Hanoi is growing exponentially and investing in its education sector. In 2024, Vietnam ranked 53rd in the world for education and continues to gain more attention and traction as it attracts thousands of international students annually. Students enrolled in universities in Hanoi choose to live close to the city center, which also provides a unique cultural exchange. This article gives you an insight into Hanoi's higher education scene to help you plan your move.
Good to know:
All university websites can be translated into English and will answer many of your questions before you apply. Don't forget to follow your school of choice on social media.
Universities in Vietnam
Hanoi Polytechnic University
, also known as the Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), was established in the mid-fifties and comprises more than 30 faculties, schools, and research centers. It is equipped with 210 laboratories, and upwards of 70 different majors can be studied here. This prestigious university has won numerous awards and, in 2022, was the only Vietnamese university to ever win the Student Recruitment Campaign of the Year. One of the most alluring facts about HUST is that foreign tuition fees are equal to US$ 3,300 or VND 84,240,621 annually.
Vietnam National University (VNU)
In the 2023 academic year, had, on average, 819 international students. So what makes it so enticing? Firstly, this is the largest educational institute in the country and has a quality of human resources unparalleled by any other university. Also, VNU maintains a high position in Hanoi's secondary education system and works directly with governmental bodies, people's committees, and ministerial-level organizations. This creates some of the best opportunities a graduate can hope for as they progress into the workforce. Campuses are spread across Hanoi's various districts, and collectively, VNU's libraries contain nearly 150,000 books.
Hanoi University
This is one of the oldest educational resources in the country. Founded in 1959, this university, commonly known as , is situated in the Thanh Xuan district and is well known for its rigorous selection policy. It has maintained a modern and innovative learning environment, curating a state-of-the-art campus. HANU has a strong emphasis on accounting and finance courses, with an acceptance rate to international students firmly at 40% and tuition fees budgeted at 50 million VND (1,957.50 USD or 1,875.00 EUR ) annually.
Enrollment procedures for Hanoi universities
Every institution of higher education has an enrollment process, and the universities in Hanoi keep it fairly straightforward. Applicants for any bachelor's course must submit their application form with a notarized translation of their high school and college qualifications. After you are accepted, the university will request a copy of your passport and four passport photos, plus a completed health check, so they can administer a student visa.
The visa process can be a bit confusing, as you'll need to apply for a student visa using your acceptance letter while also providing the university with the required supporting documents. Fortunately, the university typically coordinates with the immigration office to help prepare the final visa documentation for the upcoming academic year.
Student life in Hanoi
While enrolling at university is an exciting milestone in any young adult's life, for many prospective students, it combines the whirlwind of emotion from leaving home with managing finances and household chores independently. Student life in Hanoi, on average, is comfortable, social, and affordable. Tuition fees range from USD 2,500 to USD 10,700, and, depending on your preference, you can live on campus or close by in shared or private accommodation.
We've outlined examples of university tuition prices for the 2024 academic year:
- : Annual tuition ranges from approximately 46,971,000 VND to 64,585,200 VND (about $2,000 to $2,800 USD) for bachelor's programs.
- : Annual tuition ranges from approximately 77,797,500 to 91,942,500 VND (approximately $3,300 to $3,900 USD).
- : Annual tuition ranges from approximately 154 million to 252 million VND (approximately $6,500 to $10,700 USD)
Important:
Following your university on social media is one of the easiest ways of staying up to date with any new discounts or local opportunities.
The International Student Identity Card
One of the best things to do before studying in Hanoi is to apply for your ISIC or international student identity card. This is not a unique card to Vietnam, but many countries will honor the card as proof of studying and identity. There are a variety of student discounts to enjoy throughout Hanoi's many restaurants, bars, and entertainment complexes, and a student discount can be obtained at , one of Hanoi's hotspots for shopping and entertainment, or you can visit , a stylish and modern complex with plenty for young people to enjoy.
Student accommodation
If you want to secure accommodation in your university residence, waste no time applying, as they tend to fill up quickly. Typical costs range from 7 million VND (274.05 USD or 262.78 EUR) to 35 million VND (1,370.25 USD or 1,314.25 EUR) per semester. This simply depends on what you are looking for, furnished or unfurnished, location, quality, campus,-based or non-campus-based.
As an international student in Hanoi, you are probably looking for the cheapest way to commute between your accommodation and classes. If you live on campus, then the only struggle will be waking up for your alarm. If you need to travel to campus, the most inexpensive method of commuting is by bus, and tickets will likely never be above 10,000 VND. If this will be your first time living alone, a shared house will be a great way to connect with other students and provide a sense of community in a foreign country.
Food in Hanoi is also on the super cheap side, with a meal on the street costing as little as 50,000 VND (1.96 USD or 1.88 EUR) or ordering through Grab or Shoppee food delivery apps. There is a variety of foods and cultures represented, and you can also sign up for a local cooking class to try making your favorites at home.
Volunteering as an international student
A great way to meet new friends and build a network in Hanoi or a strong community is by volunteering with one of the local NGOs. The most popular ones are , and . Volunteering provides an opportunity to meet new people and learn more about local life in Vietnam. You will gain invaluable knowledge and boost your resume at the same time. Use Facebook to discover nearby events and other initiatives, or your embassy may host a mixer for international students.
Useful links:
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
