Although people may be unable to tell at first glance, Ho Chi Minh City is home to more than 80 universities and colleges. Although there are so many, there are a few top contenders in town, most of them catering to those interested in working within the technology and science industries. This article tells you what you can expect from the higher education system and student life in Ho Chi Minh City.
How to enroll in a university in Ho Chi Minh City
To apply to most of the following universities in Ho Chi Minh City, international students must have the following documents in order:
- A notarized copy of your original senior high school graduation certificate with a notarised English translation;
- A notarized copy of your original academic transcripts from years 10, 11, and 12 with a notarised English translation;
- Two photographs (3x4 cm) taken within the last six months;
- Receipt of 2,000,000 VND application fee;
- A copy of your passport (and visa if applicable).
Good to know:
Some universities may require you to submit an English Proficiency Test Score (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL). You can use or to receive these summations.
Recommended supplementary documentation:
- Letters of recommendation;
- A certified copy of your diploma or Bachelor's degree (for postgraduate studies) that has been notarized;
- A personal statement;
- A portfolio;
- A copy of your health certificate from a verified source.
While everything mentioned varies from university to university, it's best that interested applicants inquire with their desired higher education institution to determine the necessary documents for a successful application.
The top universities in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam National University
Known as Saigon's top university, the institution is located just a bit outside the city in a more suburban district called Thu Duc. Unlike others on this list, the offers a variety of concentrations outside the technology realm. While students can study technology, natural sciences, and basic sciences, they also have the option of social and human sciences, literature, foreign languages, and business.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Science
Functioning under the branch of Vietnam National University, this highly sought-after institution is a top pick among Vietnamese applicants. The course material for the focuses primarily on natural sciences, making it an ideal option for those keen on stem cell research or within the biomedical fields.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology
Also a branch of Vietnam National University, this institution is known as the flagship school in technology, research activities, and teaching in Vietnam. The has partnerships with more than a dozen international universities from the USA, Japan, and Australia. The study programs include but are not limited to industrial and environmental management, chemical, computer, and petroleum engineering, as well as international consulting management.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics
is the top university in town for those keen on a career in accounting, auditing, banking, or commerce. The institution offers several undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral options; there are also non-teaching-related programs offered. There are currently 30 majors at the undergraduate level and 8 majors within the postgraduate program; 5 of them are applicable to a Master's degree.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry
Don't be fooled by the title - this university is ranked fifth in Vietnam and focuses on biology, environmental science, and chemistry for local and foreign undergraduates. Established in 1955, is one of the oldest and most prestigious agricultural universities in Vietnam and has dedicated relationships with the Okayama University (Japan), National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (Taiwan), and General Soedirman University (Indonesia). It has also hosted the International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Environment (SAE).
Student life in Ho Chi Minh City
As Ho Chi Minh City continues to gain a reputation as a hub for engineering and telecommunications, more international students are looking at it as an attractive place to further their studies. While there are plenty of options regarding accommodation, leisure, and sports activities, it can be a bit daunting for young students to move to a new country without knowing the language or customs.
The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City
One of the benefits of choosing Ho Chi Minh City as your university town is the fact that it is incredibly affordable for students. While there's the option to live the high life in Saigon given the array of high-end clothing shops and classy eateries, the city is dominated by affordable and delicious street food, too. Students will be pleased to discover that a bowl of piping hot pho, the national noodle dish often consumed for breakfast, can be found at as low as 50,000 VND (1.96 USD or 1.88 EUR), with a banh mi (French baguette sandwich with egg or pork filling) available for the same price.
While street food hawkers are found on just about every corner, so are coffee shops. Ho Chi Minh City is packed with Western-style coffee shops as well as sidewalk spaces where students can sit with locals and watch fellow city dwellers go about their days. A quirky way to order a coffee is from a portable pop-up shop, best approached on the back of motorbikes. Depending on where you go, coffee can be anywhere from 50,000 to 95,000 VND (0.96 USD or 1.88 EUR to 3.72 USD or 3.56 EUR).
Student accommodation
Students may be wary of apartment and housing options in the city, but fortunately, it's not as hard as it may initially seem. Aside from Facebook, your university will be the best place to see listings or connect with other international students to split a house. The Department of Admissions should be able to provide information on shared houses, dorm rooms, or private studios, making the final decision budget-dependent. The larger universities like offer , but they are limited and must be reserved ahead of time.
Sports activities
In recent years, university students in Ho Chi Minh City have started to become interested in team sports. For the past five years, the has established itself as the organizer of the , which facilitates a space for students to compete against one another annually. There are various types of clubs catering to a variety of sports, such as basketball and football, but there are also organizations throughout the city that encourage students to participate if their schedule allows.
Nightlife
Unlike many typical American college towns, Ho Chi Minh City is jam-packed with activities, day and night that aren't reliant on a student body. With such active tourism, you could also meet people the same age as you on a gap year by going to events that interest you or visiting museums. Whether your free-time is spent sketching by Turtle Lake, enjoying a coffee at the historical cafe apartments on Nguyen Hue Walking Street, or clubbing until dawn on Bui Vien, this city never sleeps.
Final thoughts about studying in Ho Chi Minh City
Pursuing a higher education shouldn't be all work and no play. This time of your life will generate amazing memories, and Ho Chi Minh City is incredibly safe and versatile regardless of your interests outside of your degree.
Regarding other support for visa approval letters and airport pickup, more information will be listed on the university's websites once future students are accepted into their programs. We hope you embrace the city for all of its creativity, fun, and learning wrapped up in a chaotic and beautiful package!
Useful link:
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.
