuition fees are significantly lower compared to Western countries, and living expenses are moderate, making it a budget-friendly option for international students, especially from India.

Tuition Fees for MBBS in Vietnam:

University	Annual Tuition (USD)	Annual Tuition (INR)
Hanoi Medical University	5,000	₹4,15,000
Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy	6,000	₹4,98,000
Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy	3,500	₹2,90,500
Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy	4,000	₹3,32,000
Van Lang University	7,000	₹5,81,000

Cost of Living (Monthly Averages) for MBBS in Vietnam:

Expense	Cost in USD	Cost in INR
Accommodation (hostel/apartment)	150–300	₹12,450–24,900
Food	100–200	₹8,300–16,600
Transport	30–50	₹2,490–4,150
Miscellaneous (books, utilities, leisure)	50–100	₹4,150–8,300

Must check: Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students in Rupees

Top Scholarships for MBBS in Vietnam

Vietnam offers a range of scholarships to support international MBBS students. These scholarships are provided by the government, universities, and regional organizations, helping reduce tuition costs and living expenses for deserving candidates.

Scholarship	Eligibility	Coverage
Vietnam Government Scholarship	International students with strong academic records	Full tuition + monthly stipend
University Merit Scholarship	High-achieving students in entrance exams or academics	Partial tuition waiver
ASEAN Student Grant	Students from ASEAN countries	Tuition + living allowance
Private University Grants	Offered by institutions like Dai Nam & Van Lang	Tuition discounts (10–30%)
Research Excellence Award	Students pursuing medical research projects	Research funding + stipend

MBBS Intakes & Admission Deadlines in Vietnam

Medical universities in Vietnam generally admit students twice a year. The primary intake is in September, which aligns with the start of the academic calendar. A secondary intake is sometimes available in February, depending on the university. Applications usually open 6–8 months before the semester begins, and students are encouraged to apply early to secure admission, prepare documents, and complete visa formalities.

Key Points:

• Primary Intake: September (major intake across most universities)
• Secondary Intake: February (limited universities)
• Application Window: Opens 6–8 months before semester start
• Deadline: Usually closes 2–3 months before classes begin
• Recommendation: Apply early to allow time for exams, document verification, and visa processing

How to Apply for MBBS in Vietnam

Applying for MBBS in Vietnam involves a structured process that ensures students meet eligibility, submit documents, and secure a visa on time.

1. Research Universities – Explore top medical universities in Vietnam, compare tuition fees, language of instruction, and recognition.
2. Check Eligibility – Ensure you meet academic requirements (Physics, Chemistry, Biology with 50–60% marks, age 17+).
3. Prepare for Entrance Exams – Sit for university-specific entrance tests if required, or rely on high school grades for direct admission.
4. Gather Documents – Collect academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), passport, health certificate, English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL).
5. Submit Application – Apply online or offline through the university portal, paying the application fee.
6. Attend Interview (if applicable) – Some universities conduct interviews to assess motivation and communication skills.
7. Apply for Student Visa – Once admission is confirmed, submit visa application with admission letter, financial proof, and passport.

Student Visa Requirements for MBBS Students in Vietnam

International students admitted to MBBS programs in Vietnam must obtain a student visa to legally study and reside in the country. The visa process requires proof of admission, financial stability, and valid travel documents. The visa is typically issued for the duration of the course and can be extended annually.

Category	Requirement
Admission Proof	Official admission letter from a recognized Vietnamese medical university
Passport	Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
Financial Documents	Bank statements or sponsorship proof showing ability to cover tuition + living expenses
Health Certificate	Medical fitness certificate from a recognized hospital
Visa Application Form	Completed and signed form submitted to Vietnamese embassy/consulate
Photos	Passport-sized photographs (as per specifications)

Steps to Apply for Student Visa:

1. Receive admission letter from the university.
2. Collect required documents (passport, financial proof, health certificate, photos).
3. Fill out the visa application form.
4. Submit application to the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your country.
5. Pay the visa processing fee.
6. Attend interview (if required).
7. Receive visa approval and travel to Vietnam.

Top Cities for MBBS Students in Vietnam

Vietnam offers diverse cities where MBBS students can thrive academically and socially. Each city provides unique advantages, from top-ranked universities and modern hospitals to affordable living and cultural exposure.

City	Highlights
Hanoi	Capital city, home to Hanoi Medical University, rich cultural heritage, affordable living
Ho Chi Minh City	Modern infrastructure, international collaborations, vibrant student life
Hue	Historic city, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, strong focus on research
Can Tho	Regional hub for healthcare education, emphasis on rural and community medicine
Da Nang	Coastal city, growing medical institutions, modern lifestyle with lower living costs

Top Job Opportunities After MBBS in Vietnam 

The average doctor salary in Vietnam ranges between ₹6.2 lakh and ₹10.3 lakh per year depending on experience, with senior specialists earning more. This makes MBBS in Vietnam a cost-effective option, as graduates can recover their investment relatively quickly.

Job Role	Scope	Average Annual Salary (INR)
General Physician	Work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice providing primary healthcare	₹6,20,000 – ₹8,00,000
Specialist Doctor (Cardiology, Pediatrics, Surgery, etc.)	Advanced medical practice in specialized fields	₹8,50,000 – ₹10,30,000
Medical Researcher	Join institutes focusing on drug development, public health, or clinical trials	₹5,50,000 – ₹7,50,000
Lecturer/Professor	Teach medical students in universities, contribute to academics	₹6,00,000 – ₹9,00,000
Public Health Officer	Work with government/NGOs on preventive medicine and health policy	₹5,00,000 – ₹7,00,000
Hospital Administrator	Manage healthcare facilities, operations, and patient services	₹7,00,000 – ₹9,50,000
International Practice (USMLE, PLAB, FMGE)	Eligible to practice abroad after clearing licensing exams	₹20,00,000+ (varies by country)

Check out: How to Get a Job Abroad in 2026

Conclusion

Studying MBBS in Vietnam is an excellent choice for international students, especially from India, due to its affordable tuition, moderate living costs, and globally recognized universities. With strong clinical exposure, English-medium options, and opportunities for scholarships, Vietnam offers a balanced mix of quality education and financial accessibility. Graduates can pursue rewarding careers locally or internationally, making Vietnam a practical and promising destination for medical education. Overall, it combines academic excellence with cultural richness at a reasonable cost.

Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad’s experienced advisors today. Get personalized advice on university selection, specializations, and everything you need to confidently start your MBBS journey in Vietnam.