The Vietnam student visa is one of the first practical hurdles Indian students face after getting their university admission letter. This guide covers everything — from the correct visa type to how to renew it after Year 1 — based on what our 500+ placed students have gone through since 2021.
⚠️ Official Notice from Aieraa Overseas: Aieraa Overseas Studies is the pioneer and only embassy-recommended consultancy authorised by the Vietnamese Embassy in India. Beware of agents falsely claiming to be "Aieraa partners." Do not make any payments without calling us first at +91 93441 41424.
1. Which Visa Do Indian Students Need?
Indian students doing MBBS in Vietnam require the DH visa (Student Visa), not a tourist visa. Here are the key differences:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Can You Study on It? | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DH (Student) | Full-time study at Vietnamese university | Yes — required for MBBS | 1 year, renewable |
| DN (Work) | Employment | No | Varies |
| DL (Tourist) | Tourism | No — illegal to study on this | 30–90 days |
Important: Some agents offer to get students into Vietnam on a tourist visa first and "sort out the student visa later." This is illegal and risky. Always enter on the correct DH student visa arranged through official channels.
2. Where to Apply: Vietnamese Embassy in India
India has one Vietnamese Embassy and two Consulates:
| Office | Covers | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy of Vietnam, New Delhi | All of India (primary) | 17, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021 |
| Consulate General, Mumbai | Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, MP, Rajasthan | 7th Floor, Merchant Chambers, New Marine Lines, Mumbai |
| Consulate General, Chennai | Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala | 3rd Floor, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai |
Aieraa assists students with choosing the right embassy/consulate and submitting the application correctly. Since we are the only embassy-authorised admission partner, our students get additional support during the visa process.
3. Documents Required for Vietnam Student Visa
Core Documents
- Completed visa application form (downloaded from Embassy website)
- Original passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond visa expiry)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs (white background, 4cm × 6cm)
- Admission/Acceptance Letter from the Vietnamese university (official, stamped)
- Letter from Aieraa Overseas confirming your status as an enrolled student and authorised partner
Academic Documents
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets (attested copies)
- NEET-UG Score Card
- Transfer Certificate
Financial Documents
- Bank statement (last 6 months) showing sufficient funds
- Sponsorship letter from parents (if student is self-sponsored)
- Proof of fee payment to the university (first-year tuition receipt)
Medical Documents
- Medical fitness certificate from a registered MBBS doctor
- HIV negative test certificate (recent, within 3 months)
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate
4. Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
- Receive University Acceptance Letter — Aieraa submits your application; university issues the acceptance letter typically within 7–10 days of confirmed fee payment.
- Prepare Documents — Collect all documents listed above. Aieraa provides a personalised checklist and reviews documents before submission.
- Book an Appointment — Visit the Embassy/Consulate website to book a visa appointment slot.
- Submit Application — Attend the appointment with original documents + attested copies. Aieraa's representative can accompany students for Chennai and Delhi submissions on request.
- Pay Visa Fee — Current fee: approximately ₹1,500–₹2,500 (varies; confirm at Embassy).
- Biometrics / Interview — Some applicants are asked for a short interview about their study plans. Aieraa prepares all students for this.
- Visa Collection — Processing takes 5–10 working days. You collect your passport with the DH visa stamp.
5. Visa Renewal in Vietnam: What Happens After Year 1
The DH student visa is issued for 1 year initially. Here's how renewal works:
| Step | Who Does It | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| University submits renewal paperwork to immigration on behalf of the student | University international affairs office | 1–2 months before expiry |
| Student submits passport + photos to university office | Student | 2 months before expiry |
| Immigration department processes renewal | Government of Vietnam | 2–4 weeks |
| New visa/residence card issued | University collects and distributes | Before old visa expires |
Aieraa's local team in Vietnam monitors visa expiry dates for all placed students and sends reminders 3 months in advance. In 5 years of operation, no Aieraa student has had a visa issue due to missed renewal.
6. Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
After the first year, many students transition from a DH visa stamp to a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) — a card-based permit that eliminates the need for annual visa stamping. The university processes this on your behalf. It's valid for 1–2 years and is more convenient than a visa stamp.
7. Can I Work on a Student Visa in Vietnam?
No. The DH student visa does not permit paid employment. Students are expected to focus entirely on their studies. Part-time work on a student visa is technically illegal and can result in visa cancellation. Since MBBS is a full-time 6-year program with heavy academic and clinical workload, most students do not have time for part-time work anyway.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Travelling on a tourist visa — always use the DH student visa
- Letting the visa expire — overstaying even by one day can result in fines and visa bans
- Not informing Aieraa of passport renewal — if you renew your passport mid-course, inform us immediately as it affects visa records
- Paying for visa assistance to unknown agents — use only Aieraa's official channels
9. Emergency Contact: If Visa Issues Arise in Vietnam
If any visa-related issue arises while you're in Vietnam, contact:
- Aieraa's local Vietnam team (available 24/7 on WhatsApp)
- Indian Embassy in Hanoi: +84-24-3823-4500
- Indian Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City: +84-28-3822-3838
Start Your MBBS Journey with India's Most Trusted Vietnam Partner
Aieraa Overseas — pioneer & only embassy-authorised consultancy. 500+ students placed since 2021.
📞 +91 93441 41424 | WhatsApp: wa.me/919344141424 | Email: info@aieraa.com