HCMC University of Economics and Finance (UEF) | Admissions, Fees & Scholarships - MENTISGO

HCMC University of Economics and Finance (UEF) at a Glance

LocationHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam

StatusMENTISGO Official Partner — Business School

Average FeesUSD 1,500 - 3,000 per year

IntakesFall (September) & Spring (February)

Popular Programs at HCMC University of Economics and Finance (UEF)

Business Administration

Finance & Banking

Marketing

Economics

Why Study in Vietnam?

✓One of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, offering exposure to an emerging market
✓Significantly lower tuition and living costs than Western study destinations
✓A growing number of English-taught programs through internationally affiliated universities
✓A strategic base for students interested in Southeast Asian trade, manufacturing, and business
✓A relatively straightforward student visa process for Pakistani applicants

Education System in Vietnam

Vietnam's higher education system is regulated by the Ministry of Education and Training. Alongside the large traditional Vietnamese-medium public system, a growing segment of private and internationally affiliated universities offers English-medium instruction, often built around foreign university partnerships or franchise models.

Program Level	Average Duration
Foundation/Pathway Program	6-12 months
Bachelor's Degree	4 years
Master's Degree	1.5-2 years

Admission Requirements

General Vietnam university requirements — confirm the exact criteria for HCMC University of Economics and Finance (UEF) with a MENTISGO advisor.

Academic QualificationsCompletion of FSc/A-Levels or equivalent 12-year schooling; a relevant bachelor's degree for postgraduate programs

GPA RequirementsMinimum 50-60% aggregate in higher secondary studies (institution-dependent)

English ProficiencyPrograms are taught in English; proof of English proficiency is required for direct entry

Entrance ExamsNo standardized national entrance exam for international applicants; admission is based on institution-specific application review

English Language Requirements

IELTS

5.5-6.0 overall (institution-dependent)

PTE

42-50

TOEFL

60-70 iBT

Duolingo

85-100 (accepted by some programs)

MOI

A Medium of Instruction certificate from a prior English-medium institution may be accepted in place of a standardized test

Application Intakes & Timelines

Fall (September)

Apply April-July

Spring (February)

Apply October-January

Tuition Fees in Vietnam

Country-wide average ranges by level of study — actual fees at HCMC University of Economics and Finance (UEF) vary by program. Confirm the current figure with a MENTISGO advisor.

Level of Study	Estimated Fee Range
Foundation/Pathway	USD 1,500 - 3,000 per year
Bachelor's Degree	USD 3,000 - 7,000 per year
Master's Degree	USD 4,000 - 8,000 per year

Cost of Living in Ho Chi Minh City

Expense Item	Average Cost
Shared Accommodation	USD 100 - 250/month
Food & Groceries	USD 100 - 180/month
Local Transport	USD 20 - 40/month
Utilities & Mobile/Internet	USD 30 - 60/month
Personal & Miscellaneous	USD 50 - 100/month

Cost of Living SummaryVietnam is one of the most affordable study destinations in Asia, with total monthly living costs (excluding tuition) typically ranging from USD 300 to 550, well below Western destinations and many regional competitors

Scholarships & Funding Options

Institutional Merit-Based Tuition Reduction

British University Vietnam / UEF / Keiser University Vietnam

Partial tuition reductions (typically 10-30%) for students with strong academic records; fully-funded scholarships for international students are limited and availability should be confirmed directly with the institution

Early Bird Application Discount

Partner Institutions

A modest tuition discount for applications submitted ahead of standard deadlines, subject to institutional policy

Student Visa Process

Visa Type:Student Visa (DH visa), converted to a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for stays beyond 12 months

Eligibility:A confirmed admission letter from a licensed Vietnamese institution; the university typically issues the sponsorship/invitation needed for the visa application

Required Documents:

Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
University admission/invitation letter
Completed visa application form
Passport-size photographs
Proof of financial capability
Health/medical declaration

Processing TimeApproximately 2-4 weeks for the initial student visa; Temporary Residence Card conversion after arrival takes a further 1-2 weeks

BiometricsBiometric data collected during the Temporary Residence Card application at the local immigration office in Vietnam

InterviewA visa interview is not typically required, though the institution may conduct its own admissions interview

Work Rights While Studying

Weekly Work Hours:International students on a standard student visa are not generally permitted to work off-campus; work rights are limited and strictly regulated by immigration authorities

On-Campus Work:Some limited on-campus assistantship or internship opportunities may be available, subject to university and immigration approval

Off-Campus Work:Off-campus employment is not permitted without a separate work permit, which is uncommon for full-time students

Internship Rights:Structured internships and industry placements are built into several business and hospitality programs, including at UEF and Keiser University Vietnam, as part of the academic curriculum

Post-Study Work & PR Pathways

Permit Name:No standalone post-study work permit; graduates seeking employment must obtain a Vietnamese work permit sponsored by an employer

Duration:Vietnam does not offer a dedicated post-study work visa

Migration Pathways:Employment after graduation depends on securing a job offer from a Vietnam-based employer willing to sponsor a work permit; this is more feasible in growing sectors such as manufacturing, business services, and hospitality, but is not guaranteed

PR Status:Vietnam does not offer a permanent residency pathway linked to student graduation

Available PR Streams:

No dedicated PR stream for international graduatesLong-term stay is generally tied to continuous employer-sponsored work permitsPermanent residency in Vietnam is rare and reserved for narrow categories unrelated to study

Accommodation & Healthcare

Housing Options:

University dormitories (where available)Private shared apartmentsServiced/furnished studio apartments

Average Housing CostUSD 100 - 300 per month depending on city and accommodation type

Healthcare System:International students are generally required to hold health insurance, either through a university-arranged plan or a private international policy, for access to public and private healthcare facilities

Estimated Cost:USD 50 - 150 per year for basic student health insurance (institution-dependent)

Student Life & Career Outcomes

Climate:Tropical climate in the south (Ho Chi Minh City) with warm temperatures year-round; four distinct seasons with a cooler winter in the north (Hanoi)

Culture:A welcoming, rapidly modernizing culture blending traditional Vietnamese values with a fast-growing, business-oriented urban lifestyle; Pakistani students should note that the Muslim community and halal food options are more limited than in Gulf or Malaysian destinations, though present and growing in major cities

Safety:Vietnam is generally considered a safe country with low rates of violent crime, though standard precautions around petty theft and road traffic are advised

High-Demand Industries:

Business Process Outsourcing & ServicesBanking & FinanceManufacturing & Supply ChainHospitality & TourismInformation Technology

Average Graduate SalaryEntry-level local salaries in Vietnam are modest by international standards; foreign graduates typically find better prospects in the international/multinational corporate sector than in local-market roles

Employment OutlookVietnam's economy is among the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia, with expanding foreign direct investment in manufacturing and services creating opportunities, though employment for foreign graduates depends on employer sponsorship of a work permit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is Vietnam a good study destination for Pakistani students?

Vietnam suits students looking for affordable, practical business or applied education in a fast-growing economy. It is a smaller, emerging destination compared to mainstream markets like Canada or the UK, so program variety and post-study options are more limited and should be weighed against your career goals.

Q. What visa do Pakistani students need to study in Vietnam?

You will need a Student Visa (DH visa), which is typically converted to a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) once you arrive if your course runs longer than 12 months.

Q. How long does the Vietnamese student visa take to process?

The initial student visa generally takes about 2-4 weeks, with the Temporary Residence Card conversion taking a further 1-2 weeks after arrival.

Q. Are programs at British University Vietnam, UEF, and Keiser University Vietnam taught in English?

Yes, all three partner institutions offer English-medium instruction, which is one of the main reasons they attract international students.

Q. Can international students work part-time while studying in Vietnam?

Generally, no. Off-campus work is not permitted on a standard student visa, and work rights are limited and closely regulated, so students should budget for the full cost of study without relying on part-time income.

Q. What is the cost of living for a student in Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the most affordable study destinations in Asia, with total monthly living costs excluding tuition typically ranging from USD 300 to 550.

Q. Are there scholarships available for Pakistani students in Vietnam?

Partner institutions offer partial merit-based tuition reductions on a case-by-case basis. Fully-funded scholarships for international students are limited, so it's best to confirm current offers directly with the institution before finalizing your budget.

Q. When can I start my studies in Vietnam?

Most programs offer a Fall intake in September and a Spring intake in February, with application windows opening several months in advance.

See the full Vietnam study guide

Other Universities in Vietnam

British University Vietnam

Hung Yen

Keiser University Vietnam

Hanoi