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 Vietnam student visa. Here’s how the process goes:

What documents do you need to apply for a student visa in Vietnam?

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.

Passport

Again, this must be valid for at least six months upon your application. There should be at least two blank pages as well.

Photo, one pc.

Your photo should measure four by six cm. You should be wearing business attire, and the background color should be white.

Student ID card

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.

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.

Check Also: Available Programs for International Students

Steps on Applying for a Student Visa in Vietnam

Here’s what you need to do to secure your Vietnam student visa.

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.

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.

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.

4. Pay the necessary fees.

Likewise, you will need to pay the cost of the visa to facilitate your application.

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.

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.

7. Fly to Vietnam.

Welcome to your new home for the next four to five years!

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.

 

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!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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