Today, many students want to study in Vietnam for many reasons. Some of the reasons include the rich culture, the educational prowess, etc. Whatever your reasons may be the first step to studying in Vietnam is a student visa. There are basic steps to follow to get a student visa in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a country of 102.8 million population with about 1,100 international students. Recently, more people are looking toward the Asian region for education. China, Japan, Malaysia, and Vietnam are top of the people’s choices. Among these places, Vietnam is currently becoming more popular in recent years.
The country has a rich historical heritage and beautiful cities. Some things that attract visitors to Vietnam are the Buddhist pagodas, exotic beaches, and rivers. The capital city Hanoi shows reverence to Ho Chi Minh, the iconic leader of the communist era. A huge marble mausoleum stands in honour of Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi.
Among the notable landmarks in Vietnam are the Vietnamese museum of war history and French colonial landmarks. Another relevant landmark is the Củ Chi tunnels, famous for their role for the Vietnamese Cong soldiers.
For a better chance to be successful when applying for a Vietnamese student visa, continue reading.
Do you have an interest in school in Canada? Read Student Visa in Canada to find out more about Canadian student visas.
Table of contents
- Types of Student Visa in Vietnam
- How Student Visas Work in Vietnam
- Requirements or Eligibility Criteria
- #1. A complete visa application form
- #2. A photocopy of your original international passport and two photo passports
- #3. Letter of acceptance from your school
- #4. A cover letter from the sponsor or guardian
- #5. Evidence of college registration and visa application fees
- #6. Previous educational certificates
- #7. Proof of financial capability
- #8. Evidence of accommodation in Vietnam
- #9. Medical certificate
- #10. A flight ticket
- #11. English or Vietnamese language proficiency proof
- How Long Is the Vietnam Student Visa Valid?
- Fees and Cost of Student Visa in Vietnam
- How to Apply for Student Visa in Vietnam
- Exceptional Situations: Visa-On-Arrival
- Visa Renewal or Extension
- Student Visa Processing Time in Vietnam
- Can I Get Student Visa in Vietnam Without IELTS?
- Working While Studying in Vietnam
- Part-time Job Tips for International Students in Vietnam
- Conclusion
- FAQs
- References
- Recommendations
Types of Student Visa in Vietnam
Regardless of your country, every student coming to Vietnam for studies requires a DH visa. The DH student/internship visa has a validity period of 12 months. There are two ways to get a Vietnam student visa. Either you secure admission and apply for a visa or enter the country with a tourist visa first. Once in the country, you can complete the process there.
After arriving in Vietnam and enrolling in your course, you can proceed to change your visa status at the immigration office. It is best to contact an agency for assistance when applying for a student visa in Vietnam.
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How Student Visas Work in Vietnam
Below is how a student visa in Vietnam work:
#1. Enroll in a University in Vietnam
Select your university of choice in Vietnam and apply for the course you want. The process involves the submission of the following documents:
- High school certificate if you are applying for a bachelor’s degree
- Bachelor’s/master’s certificate if you are a graduate student
- A copy of your Curriculum Vitae
- A clean criminal record
- Evidence of English or Vietnamese language proficiency
- Evidence of financial capability to take care of your education
Depending on your university of choice, you may need to submit more documents. Ensure you verify the requirements of the university before proceeding with your application.
Your enrollment evidence and a copy of your payment slip form part of your visa application requirement.
#2. Permission Correspondence Application
There are International Student Offices available in many Vietnamese institutions. They assist international students with their applications. They receive approval correspondence from the Vietnam Immigration Authority and forward it to international students. You can fill and sign this document from them to increase your chances of approval.
The permission Correspondence Application process takes about a month to complete. Therefore, ensure to plan your schedule properly.
#3. Complete and Submit all Necessary Documents
Ensure that you go through all the documents and complete all the required fields. Any missing document can lead to visa approval delay or denial. All documents must reach the International Student Office at your university before you commence your visa application.
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#4. Pay Visa Fees
Payment of the Vietnamese student visa fee is also mandatory to expedite your visa application process.
#5. Wait for Your Visa Processing
Depending on the country you are applying from, the processing time is from 3-14 days.
#6. Receive Your Vietnam Student Visa
Once your Vietnam student visa is ready, you can collect it from your local Vietnam embassy. If you enter Vietnam as a tourist before applying for a student visa, you should pre-inform your institution. The institution will issue you a pre-approval visa letter. The letter will contain information on how and where to get your visa in Vietnam.
#7. Request for Extension of Visa
Submit a visa extension request at least two weeks before your visa expires. It allows the authorities enough time to process and approve your request.
For residential permit extension, you can submit the necessary documents to the ISO office in your university. Your university can help to facilitate the extension resident permit for you. If your university does not offer this service, you can apply for visa and residency extensions at the following offices:
- Danang Immigration Bureau in Hai Chau
- Hanoi Immigration Department in Ba Dinh district.
- Ho Chi Minh Immigration Department in District 3
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Requirements or Eligibility Criteria
The first step to getting a Vietnam student visa is to gain admission into a Vietnamese school. You can apply for admission to study the Vietnamese language or any course of your choice. Other requirements for a student visa in Vietnam are:
#1. A complete visa application form
The visa application form is available at the immigration office. An agent can help you get the form or you can go for it yourself. Ensure to fill all the required fields, sign, and submit to your local Vietnamese embassy. You can also submit your completed form to the Vietnamese consulate in your country.
#2. A photocopy of your original international passport and two photo passports
Provide a clear copy of the data page of your international passport and submit it alongside your application. The embassy will also require you to provide two passport size photographs. Ensure to check for the specifications for a passport photograph to avoid rejection.Read: How To Get a Student Visa In China | Step To Step Procedures
#3. Letter of acceptance from your school
A letter of acceptance from an educational institute in Vietnam is essential for a visa application. The university usually sends this letter via email to successful candidates. Print out a copy and forward it along with your visa application.
#4. A cover letter from the sponsor or guardian
A cover letter from your guardian or sponsor is also necessary for a visa application. If your parents are your sponsor, they must also provide this letter enumerating their preparedness.
#5. Evidence of college registration and visa application fees
Evidence of your college registration and fee payment is necessary for a visa application. Also, you need to pay the visa fees.
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#6. Previous educational certificates
Evidence of your previous educational experience showing your grades, degrees, or previous diploma is vital. A copy of your transcript and degree certificate for post-graduate students. Degree student can provide their college certificates and any other relevant document.
#7. Proof of financial capability
The government wants to ensure that you will be able to cater to your educational needs. Therefore, the embassy requires financial proof as part of your visa application requirement. If your parent is sponsoring your education, you should provide their bank statement showing available funds. If someone else will take care of your fees and stay in Vietnam, you will provide his bank statement. Students on scholarship should provide a letter from the scholarship awarding body showing the duration and scholarship amount.
#8. Evidence of accommodation in Vietnam
When you make plans for your education in Vietnam, also make accommodation plans. An agent can help you secure accommodation and forward the tenancy agreement. If you plan to stay in the school hostel, ensure you secure space and provide evidence.
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#9. Medical certificate
A medical certificate that states that you are fit to study abroad is essential. Evidence of vaccination against COVID-19 is also part of your medical certificate when applying for a student visa in Vietnam.
#10. A flight ticket
Provide evidence of payment of flight tickets to Vietnam that covers your academic duration.
#11. English or Vietnamese language proficiency proof
Like other international universities, many schools in Vietnam utilize the English language. One way to show that you are proficient in English is through IELTS.Find out: How To Get an Isreal Student Visa | Step To Step Procedures
How Long Is the Vietnam Student Visa Valid?
A Vietnam student visa lasts for three to six months.
- A single-entry visa is valid for three months
- A multiple entry visa is valid for three to six months
- For Exchange students, the visa is valid for six months (multi-entry)
- For Direct Exchange Students, the visa is valid for three months (multi-entry)
Fees and Cost of Student Visa in Vietnam
The cost of a visa to study in Vietnam for international students may vary according to their country. However, the standard fees for a Vietnam student visa are:
- A single entry visa valid for three-months costs 35 USD
- A multi-entry visa valid for three-months costs 60 USD
- A multi-entry visa valid for three to six-months costs 105 USD
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How to Apply for Student Visa in Vietnam
The following steps will guide you on your Vietnam visa application:
Step one:
Once you secure admission to a university in Vietnam, the university will send an acceptance letter to you. You will also receive an email with a visa information form to fill out. The visa information form contains columns where you will fill in your personal information. The information includes your full name as it appears on your passport, your passport number, etc. you will also provide the address of your local Vietnam embassy or Consulate General.
Step two:
The institution will submit your completed form and other essential documents to Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City (VID-HCMC). The department will issue you a pre-approval after seven working days.
Step three:
The Vietnam Immigration Department will send a copy of your pre-approval to your local Vietnam embassy or consulate General. Therefore, ensure to provide the address of the one closest to you in your visa form. You will also receive a copy of the visa pre-approval via mail from your Institution.
Step four:
Print the visa pre-approval sent to your mail and take it to the Embassy or Consulate-General. Print the pre-approval on an A-4 size sheet. Other documents to carry along are:
- International passport with at least 6-month validity
- Letter of Acceptance from a Vietnam university
- A completed copy of a visa application form (according to the official specification and guidelines of the Vietnam embassy)
- Evidence of payment of visa fees (you can also pay at the Vietnam Embassy/ Consulate)
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Step five:
The embassy or Consulate General will notify you of the day and time to receive your visa. The visa type is DH—multiple entries. For exchange students, the visa validity will be six months (multiple entries). Direct Exchange Students will receive a three-month valid multi-entry visa.
The ISSC is responsible for your visa extension for another three months (multi-entry). However, you must provide evidence of your tuition fee payment.
Note that; it is your responsibility to obtain and manage a proper visa status. Nonetheless, your host university will provide all the essential documents. They will assist you in submitting the required documents to Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City.
When applying for a visa pre-approval, the institution will appeal for two extra weeks before the start of the academic semester and two extra weeks after the conclusion of the semester. Once you complete your studies in Vietnam, the institution will no longer be responsible for your visa. Therefore, it is essential to apply for a tourist visa if you wish to stay back in Vietnam after your education.If you are a low-income earner you should consider reading: How to Get Student Visa Sponsorship | Step-by-Step Procedures
Exceptional Situations: Visa-On-Arrival
In case there is no Vietnam embassy/ Consulate General in your country, visa-on-arrival is a way to get a visa. Students who meet all the criteria and have received pre-approval information will get a visa on arrival at the international airport. The airports include the Tan Son Nhat, the Da Nang, and the Noi Bai.
Eligibility for Visa-On-Arrival
In cases where there are no diplomatic relationship offices in your country, you will receive visa-on-arrival. That is to say that, there is no Consulate General of Vietnam embassy in your country.
Steps to Receive a Student Visa-On-Arrival in Vietnam
Step one:
When you receive your acceptance letter and visa application form, fill in the necessary information. For the location where you can pick up your visa at your international airport. The airport should be one of these:
- The Tan Son Nhat airport
- The Noi Bai airport
- Da Nang airport
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Step two:
Wait for your visa pre-approval, which usually takes seven working days to process. You will receive an electronic copy of the pre-approval via mail. VID-HCMC will also fax a copy of the pre-approval to the respective international airport of arrival.
Step three:
Print your visa pre-approval on an A4 sheet and take it along with the following documents to the airport:
- An international passport that is valid for at least six months.
- Evidence of acceptance from a Vietnamese university.
- Visa application forms (requires the guidance of an official at the airport to fill).
- Visa application fees (make your payment at the airport on arrival).
Step four:
The Immigration officer at the airport will issue you a visa.Before you apply for a vis, learn How to Write a Student Visa Sponsorship Letter | 2022 Tips
Visa Renewal or Extension
Below are the basic requirements if you wish to extend or renew your student visa in Vietnam. You need to apply for your visa renewal three weeks before the expiry date. According to Vietnam’s current immigration department regulations, a late application may attract penalties.
In case of a penalty, you will have to make the payment yourself at the Vietnam State Treasury HCMC. An agent or your school cannot help you with penalty payment. You will have to do it yourself. ISSC takes care of visa extensions first and third Tuesday of the month. Find a suitable date to visit the office to apply for visa renewal.
Student Visa Renewal Eligibility
You are eligible for a student visa renewal if one of the following applies to you:
- You are currently in a university in Vietnam (Degree or post-graduate).
- You are part of a Twinning program in Vietnam.
- You are an exchange student in Vietnam.
The ISSC will also require you to make payments for the coming semester and provide evidence. It also serves as criteria to make your visa renewal/extension application eligible.
If you fail to attend classes in a semester, you risk the termination of your visa. The institution can dismiss your visa within a month if you miss classes in a semester.
Essential Documents for Visa Extension/ Renewal
The necessary visa extension/renewal forms include the following:
- Visa renewal application form (N5). You can obtain this form at the ISSC office (Room A2.604).
- Original international passport, that isvalid for at last six months.
- Evidence of residency in Vietnam (Original certificate of temporal resident).
- International university student verification ISSC will collect this document on your behalf from the respective offices.
- One identification photo. It should be on a white background and 4×6 in size.
Note that: if you cannot provide a resident record, you can fill out the Certification of Residency form. The local authorities (mainly the People’s Committee of your residency location) will certify for you.
Visa extension fees are:
- Single-entry visa: one-month extension—10 USD
- Single-entry visa: three-month extension—10 USD
- Single-entry visa: six-month extension—10 USD
- Single-entry visa: up to twelve-month extension—10 USD
- Multiple-entry visa: one-month extension—60 USD
- Multiple-entry visa: three-month extension—60 USD
- Multiple-entry visa: six-month extension—105 USD
- Multiple-entry visa: up to twelve-month extension—145 USD
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Since you make payment for visa extension in Vietnam Dong, the rate is subject to change. You will receive your adjustments and passport on the same date.
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Student Visa Processing Time in Vietnam
The duration of student visa processing is usually seven working days.
Can I Get Student Visa in Vietnam Without IELTS?
Many universities in Vietnam offer courses in the English Language. Therefore, like other international universities, they require IELTS to test students’ English language proficiency. However, unlike other universities in the US and Europe, Vietnam does not require a very high cumulative score.
A minimum of 4 points aggregate is what you require to be eligible for college admission in Vietnam. To graduate, you need to attain an IELTS aggregate of 4.5 to 7.
Today, the use of IELTS, TOEFL, or SAT is part of the criteria to gain admission into many universities in Vietnam. The two top economic schools in Vietnam, National Economic University and Foreign Trade University introduced a new method of admission: IELTS (at least6.5) and exams. The changes will apply to advanced and high-quality programs that require proficiency in the English language.
Many universities in Vietnam are looking for better ways to attract the best international students with foreign language capabilities. Hanoi Medical University recently wanted 40 students with exceptional English or French skills. Therefore, they give more precedence to international candidates with an IELTS score of 6.5 or a C1 French DALF certificate.
In recent years, Vietnam has made a lot of adjustments to admission requirements. Most top universities now consider the ability to speak a foreign language (English or French) as part of the admission criteria. They believe that students with English ability find it easier to carry out personal research. They also agree that the knowledge of English is essential for the working environment.
While other certificates like the TOEFL, DALF, and HSK are also globally recognized, IELTS takes precedence. According to Nguyen Hong Phuong,
“IELTS touches on the most in-depth topics such as engineering, economics, science, and society. When students have an IELTS certificate of 5.5 or higher, it means they can listen, speak, read and write academic English at a relatively good level.” (2022)
Nguyen Hong Phuong works at Hanoi University of Science and Technology as a lecturer at the Institute of Information and Communication Technology.
To stand a better chance of getting admission to one of the top universities in Vietnam, you need IELTS. However, some universities do not necessarily require IELTS or other international exams for admission.
Candidates will sit for a National High School Graduation Exam (English Module). The exam also serves as a test for students’ English language proficiency.Curious about a student visa in Sweden? Read: How to Get a Student Visa in Sweden | Step to Step Procedures.
Working While Studying in Vietnam
One of the most common questions international students ask is, is it possible to work with a student visa in Vietnam? The answer is yes. A part-time job is one of the financial aids foreign students can enjoy in Vietnam. However, the right connection and Vietnamese language skills are essential to getting a part-time job.
Vietnam allows international students to take up part-time jobs to help them cope with bills and support their education. Working is also a way for students to gain practical experience and exposure to Vietnam. Many universities in Vietnam today provide internships as part of their program. Paid internships are one way to earn as a student without major inconveniences to your education.
The university will introduce you to an appropriate part-time job within the first three months of your admission. The aim is to reduce the financial burden and help take care of your living expenses.
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Part-time Job Tips for International Students in Vietnam
A part-time job offers a lot of experience and provides international students with financial assistance. When searching for a part-time job as an international student in Vietnam, consider the following tips:
- Search for part-time job openings within your college/university.
- There are options available as support staff in cafeterias, libraries, and administrations.
- Search for jobs in nearby locations to cut down on transportation costs.
- Discuss with your peer who is already working for opportunities in their workplaces.
- There are also a few options like teaching the English language, working in malls and stores, and serving at restaurants.
There are also remote jobs available for college students.
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Conclusion
A student visa in Vietnam is the legal document that permits you to study in Vietnam. A Vietnam visa is valid for three to six months. Some types of visas have longer validity than others. The cost of a visa to study in Vietnam for international students also depends on the country of application. Nonetheless, the standard visa rates apply to many countries.
You can enter Vietnam on a tourist visa and receive a visa-on-arrival if you are eligible. Once in the country, you can proceed to apply for your student visa.
FAQs
30 days
It typically takes up to 30 days for your school to provide you with the pre-approved letter of student visa.
For foreign students, Vietnam offers a wide variety of work prospects. Individuals work in a variety of industries. International students studying in Vietnam must possess a current work permit in order to work.
Yes, those with Indian passports require a visa to visit the nation. However, it is now simpler than ever for Indian nationals to obtain a Vietnam visa thanks to an online application for visas on arrival.
References
- Visaguide. world—Vietnam Visa Application and Requirements
- Wealthresult.com—How To Apply For Vietnam Student Visa From Nigeria
- Globalscholarships.com—How to Get a Student Visa in Vietnam (8 Steps)
- Vietnamvisa.com—Student Visa
- Passportsandvisas.com—How to Get a Vietnam Student Visa
- Wikipedia.com—Vietnam
- Vietnamnet.vn—More Vietnamese Universities Require IELTS And Other International Tests For Admission
- RocApply.com—Jobs for Students in Vietnam
- VisaVietnamonline.org—Vietnam Visa for International Students
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