MBBS in Vietnam 2025-26: Complete Guide for Indian Students

Yes, MBBS degrees from NMC-approved Vietnamese universities are globally valid and recognized. The degrees are approved by National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, World Health Organization (WHO), Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), and Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). Graduates can practice in India after clearing NEXT (formerly FMGE) examination and are eligible for licensing exams like USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), MCCEE (Canada), and AMC (Australia).

The total cost ranges from ₹27-61 lakhs for the complete 6-year program. This includes tuition fees (₹16.88L-43L depending on university), accommodation (₹3.6L-7.2L), food and meals (₹4.32L-7.2L), books and study materials (₹90,000-1.5L), and travel & miscellaneous expenses (₹1.44L-2.16L). The most affordable option is Can Tho University at ₹27.93L total, while premium universities like Hong Bang cost ₹54.33L total. This is significantly more affordable than private medical colleges in India and Western countries.

Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students as per National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines issued in 2022. However, universities don't require high NEET scores for admission - students only need NEET qualification (passing marks). The NEET requirement is mainly for eligibility to practice medicine in India after graduation and to appear for the NEXT examination. Students who haven't qualified NEET can still study MBBS in Vietnam but cannot practice in India after graduation.

All our partner universities offer complete MBBS programs in English medium with international faculty members. The curriculum is designed in English, textbooks are in English, lectures are conducted in English, and examinations are in English. This eliminates language barriers for Indian students and ensures comprehensive understanding of medical concepts. Some universities also offer basic Vietnamese language classes to help students communicate with local patients during clinical rotations.

Vietnam is extremely safe for international students, including female students. The country has very low crime rates, political stability, and excellent law and order. The Vietnamese government actively supports international students and has strict policies for their safety. Universities provide additional security measures, 24/7 campus security, and dedicated support for female students. Vietnam ranks among the safest countries in Southeast Asia with a Global Peace Index ranking better than many developed countries. The local population is very friendly and helpful towards international students.

The main intake is in September/October with applications typically opening in March-April. The admission timeline is: March 2025 - Applications open, April 2025 - Document preparation, May 2025 - Application submission, June 2025 - Admission processing, July 2025 - Admission confirmation, August 2025 - Visa processing, September 2025 - Departure and arrival. Some universities also have a limited February intake. We recommend applying early as seats are limited for international students, especially in government universities like Can Tho.

Students have multiple accommodation options: University hostels (₹5,000-12,000/month) with shared or single rooms, private apartments (₹7,000-18,000/month) shared or individual, paying guest accommodations (₹6,000-10,000/month) with meals included, and Aieraa managed hostels (₹10,000-15,000/month) with Indian food and dedicated support. All options include WiFi, security, and basic amenities. Universities help in accommodation arrangement, and we provide complete support for housing throughout the course.

No additional entrance exams are required for admission to Vietnamese medical universities. Admission is primarily based on 12th grade marks (minimum 60% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and NEET qualification for Indian students. Some universities may conduct simple English proficiency tests or interviews, but these are not complex entrance examinations. The admission process is straightforward and merit-based without requiring students to clear additional competitive exams like JEE or other state-level tests.

The MBBS program duration is 6 years consisting of: Year 1 - Pre-clinical studies (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry), Year 2 - Pre-clinical studies (Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology) with clinical rotations beginning, Years 3-5 - Clinical studies with full clinical rotations in major departments (Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, etc.), Year 6 - Mandatory rotating internship in all major departments with full-time clinical work. Clinical exposure starts from 2nd year in most universities, with some starting from 1st year.

International students can work part-time up to 20 hours per week with proper work permits from Vietnamese authorities. However, we recommend focusing primarily on studies as the medical curriculum is intensive and demanding, especially during clinical years. Many students prefer tutoring other students, online freelancing, or research assistance work within the university. Part-time work opportunities include English tutoring, translation services, and research assistance. Students must maintain good academic performance while working.

Aieraa provides comprehensive support including: Pre-admission counseling and university selection, complete documentation and visa assistance, airport pickup and accommodation setup, ongoing academic guidance and mentorship, 24/7 emergency assistance throughout the course, career counseling and licensing exam preparation, job placement assistance and alumni network access, family communication and progress updates, cultural adaptation support and language training. Our support continues even after graduation with NEXT exam preparation, PG admission guidance, and career planning for 2 years post-completion.

Aieraa maintains a 100% visa success rate for Vietnam student visas due to our expertise, proper documentation process, and official partnership with Vietnamese educational institutions and embassy coordination. We provide complete visa support including document preparation, embassy appointment scheduling, interview preparation, and follow-up with embassy officials. Our systematic approach and experience with thousands of successful visa applications ensures smooth visa processing for all students.

Yes, Indian food is readily available in Vietnam, especially in major cities. There are numerous Indian restaurants serving North and South Indian cuisine, Indian grocery stores selling spices and ingredients, university mess providing Indian meal options with separate vegetarian and non-vegetarian cooking, and many accommodations offering Indian food arrangements. Students can also cook Indian food if kitchen facilities are available. The cost ranges from ₹150-500 per day depending on the food option chosen.

Clinical training in Vietnam is exceptional with early clinical exposure starting from 1st or 2nd year depending on the university. Students get hands-on experience in 500-1500 bed teaching hospitals with monthly patient flows of 20,000-33,000+ patients. The training includes comprehensive rotations in all major departments: Internal Medicine (8 weeks), General Surgery (8 weeks), Pediatrics (6 weeks), Obstetrics & Gynecology (6 weeks), Emergency Medicine (4 weeks), and other specialties. Students work directly with patients under supervision with excellent patient-to-student ratios ensuring adequate practical exposure.

Yes, several scholarship opportunities are available: Merit-based scholarships from universities (25-50% fee reduction for high academic performance), Vietnamese government scholarships for international students, Aieraa merit scholarships for deserving students, need-based financial assistance for economically disadvantaged students, sports and cultural scholarships for talented students, and alumni scholarships from successful graduates. Students can apply for scholarships based on their 12th grade marks, NEET scores, and financial background. We provide complete guidance for scholarship applications.

Graduates have excellent global career prospects: Practice in India after clearing NEXT examination (78% pass rate for Vietnam graduates), Practice in USA after USMLE (average salary $250,000-500,000), Practice in UK after PLAB (salary £40,000-150,000), Practice in Canada after MCCEE (salary CAD 250,000-400,000), Practice in Australia after AMC (salary AUD 200,000-350,000), Postgraduate studies worldwide in various specializations, Research opportunities in international institutions, and practice in Vietnam with Vietnamese language proficiency. The global recognition of Vietnam MBBS degrees opens numerous international opportunities.

Vietnam medical education offers several advantages over Indian medical education: Modern infrastructure with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, lower student-to-teacher ratios ensuring personalized attention, early clinical exposure from 1st-2nd year vs 4th year in many Indian colleges, international curriculum aligned with global medical standards, English medium instruction with international faculty, advanced simulation labs and research facilities, extensive patient exposure with diverse case studies, and affordable quality education without donations or capitation fees. The teaching methodology is more practical and clinically oriented compared to theoretical focus in many Indian institutions.

Required documents include: Academic documents (10th & 12th mark sheets and certificates, NEET scorecard), Personal documents (valid passport with minimum 1 year validity, birth certificate, Aadhar card, PAN card, passport-size photos), Medical certificates (medical fitness certificate, HIV negative report, chest X-ray, vaccination certificates), Financial documents (bank statements for 6 months, income tax returns, CA certificate, sponsor documents if applicable), and Application documents (university application forms, statement of purpose, character certificates). All documents need proper attestation from MEA and Vietnamese embassy.

Transfer during the course is possible but complex and depends on university policies, credit transfer agreements, and destination country requirements. Most universities and countries have specific regulations about credit transfers. Returning to India during the course requires re-admission through NEET and Indian medical colleges rarely accept transfers. We recommend completing the entire course in Vietnam for best results and smoother career progression. However, students can pursue postgraduate studies in their preferred countries after completing MBBS in Vietnam.

Vietnam has a tropical climate similar to India with temperatures ranging from 22-35°C throughout the year. The country has two main seasons: Dry season (November to April) with cooler temperatures and less humidity, and Rainy season (May to October) with higher humidity and frequent rain showers. Northern Vietnam (Hanoi) is slightly cooler than Southern Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City). The climate is quite comfortable for Indian students and similar to Indian coastal areas. Students should carry light cotton clothes, umbrellas, and rain gear during monsoon season.