Private University Tuition Fees in Ho Chi Minh City Vary Widely for 2024-2025 Academic Year

As the 2024-2025 academic year approaches, private universities in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, have announced their tuition fees, revealing a wide range of annual costs, nearly $14,900 for students seeking higher education.

Among the 10 private universities in the city, RMIT University tops the list with the highest tuition at VND318-347 million (approximately $13,600-$14,900) per school year. Hong Bang University follows closely behind, with its English program for dentomaxillofacial and medicine charging up to VND220 million (around $9,400) annually.

Several private universities, including Van Lang, Nguyen Tat Thanh, and Saigon International University, have yet to announce their tuition fees for the upcoming school year. However, certain programs at these institutions have already seen yearly tuition costs ranging from VND130-200 million ($5,600-$8,600).

The majority of other private schools in Ho Chi Minh City have tuition fees in the tens of millions of Vietnamese dong per year, with Van Hien University offering the lowest tuition at VND30-34 million (roughly $1,300-$1,500) annually.

Vietnam is home to around 240 university-level education facilities, with 60 of them being private institutions. This year, private schools in Ho Chi Minh City are primarily allowing admission through high school academic records and graduation exam results, with some also evaluating applicants through proficiency tests and English proficiency. Private schools in the city tend to offer more flexible education programs, with certain programs lasting 3-3.5 years instead of the standard 4 years.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training has announced the 10th-grade enrollment targets for various educational institutions in the 2024-2025 school year. The city has 234 educational facilities with 10th-grade enrollment, including 113 public high schools, the High School for the Gifted under the Vietnam National University, HCMC, 83 private high schools, post -secondary vocational training and continuing educational centers, and 7 colleges and intermediate schools.

The enrollment quotas for these institutions vary, with the High School for the Gifted accepting 595 students and the 83 private schools and schools with foreign elements accommodating up to 28,000 students.

The 10th-grade admission process is set to continue until the end of August, providing students who are unable to secure admission to public high schools with the opportunity to choose from other types of schools, which collectively offer nearly 50,000 seats.

Why this matters: The wide range of tuition fees at private universities in Ho Chi Minh City highlights the diverse options available to students seeking higher education in Vietnam. With the ongoing admission process for the 2024-2025 academic year, students and their families must carefully consider their financial capabilities and educational preferences when selecting a university.

As the 2024-2025 academic year draws closer, students and their families in Ho Chi Minh City are faced with important decisions regarding their educational futures. The varying tuition fees at private universities in the city, coupled with the ongoing admission process for 10th-grade students, underscore the need for careful consideration of financial resources and academic goals.

With a total of nearly 50,000 seats available across various educational institutions, students who may not secure admission to public high schools still have a wide array of options to choose from as they embark on their educational journeys.

Key Takeaways

• Private universities in HCMC charge tuition up to $14,900/year.
• RMIT University has the highest tuition, up to $14,900 annually.
• HCMC has 234 educational facilities with 10th-grade enrollment targets.
• Private schools offer flexible programs, some 3-3.5 years instead of 4.
• Students have diverse options for higher education in HCMC.