Study Abroad Content Specialist | KdTvCV - Apr 28, 2026
Vietnam is a relatively new MBBS destination for Indian students, and it is gaining attention primarily because of its low fees. The total cost of MBBS in Vietnam ranges from ₹31 lakh to ₹47 lakh for the complete 6-year program (lower than Nepal, the Philippines, and most private medical colleges in India). The program is conducted entirely in English with universities listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools.
Vietnam does not appear in the NBEMS FMGE 2024 country-wise data, which means there is no published FMGE pass rate for Vietnamese medical graduates yet. The program is new, Indian students in Vietnam are only now approaching graduation. This is not necessarily a disqualifier, but it is a fact that any Indian student considering Vietnam must weigh carefully before enrolling.
Also Read: MBBS Abroad 2026: Countries, Fees, FMGE and NMC Rules
Top Medical Universities in Vietnam for Indian Students
Three universities currently enroll the majority of Indian MBBS students in Vietnam. All three are listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools and are recognised by the NMC.
| University | Location | Annual Tuition (INR) | Total 6-Year Tuition (INR) | Grand Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP) | Can Tho City | ₹4.13 lakh–₹6.65 lakh | ₹32.97 lakh | ~₹47.23 lakh |
| Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU) | Da Nang | ₹4.66 lakh | ₹29.08 lakh | ~₹43.34 lakh |
| Dai Nam University (DNU) | Hanoi | ₹2.70 lakh–₹3.45 lakh | ₹21.05 lakh | ~₹31.47–₹36.27 lakh |
MBBS in Vietnam Fee Structure and Living Expenses
Vietnam's living costs are among the lowest of any MBBS abroad destination. Monthly personal expenses (outside of hostel and food already covered in the university package) run between ₹5,000 and ₹8,000.
| Expense | Annual Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Tuition (mid-range) | ₹3.45 lakh–₹5.50 lakh |
| Hostel (4-sharing) | ₹1.90 lakh |
| Food (Indian mess, included) | Covered in hostel package |
| Personal expenses | ₹60,000–₹96,000 |
| Visa + Miscellaneous | ₹50,000–₹80,000 |
| Total Per Year | ₹6.45 lakh–₹9.16 lakh |
| Total 6 Years | ₹38.7 lakh–₹55 lakh |
All three universities provide Indian hostel facilities with both South and North Indian food, served separately for vegetarian and non-vegetarian students. This is a practical advantage for Indian students who find food adjustment difficult in countries like Russia or China.
Student Insight:
On Reddit, students comparing Vietnam with other destinations consistently highlighted the low cost of living as Vietnam's strongest point. One student noted that personal monthly expenses outside the hostel package were under ₹6,000–₹7,000, which is lower than what students report spending in Georgia or the Philippines.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Vietnam
Here are the requirements and eligibility criteria for MBBS in Vietnam:
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Class 12 | PCB with minimum 50% aggregate (General); 40% (SC/ST/OBC) |
| NEET | Qualifying score mandatory to practice in India |
| Age | Minimum 17 years by December 31 of admission year |
| IELTS/TOEFL | Not required |
| Entrance Exam | No separate entrance exam required |
| Visa | Student visa required — processed after offer letter |
NMC Rules and the FMGE Question
This is the most important section for any Indian student considering Vietnam. All three universities (CTUMP, PCTU, and DNU) are listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools and are recognised by the NMC. The 6-year program satisfies the NMC's requirement of 54 months of academic instruction at a single institution, followed by a 12-month internship at the same university.
Vietnam does not appear in the NBEMS FMGE 2024 country-wise performance data. The top five countries by FMGE pass rate in 2024 were Georgia (35.65%), Nepal (30%–34.54%), Russia (29.54%), Bangladesh (26.79%–32.38%), and the Philippines (18.48%–24%). Vietnam is not listed because the number of Indian graduates returning from Vietnam to sit the FMGE is still very small.
The English-medium curriculum and international standards are genuine advantages. Students choosing Vietnam should understand that they are enrolling in a destination without a track record. So, one should plan FMGE preparation independently from Year 3 onwards rather than relying on institutional support.
MBBS in Vietnam Application Process
Vietnam has a single annual intake in September. Applications typically open in April–June each year.
Step-by-step process:
- Verify the university on WHO AVICENNA Directory and NMC list
- Apply through the university's official website
- Submit documents and receive an official offer letter
- Pay admission fee directly to the university's official bank account
- Apply for a student visa at the Embassy of Vietnam in India
- Apostille Class 10 and 12 mark sheets at MEA, New Delhi (takes 4–8 weeks)
- Travel to Vietnam — direct flights from major Indian cities to Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City
Documents required: Class 10 and 12 mark sheets (apostilled), NEET scorecard, valid Indian passport, passport photos, birth certificate, medical fitness certificate, bank statement, police clearance certificate.
Student Insight:
Reddit discussions around Vietnam as an MBBS destination surfaced two practical but serious warnings. On the procedural side, preparing documents is a step many students underestimate, the process takes 4 to 8 weeks, and students who don't start early enough miss the September intake entirely.
Vietnam vs Other MBBS Abroad Destinations
Here is the comparison between Vietnam and other countries for MBBS:
| Parameter | Vietnam | Nepal | Philippines | Russia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | ₹31–₹47 lakh | ₹45–₹65 lakh | ₹38–₹50 lakh | ₹25–₹40 lakh |
| FMGE Pass Rate | Not published | 30%–70% | ~24% | ~29.54% |
| Visa Required | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Language of Instruction | English | English | English | English/Russian |
| Curriculum Alignment with India | Medium | High | Medium | Low |
| NMC Compliance Risk | Low (select universities) | Low | Medium | Low–Medium |
| Track Record for Indian Students | Limited (new destination) | Established | Established | Established |
Also Read: MBBS Abroad Without NEET 2026: What Indian Students Must Know
MBBS in Vietnam is a low-cost, English-medium option with NMC-recognised universities and a total program cost of ₹31–₹47 lakh. The infrastructure at universities like CTUMP and PCTU is reasonable, clinical exposure begins early, and the living environment is comfortable for Indian students. The honest limitation is the absence of published FMGE data because Vietnam is a new destination. Students who choose Vietnam should treat FMGE preparation as a personal responsibility from Year 3, not something the institution will handle.
FAQs
Ques: Is MBBS from Vietnam valid in India?
Ans: Yes, MBBS from NMC-recognised Vietnamese universities is valid in India, provided the program satisfies the NMC's FMGL Regulations 2021: 54 months of academic instruction at a single institution and a 12-month internship at the same university. After returning, students must clear the FMGE and complete a 12-month CRMI at an NMC-recognised Indian hospital.
Ques: What is the FMGE pass rate for Vietnam MBBS graduates?
Ans: Vietnam does not appear in the NBEMS FMGE 2024 country-wise data, meaning no published pass rate is available yet. The program is relatively new for Indian students, and the first large cohorts are only now approaching graduation. Students should plan independent FMGE preparation from Year 3 rather than relying on institutional data.
Ques: What is the total cost of MBBS in Vietnam for Indian students?
Ans: The total all-inclusive cost ranges from ₹31.47 lakh (Dai Nam University, 8-sharing) to ₹47.23 lakh (Can Tho University, 4-sharing) for the complete 6-year program. Annual tuition ranges from ₹2.70 lakh to ₹6.65 lakh depending on the university and year of study.
Ques: Do students need to learn Vietnamese for MBBS in Vietnam?
Ans: The academic curriculum is taught in English, but some universities require students to complete a basic Vietnamese language module in the first year and obtain a language certificate to proceed. This is a practical requirement that students should confirm with the university before enrolling, as it adds time and effort outside the core medical curriculum.
Ques: Is NEET required for MBBS in Vietnam?
Ans: NEET is not required for admission to Vietnamese universities, but it is mandatory for Indian students who wish to practice medicine in India. Without a valid NEET qualifying score, you cannot appear for the FMGE, making the degree unusable for clinical practice in India.
Ques: How does MBBS in Vietnam compare to MBBS in Nepal?
Ans: Vietnam is cheaper (₹31–₹47 lakh) versus Nepal's (₹45–₹65 lakh). Nepal has a well-established FMGE pass rate of 30%–70% while Vietnam has no published FMGE data yet. Nepal also requires no visa for Indian citizens and has a larger, more established Indian student community. For students who can afford Nepal, the track record makes it the more reliable choice.
Ques: Which is the cheapest university for MBBS in Vietnam?
Ans: Dai Nam University (DNU) in Hanoi is the most affordable option, with total tuition of ₹21.05 lakh and a grand total of approximately ₹31.47 lakh for 8-sharing accommodation over 6 years. PCTU offers a one-time payment option of ₹23.78 lakh for full tuition, which is also competitive for students who can pay upfront.
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