Table of Contents
MBBS Fees Structure and Cost of Living in Vietnam
Scroll HereFees Structure
Scroll HereCost of Living
Scroll HereAverage Monthly Cost of Living in Vietnam
Scroll HereAccommodation Cost in Vietnam for Indian MBBS Students
Scroll HereUniversity or Student Hostel
Scroll HereShared Accommodation
Scroll HerePrivate Apartment
Scroll HereHomestay
Scroll HereAverage Cost of Food in Vietnam
Scroll HereCost of Living in Vietnam vs India: Quick Comparison
Scroll HereWhat the Budget Does Not Tell You
Scroll HereRecognition
Scroll HereThe screening exam
Scroll HereHidden and one-time costs
Scroll HereConclusion
Scroll HereFrequently Asked Questions
Scroll HereQ. Is Vietnam expensive for Indian students?
Scroll HereQ. What is the monthly cost of living in Vietnam for students?
Scroll HereQ. What is the average cost of food in Vietnam?
Scroll HereQ. Is Vietnam cheaper than India for Indian students?
Scroll HereQ. How much does accommodation cost in Vietnam?
Scroll HereQ. How much money should an Indian student carry to Vietnam for the first month?
Scroll HereVietnam is becoming an increasingly relevant destination for international students looking for affordable education in an Asian cultural environment. For Indian students considering MBBS in Vietnam, tuition fees are only one part of the financial planning. Accommodation, food, transport, utilities, healthcare, study materials and personal expenses all belong in the same budget, and together they usually decide whether a family can sustain six years abroad - not the fee quote in the brochure.
The cost of living in Vietnam varies significantly with the city, the accommodation type and the lifestyle. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are more expensive than smaller cities, while sharing accommodation and eating local food pulls the monthly figure down sharply. For reference, RMIT Vietnam estimates monthly rent for international students in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City at about $250–600 and recommends around $250 per month for food.
This guide explains the major expenses Indian MBBS students should plan for before choosing Vietnam, and how those numbers sit against the cost of MBBS abroad for Indian students generally. All conversions use the September 2026 rate of 1 USD ≈ ₹90 ≈ VND 25,700.
MBBS Fees Structure and Cost of Living in Vietnam
The MBBS fee structure and living costs in Vietnam are affordable compared with most other overseas destinations. Total six-year tuition generally runs ₹20 lakh to ₹30 lakh for the whole course, which is well below a private medical seat in India and broadly in line with the MBBS abroad fees charged in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Living costs are reasonable but vary from student to student. Here is the expense picture for an aspiring student.
Fees Structure
| Type of Expense | Approx. Cost (in USD) | Approx. Cost (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition Fee | $4,000 | ₹3,60,000 |
| Annual Hostel Fee | $1,200 | ₹1,08,000 |
| Annual Mess Fee | $1,000 | ₹90,000 |
| Medical Insurance | $200 | ₹18,000 |
| Visa Extension Fee | $100 | ₹9,000 |
Note: Converted at the September 2026 rate of 1 USD ≈ ₹90. Fees differ by university - compare the top medical universities in Vietnam before you use any single figure for planning.
Cost of Living
| Type of Expense | Approx. Cost (in USD) | Approx. Cost (in INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Food Per Month | $150 | ₹13,500 |
| Cost for Bus Pass Per Day | $1 | ₹90 |
| Cost for Utilities Per Month | $50 | ₹4,500 |
| Personal Expenses Per Month | $100 | ₹9,000 |
| Total Living Expenses Per Month | $300 | ₹27,000 |
Note: Converted at the September 2026 rate of 1 USD ≈ ₹90. This total excludes accommodation, which appears as the annual hostel fee in the table above - about $100 a month if you stay in university housing. Add accommodation and the realistic all-in figure is roughly $400 a month.
Average Monthly Cost of Living in Vietnam
You will see two very different numbers quoted for Vietnam, and it is worth knowing why. General cost-of-living indices put a single person at $600 to $1,200 a month (about VND 15 million to 30 million). That basket is built for working expats - it assumes a private apartment, restaurant meals and a car or regular taxis. A student in university accommodation who eats local food and uses a bus pass lands far below it. The practical student range is VND 6 million to 12 million a month, which is roughly ₹21,000 to ₹42,000, or $235 to $470. Use the student range for planning and treat the expat figure as the ceiling, not the expectation.
| Expense Category | Indicative Monthly Cost (VND) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 2,000,000 – 15,000,000+ | ₹7,000 – ₹52,500+ |
| Food & groceries | 2,500,000 – 5,000,000 | ₹8,750 – ₹17,500 |
| Transportation | 300,000 – 1,500,000 | ₹1,050 – ₹5,250 |
| Utilities | 500,000 – 1,500,000 | ₹1,750 – ₹5,250 |
| Mobile & internet | 100,000 – 300,000 | ₹350 – ₹1,050 |
| Personal expenses | 500,000 – 1,500,000 | ₹1,750 – ₹5,250 |
| Indicative total | Around 6,000,000 – 12,000,000+ | ₹21,000 – ₹42,000+ |
Note: Converted at the September 2026 rate of 1 million VND ≈ ₹3,500. One-time costs - flights, visa, the rental deposit and initial setup - are not included and typically add one and a half months of expenses in the first month.
Accommodation Cost in Vietnam for Indian MBBS Students
Accommodation costs for Indian MBBS students in Vietnam typically range from ₹1,750 to ₹28,000 per month (about $20 to $310), depending on whether you choose an on-campus hostel or private off-campus housing. This single line is the widest variable in the whole budget - the difference between the two ends of it is larger than food, transport and utilities put together. Indian students generally have four options.
University or Student Hostel
University accommodation is usually the most economical choice, though availability and pricing vary by institution. The Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade announced 2026–27 dormitory rates of VND 500,000 per student per month for standard rooms and VND 1.5 million per student per month for service rooms, with electricity and water charged according to the room arrangement. Medical universities that admit international students, including Vietnam Military Medical University, run their own hostels on similar lines - confirm the rate and whether a place is guaranteed before you accept an offer.
- Dormitory rooms: VND 500,000 per month (about ₹1,750)
- Service rooms: VND 1.5 million per month (about ₹5,250)
Shared Accommodation
Sharing a room or apartment lets students split rent and utilities. It is the usual choice for students who want privacy without paying the full cost of a studio, and it is what most Indian students in Vietnam actually do after first year.
- Flat sharing: around VND 3,000,000 per person per month (about ₹10,500)
Private Apartment
Private apartments give you the most control and the highest bill. Hanoi Law University estimates a private one-bedroom apartment in selected Hanoi areas at approximately VND 4.5 million to 8 million per month. Central districts and newer serviced buildings run higher.
- Hanoi, university estimate: VND 4,500,000 – 8,000,000 per month (about ₹15,750 – ₹28,000)
- Central and premium areas: VND 6,500,000 – 11,000,000 per month (about ₹22,750 – ₹38,500)
Homestay
Homestays offer a more immersive local experience and can suit students who want support through the first few months in Vietnam. Before signing any rental agreement - homestay or otherwise - check in writing whether electricity, water, internet, maintenance and building charges are included, because these are commonly billed separately and can add VND 1 million a month.
- Per night (short-term): ₹1,000 – ₹1,800 ($11 – $20) for a basic private room
- Per month (long-term student rate): ₹15,000 – ₹30,000 ($165 – $335) when negotiating directly with local hosts
- Dorm beds and hostels (alternative): ₹400 – ₹900 ($4.50 – $10) per night in a shared room
Average Cost of Food in Vietnam
Food is the second largest line in the budget, and the one you control most directly. Local Vietnamese food is inexpensive: RMIT Vietnam puts street-food meals at roughly $2–3 and restaurant meals at $5–10. For Indian students the real figure depends on dietary preference. Vegetarian food is widely available thanks to the local com chay tradition, but Indian staples - atta, dal, paneer, masalas - are imported and carry a premium.
| Food Expense | Typical Budget Consideration (VND) | Approx. INR |
|---|---|---|
| Local meals | 50,000 – 80,000 per meal | ₹175 – ₹280 |
| Groceries (per month) | 1,500,000 – 2,500,000 | ₹5,250 – ₹8,750 |
| Indian restaurant meals | 80,000 – 150,000 per meal | ₹280 – ₹525 |
| Imported Indian ingredients (per month) | 2,170,000 – 2,713,000+ | ₹7,600 – ₹9,500+ |
| Monthly food budget | 1,200,000 – 4,000,000 | ₹4,200 – ₹14,000 |
Pro tip: Students can reduce food expenses by cooking regularly, sharing grocery purchases and choosing locally available ingredients.
Cost of Living in Vietnam vs India: Quick Comparison
On a like-for-like basket, Vietnam is more expensive than India on most everyday items - roughly 90% higher excluding rent, and 55% to 100% higher on rent depending on the cities compared. Restaurant meals and local transport are the exceptions and are actually cheaper in Vietnam. The saving on an MBBS in Vietnam therefore does not come from daily living; it comes from tuition, which is where the gap against a private medical seat in India is measured in lakhs rather than rupees.
| Expense Category | India (USD / INR) | Vietnam (USD / INR) | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person (monthly, no rent) | $230 (₹20,700) | $440 (₹39,600) | Vietnam ~91% higher |
| 1-bed apartment (city centre / mo) | $236 (₹21,240) | $366 (₹32,940) | Vietnam ~55% higher |
| 1-bed apartment (outside centre / mo) | $135 (₹12,150) | $270 (₹24,300) | Vietnam ~100% higher |
| Basic utilities (electricity, water, garbage) | $60 (₹5,400) | $100 (₹9,000) | Vietnam ~67% higher |
| Internet (unlimited, 60+ Mbps) | $8.65 (₹779) | $11.48 (₹1,033) | Vietnam ~33% higher |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $3.93 (₹354) | $2.37 (₹213) | India ~66% higher |
| Mid-range meal for 2 (3 courses) | $15.00 (₹1,350) | $19.50 (₹1,755) | Vietnam ~30% higher |
| Milk (1 litre) | $0.70 (₹63) | $1.39 (₹125) | Vietnam ~99% higher |
| Rice (1 kg) | $0.75 (₹68) | $0.88 (₹79) | Vietnam ~17% higher |
| Local transport (one-way ticket) | $0.40 (₹36) | $0.30 (₹27) | India ~33% higher |
Note: Percentages are calculated from the USD figures. INR converted at the September 2026 rate of 1 USD ≈ ₹90. City-level averages, so treat them as direction and scale, not as a quotation.
What the Budget Does Not Tell You
Cost is the easiest part of this decision to research and the least likely to decide the outcome. Three things matter more than the monthly figure, and all three are cheaper to check now than to discover in your final year.
Recognition
A degree that is not recognised is not cheap at any price. Verify the university against the current NMC approved medical colleges abroad list and confirm its status directly with the National Medical Commission before paying any deposit. Recognition status changes; last year's list is not good enough. The new NMC guidelines for MBBS abroad also set minimum course duration, medium of instruction and internship conditions that a low fee does not exempt you from.
The screening exam
If you intend to practise in India, the degree is only half the journey. Look at the FMGE pass rate of Vietnam MBBS graduates before you commit, and understand what those numbers can and cannot tell you about a specific university. Our guide to whether you can practise in India after MBBS from abroad walks through registration and the compulsory internship that follow.
Hidden and one-time costs
The monthly figure hides the costs that actually strain families: the flight home each year, the rental deposit of one to two months' rent, visa extensions, health insurance renewal, clinical uniforms and instruments, and the currency risk of six years of rupee-to-dong conversion. Budget an additional month's expenses per year for these and you will not be caught out.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Vietnam for Indian MBBS students depends primarily on the city, the accommodation and the lifestyle. A student who chooses shared or university housing, eats local food and uses public transport can plan for around VND 6 million to 12 million per month (₹21,000 to ₹42,000), excluding tuition and one-time costs. A student who rents privately in central Hanoi and eats out daily can double that. These are indicative figures and should be refreshed against current university and local prices before you finalise anything.
More importantly, students considering MBBS in Vietnam should weigh the university's recognition, curriculum, clinical training, language of instruction and the latest NMC rules alongside the cost of living. If you are still deciding between countries, browse every option with fees and eligibility on our MBBS abroad or start with the destinations covered in low-cost MBBS abroad for Indian students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Vietnam expensive for Indian students?
Vietnam is manageable for most Indian students, but the actual cost depends on the city, the type of accommodation and how often you eat out. A student in university accommodation who cooks or eats local food can stay near the lower end of VND 6 million a month. A student renting a private apartment in central Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City can spend twice that.
Q. What is the monthly cost of living in Vietnam for students?
A practical planning range is VND 6 million to 12 million a month, which is roughly ₹21,000 to ₹42,000 or $235 to $470 at September 2026 rates. This excludes tuition and one-time costs such as flights, the visa and the initial rental deposit.
Q. What is the average cost of food in Vietnam?
RMIT Vietnam recommends about $250 a month for food for international students in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. A local street-food meal costs roughly VND 50,000 to 80,000 while a restaurant meal costs VND 120,000 upwards, so the monthly figure moves sharply with how often you eat out.
Q. Is Vietnam cheaper than India for Indian students?
On a like-for-like basket Vietnam is more expensive than India on most items, roughly 90% higher excluding rent. Restaurant meals and local transport are the exceptions and are cheaper in Vietnam. Total cost of the degree can still be lower than a private medical seat in India, which is where the real saving sits - see the cost of MBBS in India for the comparison.
Q. How much does accommodation cost in Vietnam?
University dormitories start near VND 500,000 a month for a standard room. A shared flat is around VND 3 million per person. A private one-bedroom apartment in Hanoi runs VND 4.5 million to 8 million, and VND 6.5 million to 11 million in central and premium areas.
Q. How much money should an Indian student carry to Vietnam for the first month?
Budget for about two and a half months of living costs in the first month, roughly VND 15 million to 25 million. The first month carries the rental deposit, usually one to two months' rent, plus a SIM card, bedding, kitchen basics and registration costs that do not repeat.
