Vietnam has become one of the more practical options for studying abroad in Asia. Tuition fees are significantly lower than in Western countries or Singapore, a growing number of programs are taught in English, and several universities offer scholarships covering up to 100% of tuition. Students from across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Europe are increasingly choosing Vietnam for degrees in engineering, business, medicine, IT, and social sciences.
This guide covers 15 universities in Vietnam that accept international students, with details on scholarship availability, program strengths, and what students say about studying there.
1. Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU Hanoi)
Vietnam National University, Hanoi is the most prestigious university in northern Vietnam and one of the oldest in the country. It is strongest in science, economics, law, and social sciences, and ranks among the top universities in Southeast Asia. Graduates commonly go on to work in government, research, and international organizations.
Scholarships: Merit-based tuition reductions, Vietnamese Government scholarships, and exchange scholarships through global partners are available for international students with strong academic records.
Why students choose it: Studying in Hanoi puts students in Vietnam’s political and cultural center, with access to embassies, research institutions, and government internship opportunities.
2. Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM)
Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City is the southern counterpart to VNU Hanoi and the largest university system in Vietnam, covering member universities across science, technology, social sciences, and international studies. It has strong research output and extensive ties with industry partners across ASEAN.
Scholarships: Vietnamese Government scholarships, bilateral agreements with Japan, Korea, and EU partners, and merit-based support within member universities.
Why students choose it: Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s economic hub, which gives students direct access to multinational companies, startup networks, and internship opportunities that other cities can’t match.
3. Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
Hanoi University of Science and Technology is the top technical university in Vietnam. International students pursuing engineering, IT, robotics, or applied sciences consistently cite its research-focused environment and well-equipped labs as the main reasons for choosing it.
Scholarships: Full and partial scholarships for high-performing students, plus funding from partner universities in Japan, Korea, and the EU.
Why students choose it: HUST has a strong track record for producing employable graduates in technology and engineering, with active recruitment from major tech companies.
4. Foreign Trade University (FTU)
Foreign Trade University is Vietnam’s most respected business school, with particular strength in finance, economics, and international trade. Employers in multinational companies and government ministries consistently recognize the FTU degree.
Scholarships: Partial scholarships, corporate sponsorships, and merit awards are available each intake.
Why students choose it: FTU graduates have a strong placement record with both Vietnamese and international employers in finance and trade.
5. RMIT University Vietnam
RMIT Vietnam is a branch campus of RMIT Australia, with locations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. All programs are taught in English, covering business, design, media, and technology. Students graduate with an Australian-accredited degree while paying significantly less than they would in Melbourne or Sydney.
Scholarships: RMIT Vietnam offers 25–100% tuition scholarships for outstanding applicants, assessed during the admissions process.
Why students choose it: An internationally recognized degree, English-only instruction, and a lower cost of living than Australia or Singapore make RMIT Vietnam a strong value proposition.
6. British University Vietnam (BUV)
British University Vietnam is the only fully licensed UK university operating in Vietnam. Degrees are awarded by the University of London and Staffordshire University. Programs are entirely in English, and the Ecopark campus near Hanoi is one of the most modern university facilities in Southeast Asia.
Scholarships: BUV provides 25–100% scholarships, including merit, leadership, and need-based awards reviewed each academic year.
Why students choose it: A UK-accredited degree earned in Vietnam at a fraction of the cost of studying in Britain, with strong career placement support built into the program.
7. Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU)
Ton Duc Thang University in Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam’s fastest-rising universities, now ranked in Times Higher Education. Its strongest programs are in engineering, environmental science, and business. Tuition is among the most affordable of any internationally ranked university in Vietnam.
Scholarships: 25–100% scholarships for international students, assessed on academic merit.
Why students choose it: Affordable fees combined with a growing international reputation make TDTU a practical choice for students watching their budget.
8. Duy Tan University (DTU)
Duy Tan University is the leading private university in central Vietnam, based in Da Nang. It is recommended by international students for its IT, tourism, hospitality, and medicine programs. Da Nang itself is consistently rated the most livable city in Vietnam, with beaches, low traffic, and a lower cost of living than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Scholarships: Merit-based and industry-linked scholarships are available across most faculties.
Why students choose it: The combination of a good university, beach city lifestyle, and affordable living costs is the main draw for international students.
9. University of Danang – University of Science and Technology (UD-DUT)
UD-DUT is the main technical university in central Vietnam. Students focused on engineering, IT, and maritime studies apply here for its practical curriculum and close links with industry partners in the Da Nang economic zone.
Scholarships: Tuition discounts and bilateral government scholarships are available for international applicants.
Why students choose it: Affordable, career-focused, and located in a city that is easier to live in than either major Vietnamese metropolis.
10. University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH)
UEH is Vietnam’s leading economics and business university, with strong ASEAN academic partnerships and consistent placement of graduates into finance and management roles across the region.
Scholarships: Merit scholarships and corporate-sponsored funding are available each semester.
Why students choose it: For business students who want to work in Southeast Asia after graduation, UEH’s employer network is difficult to match.
11. Hue University
Hue University covers medicine, agriculture, education, and arts across several member schools in Hue City. The city is quieter and less expensive than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and its history as Vietnam’s former imperial capital gives it a distinct cultural identity.
Scholarships: Tuition waivers and Vietnamese government scholarships are available for foreign students.
Why students choose it: A lower cost of living, a calmer pace, and programs in medicine and agriculture that are harder to access at larger urban universities.
12. Hanoi University (HANU)
Hanoi University specializes in foreign languages, international studies, business, and IT. It is well-regarded by international students who want to study in English or who want structured Vietnamese language instruction alongside their main program.
Scholarships: Tuition support for international students is available through the admissions office.
Why students choose it: Strong for language learners and students targeting internationally focused careers in trade, diplomacy, or communications.
13. Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT)
HCMUT, known locally as Bach Khoa, is a member of VNUHCM and a top destination for engineering and computer science students. It has a well-developed set of English-taught programs and one of the strongest alumni networks in Vietnam’s technology sector.
Scholarships: 25–100% tuition coverage for outstanding students, reviewed each intake.
Why students choose it: Strong engineering reputation and direct recruitment pipelines into Vietnam’s growing technology industry.
14. Can Tho University (CTU)
Can Tho University is the leading institution in the Mekong Delta region. It has particularly strong programs in agriculture, aquaculture, and environmental science, areas where the Mekong Delta provides a natural research environment.
Scholarships: ASEAN scholarships and research-based funding are available for international students.
Why students choose it: A good fit for students focused on sustainability, food systems, or rural development in Southeast Asia.
15. Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City (BUH)
Banking University HCMC specializes in banking, finance, and fintech. As Vietnam’s financial sector has grown rapidly, BUH graduates have benefited from direct recruitment by banks, financial institutions, and fintech companies operating across the country.
Scholarships: Corporate-sponsored scholarships and tuition reductions are available through the university’s industry partners.
Why students choose it: The most focused option on this list for students targeting a career specifically in finance, banking, or fintech in Southeast Asia.
How to get a scholarship at a Vietnamese university
Apply early: most universities open applications 6–9 months before the intake date, and scholarship places fill faster than general admissions.
Keep your academic records strong. GPA, recommendation letters, and evidence of extracurricular activity all factor into merit assessments. For English-taught programs, IELTS or TOEFL scores are required at most institutions.
Look beyond university websites. Vietnam’s national government scholarship program and several ASEAN bilateral funding agreements are not always prominently advertised. Contact university international offices directly, as some faculty-level scholarships are offered informally and only to students who ask.
If you’re considering studying in Vietnam and also want to see the country before committing, the Vietnam private tours page covers options for getting to know different regions, which can help you decide between a university in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hue.
Vietnam for international students: a practical summary
The 15 universities above cover a wide range of fields, cities, and price points. At the affordable end, local universities like TDTU, DTU, and Can Tho offer internationally ranked programs at low tuition. At the premium end, RMIT and BUV deliver foreign-accredited degrees on Vietnamese soil. Scholarships up to 100% of tuition are available at most institutions on this list. The main variables are field of study, city preference, and whether you want a local Vietnamese degree or a foreign-accredited one.
