Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country bordering China, Laos, and Cambodia. It is known for its beaches, historic sites, food, and cities where long-standing traditions meet modern development.
Vietnam can also be an affordable destination for international students to consider. This article highlights some of the best universities in Vietnam for international students.
Top Universities in Vietnam for International Students
1. Vietnam National University Hanoi (VNU Hanoi)
Vietnam National University, Hanoi is one of Vietnam’s two national universities. The institution was reorganized in 1993 and traces its roots to the University of Indochina, established in 1906. In the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, VNU Hanoi ranked 158th in Asia.
VNU Hanoi includes member universities and schools covering fields such as social sciences and humanities, science, economics and business, education, languages, medicine and pharmacy, interdisciplinary studies, and international programs. Its academic pages list international programs taught in English and French.
2. Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST)
Hanoi University of Science and Technology was founded in 1956 and describes itself as Vietnam’s first technical university. It is a multidisciplinary center for education, scientific research, and technology. Its current overview lists approximately 38,000 students, graduate students, and doctoral candidates, as well as 160 training programs.
HUST’s current structure includes six schools, six research institutes, four management faculties, and three general faculties. Its priority research areas include semiconductors, artificial intelligence and data, intelligent systems, new energy and energy transition, and food biotechnology.
3. Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM)
Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City was established by the Vietnamese government in 1995 and describes itself as Vietnam’s largest university system. Its official overview says that it comprises nine member universities and research institutes, with nearly 100,000 full-time undergraduate students and approximately 9,000 graduate students and doctoral candidates.
Its member institutions cover fields including technology, science, social sciences and humanities, information technology, economics and law, health sciences, and environmental resources. Students should check the relevant member institution for program-specific admissions and tuition information.
4. Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU)
Ton Duc Thang University is a research-oriented university based in Ho Chi Minh City. Its official faculties-and-campuses page lists 16 faculties, as well as the Khanh Hoa Branch, Bao Loc Campus, and Vietnam-Finland International School. Its faculties cover fields including business, engineering, information technology, law, languages, pharmacy, social sciences and humanities, and sport science.
TDTU appears in several international university rankings. In the UI GreenMetric World University Rankings 2025, TDTU ranked 76th worldwide.
5. Can Tho University (CTU)
Can Tho University is an important state higher education institution in the Mekong Delta. Founded in 1966, it plays an important role in multidisciplinary education and training for Can Tho City and the Mekong Delta region. CTU offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
CTU’s official academic page says that it welcomes international students from countries such as the United States, Belgium, and Japan through academic cooperation programs. The university also maintains international cooperation in education and research.
FAQs about Studying in Vietnam
Can International Students Work in Vietnam While Studying?
Do not assume that a student visa automatically authorizes employment. Vietnam’s current rules for foreign workers are set out in Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP, which took effect on August 7, 2025. Some categories of foreign workers may be exempt from the work-permit requirement, but the applicable exemption and notification steps depend on the specific case. Students should confirm the requirements with their university, prospective employer, and the relevant authority before starting any job or internship.
Can International Students Stay in Vietnam After Graduation?
After graduation, foreign nationals who wish to remain in Vietnam should confirm the immigration status required for their intended activity with the Vietnam Immigration Department. For employment, an employer generally handles the application for a work permit or confirmation that the worker is exempt from the work-permit requirement. Under Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP, a work-permit extension may be granted once for up to two years.
We hope that this article on universities in Vietnam for international students was helpful. For more information about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
