Based in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is an up-and-coming student destination. Not only is it rich in culture and history, but it also boasts of affordable tuition fees.
The choices are plentiful too. To date, the country is home to 419 universities that offer a variety of programs. From Engineering to Accounting, you can pursue your dream course here.
However, to get started, you will need to get a Vietnamese student visa. Here’s how the process goes:
Steps on Applying for a Vietnamese Student Visa
Here’s what you need to do to secure your Vietnam student visa.
Step 1. Apply and Enroll in a Vietnamese University
Choose a university and a program with which you want to apply. Submit the necessary documents, which are:
- High school diploma (for undergraduate applicants) or bachelor’s/master’s degree (for graduate applicants)
- Curriculum vitae
- Proof of proficiency in English or Vietnamese
- Proof of financial capacity
- Clean criminal record
Your university may require more documents, so make sure to check their guidelines before proceeding.
Once admitted, you may proceed to enroll in the program. Proof of this and a copy of your payment receipt are needed for the Vietnam student visa application process.
Step 2. Request for Approval Correspondence
Most institutions have International Student Offices that can assist with the application. You can request the approval correspondence from them, which they will obtain from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
This process will take about 30 days, so make sure to plan your application schedule accordingly.
Step 3. Complete and Submit the Necessary Documents
Make sure that you have completed the documents above before you proceed with your application. If not, the lacking papers may cause significant delays to the Vietnam student visa processing.
You will need to submit this complete set of documents to your school’s International Office to get the ball rolling.
Step 4. Pay the Necessary Fees
Likewise, you will need to pay the cost of the visa to facilitate your application.
Step 5. Wait for the Visa Processing
Depending on your location, the processing period may take anywhere from three to 14 days. Again, consider this when planning your application schedule.
Step 6. Collect Your Visa
Once your student visa for Vietnam is ready, you may go and pick it up from the Vietnamese Consulate in your country.
In case there is no Vietnamese Embassy in your location, you need to inform your university. The International Student Office will provide you with a pre-visa approval letter that will indicate where you may obtain and pay for your visa in Vietnam.
This service is available in the country’s major ports: Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh and Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi.
Step 7. Fly to Vietnam
Welcome to your new home for the next four to five years!
Step 8. Apply for an Extension of Stay
File your application 14 days before it expires. This gives enough time for processing and whatnot.
You may submit the documents mentioned above to the International Student Office in your university. They will facilitate the extension of stay request on your behalf.
In case your institution doesn’t offer this service, you may file for an extension of stay at the following locations:
- Hanoi Immigration Office in Ba Dinh District
- Danang Immigration Office in Hai Chau
- Ho Chi Minh Immigration Office in District 3
These offices are open Mondays to Fridays from 7-11:30 am and 1:30-5 pm. They’re also open on Saturday mornings.
Similar documentary requirements apply.
The minimum extension period is one month, while the maximum is six months. That said, you will need to apply for a Vietnam student visa extension multiple times while studying in Vietnam.
Documents Needed for Vietnamese Student Visa Applications
Vietnam offers visas with various durations or entries. To apply for a Vietnam student visa on either single or multiple entry, you will need to submit the following:
Filled-Up Application Form
This form is available online at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Questions in this form include the purpose of entry, place of visa submission, and place of visa collection.
You also have the option to upload your photo on this page.
Passport
Your passport should be valid for at least six months. It should have two blank pages for the visa as well.
Letter of Acceptance
Your university in Vietnam will provide this once you have passed its admission/application process.
Pre-Approval Confirmation
The Vietnam Immigration Department will release this form through your University.
Visa Renewal/Extension
Most nationalities don’t have to secure a visa. However, they will need to file for an extension of stay once the given duration is over.
The same goes for those who hold a student visa. Once they have entered Vietnam, they will need to request for visa renewal/extension. The school will serve as the visa sponsor.
Here are the requirements for an extension of stay permit:
-
Accomplished N5 Application Form
You can access the form here.
Again, this must be valid for at least six months upon your application. There should be at least two blank pages as well.
Your photo should measure four by six cm. You should be wearing business attire, and the background color should be white.
Your university will issue this.
-
Proof of Tuition Fee Payment
Make sure to show your receipt or any other form that proves that you have paid the necessary tuition.
FAQs: Student Visa Applications for Vietnam
How Much Money Do You Need for a Vietnamese Student Visa?
The cost of the visa varies according to the validity and number of entries:
- $35 for a single-entry visa with three months validity
- $60 for a multiple-entry visa good for three months
- $105 for a multiple-entry visa, valid for three to six months
- $145 for a multiple-entry visa, usable for six months to a year
It’s advisable to get a multiple-entry Vietnam student visa if you wish to go back to your home country within three or six months.
As for the extension of stay permit, you will need to pay another $100.
We hope that this article on how to get a student visa in Vietnam was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out the Available Programs for International Students!
