If you are considering to study in Vietnam, one of your biggest questions would be: How much will it actually cost? The good news is that Vietnam remains one of the most affordable international study destinations in Asia, offering not only quality education but also a remarkably low cost of living. In this article, we break down the typical expenses you can expect from tuition fees to daily living costs as an international student in Vietnam.

Tuition Fees

In Vietnam, university tuition fees vary depending on the type of institution and program you choose.

• At Public Universities, tuition fees for international students typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 USD per year. Even at highly respected institutions like Vietnam National University (VNU), English-taught programs are priced around $2,000 USD annually, offering an excellent balance of academic quality and affordability. 
• At Private universities, while more expensive, still remain competitive compared to Western institutions. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $14,000 USD per year, depending on the program and university. For example, British University Vietnam (BUV) offers UK-accredited degrees with tuition typically ranging from $6,700 to $11,000 USD per year.

• Then there are Affiliate or Transnational Programs. Programs affiliated with foreign universities in Vietnam often offer a hybrid model, where you pay the lower local tuition fees for your initial years of study in Vietnam. Subsequently, when you transfer to the partner university in a foreign country (such as Australia, the US, or the UK) to complete the remainder of their degree, you will pay the tuition fees charged in the respective country which can range from $20,000 to $50,000 USD.

Living Costs
 

Beyond tuition, Vietnam’s low cost of living is one of its most attractive features for international students.

• Accommodation

Accommodation is highly affordable and comes in a variety of options. Dormitory rooms on university campuses are the most budget-friendly, costing between $50 and $250 USD per month. If you prefer more privacy, shared apartments or studio flats typically cost between $100 and $350 USD monthly, depending on the location and amenities. For those seeking more convenience and comfort, serviced apartments—which are fully furnished and often include cleaning services—range from $400 to $700 USD per month.

• Food

Food is another area where your money goes a long way. Vietnamese cuisine is famous for being both tasty and affordable. A full meal at a local eatery can cost as little as $1 to $3 USD, making it easy to eat well on a budget. Monthly food expenses for most students range from $150 to $250 USD.

• Transportation

Transportation in Vietnam is equally wallet-friendly. A bus ride usually costs 30 to 50 cents, while motorbike or ride-hailing services range from $1 to $3 USD per trip within the city. For regular commuting, many students rent motorbikes for $50 to $100 USD per month, or spend about $80 to $100 USD on private hire motorbike rides if they prefer the convenience.

On average, international students in Vietnam spend between $400 to $650 USD per month on living expenses that include housing, food, transportation, and other essentials such as mobile plans or leisure activities. When you compare that to the cost of living in countries like Australia, the UK, or the US, where monthly expenses can easily exceed $1,500 to $2,000 USD, it’s clear that Vietnam offers incredible value for money.

Not only can you save significantly on tuition and living expenses, but you’ll also enjoy a comfortable, culturally rich, and dynamic student experience in one of Southeast Asia’s most welcoming countries! 

If you’d like to learn more about studying abroad in Vietnam, Flying Chalks is here to help! From securing a spot for you at your desired school to settling your Student VISA and accommodation, our education experts will help you from start to finish, without you needing to worry! 

Sign up now for a Free Consultation by filling up the Enquiry form above.