MBBS in Vietnam: Eligibility, Fee, Scope for Indian Students

Obtaining a Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree is the first step to becoming a physician. Medicine aspirants in India have been pursuing their MBBS dream abroad as seats back home are limited. Among the many countries that Indians flock to, Vietnam has emerged as an attractive destination. MBBS in Vietnam is cost-effective, is recognized in India, and offers quality education. 

Why study MBBS in Vietnam

Generally, six years are required to complete the MBBS in Vietnam, the first two of which are devoted to foundational courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and medical ethics. Clinical research and hands-on training in various sections of hospitals and medical facilities are the main topics of study for the final four years. There are several compelling reasons to choose Vietnam as a destination for studying MBBS, which are mentioned below:- 

1) Reasonably Priced Tuition: 

For students looking to study MBBS overseas, Vietnam is among the most cost-effective possibilities. Studying in Vietnam is relatively less expensive than in other nations like the US, UK, and Australia. The average MBBS fee in Vietnam is nearly VND 180,000,000/year ($7,498).

2) Global Recognition:

 Graduates of Vietnamese universities with an MBBS degree are eligible to practice medicine in a number of different nations once they clear their respective licensing exams. 

3) Excellent-Quality Education: 

Universities in Vietnam that offer the MBBS program adhere to excellent standards of instruction that are on par with those at Western institutions. The curriculum development is overseen by the Ministries of Health (MOH) and Education and Training (MOET).

4) Multicultural Experience: 

Studying in Vietnam offers international students a multicultural experience. They have the opportunity to communicate with students from different nations while learning about their cultures and traditions.

5) Internship Possibilities: 

While doing MBBS in Vietnam, Indian students have the chance to complete internships at some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in the nation. 

Top Specializations After MBBS in Vietnam

Vietnamese universities offer a wide range of specializations for MBBS graduates, including:-

• Family Medicine:-

Family medicine specialists are regarded as the foundation of the medical profession. They also play increasingly important responsibilities in the community.

It involves the identification, management, and avoidance of several diseases, injuries, and problems that affect the entire family. 

• Cardiology:-

Disorders of the heart and circulatory system are covered under the medical specialty of cardiology. Congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease, and electrophysiology are among the medical diagnoses and treatments covered by this discipline.

• Cardiac Surgery:-

Operations on the heart or significant blood vessels are referred to as cardiovascular surgery, also known as cardiac surgery. It is widely used to treat rheumatic heart disease, atherosclerosis, endocarditis, congenital heart disease, and valvular heart disease from a variety of causes.

• Otology- Rhinology- Laryngology:-

Otolaryngology includes laryngology as a specialization. A laryngologist is therefore an otolaryngologist (ENT) who specialises in the larynx. Your ear, nose, and throat are all affected by disorders that otolaryngologists diagnose and treat. Because of this, they are sometimes referred to as ENTs (ear, nose, and throat experts).

• General Surgery:-

General surgery is a branch of medicine that specializes in the surgical diagnosis and management of a wide range of injuries, diseases, and ailments that affect the abdomen, breasts, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system.

• Neurology:-

The medical specialty of neurology focuses on abnormalities of the neurological system, whether they are pathogenic or functional. The brain, spinal cord, and nerves are all affected by various disorders that neurologists diagnose and treat.

• Pediatric Medicine:-

A pediatrician is a child's doctor who offers preventative health services to healthy children as well as medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. A pediatrician oversees the physical, psychological, and emotional health of the kids in their care at every stage of development, in good health as well as in illness.

• Internal Medicine:-

Internal medicine is a field of medicine where doctors use their clinical judgment and scientific knowledge to identify and treat a wide range of illnesses and health issues in adults. Internists or general internists are medical professionals who specialize in internal medicine.

Best Medical Colleges for MBBS in Vietnam

Some of the top universities in Vietnam for MBBS include the following:-

• Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy  - The University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Ho Chi Minh City, which is a part of the University of Saigon, was founded in 1957 and is situated in the southern region of Vietnam. Offering undergraduate and graduate programs in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, and other healthcare fields, this university is one of the biggest and best-ranked in Vietnam.
• Hanoi Medical University - One of the most renowned and first colleges serving top healthcare professionals, Hanoi Medical University was established in 1902 under the name Indochina Medical College. Because of the way entrance exams are structured, admission to this university is extremely hard. 
• University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Can Tho:-The renowned university Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy is situated in the Vietnamese city of Can Tho. It was established in 2002 and has since grown to become one of the top universities in the nation, renowned for its top-notch academic offerings and chances for research.
• University Of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue:-Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, founded in 1957 as Hue Medical College, is governed by the Ministry of Education and Training. The fact that Hue UMP has a separate, high-quality curriculum for training sets it apart from other colleges. The University places a high priority on developing cutting-edge medical technologies and improving its research advancements.

University	Average MBBS Fee/Year*
Ho Chi Minh University of Medicine and Pharmacy	VND 30,000,000-70,000,000 ($1,246-2,908)
Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy	VND 14,300,000 ($594)
Vietnam National University	VND 51,000,000  ($2,118)
Duy Tan University	VND 15,76,58,500 ($6,550)
Can Tho University	VND 61,37,85,000 ($24,551)
Hongbang International University	VND 180,000,000 ($7,478)

*As per university sites

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Vietnam

Here is a general eligibility criteria Indian aspirants seeking admission to MBBS in Vietnam must meet-

• IELTS score 
• During the application process, the applicant must be at least 17 years old.
• Must possess a 10+2 degree in English with a minimum cumulative grade point average in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology of 60% from an accredited board.
• Financial position to support stay in Vietnam
• A certificate of a medical examination
• Must have NEET-UG certification
• When submitting an application for admission, students must include all of the certifications attesting to their qualifications. It contains a diploma, grade reports, and other papers. 

Intake for MBBS in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the intake for MBBS programs typically occurs once a year, in September for several MBBS institutes, and the deadline for applications is often the 15th of July for the September group.

Scholarships for MBBS in Vietnam

Several Universities offer scholarships for international students studying MBBS from Vietnam. Most universities offer a limited number of scholarships and tuition waivers. For example, Hongbang International University offers numerous scholarships such as Early Enrollment Scholarship and Vin University offers scholarships to international students based on merit. 

Job Opportunities after MBBS in Vietnam

Vietnam is a growing destination for those interested in health and wellbeing, where over 80,000 medical tourists came to the nation in 2020 alone, according to the ASEAN Post.

In Vietnam, a doctor or physician normally makes around VND 40,500,000 each month. The figure for a specialist doctor can reach VND 68,300,000/month, with a 6% average annual wage rise in Vietnam. 

After completing an MBBS degree as an international student, there are several career options you can consider. Here are some common career roles that MBBS graduates can pursue:-

• Chief Medical Officer for Clinics 
• Medical Director 
• Medical Advisor 
• Pathologist Director 
• General Practitioner 
• Associate Medical Advisor 
• Medical teacher or professor
• Medical writing
• Clinical researcher 
• Pharmaceutical researcher
• Forensic medical officer 
• Forensic psychiatry
• Radiology
• Holistic healthcare provider
• Sports medical healthcare providers
• Medico-legal advisor
• Hospital management and administration
• Exercise medicine and coach
• Bacteriologist
• Aerospace medicine
• Organ transplant coordinator

FMGE After MBBS from Vietnam to Practice in India

All Indian candidates, who pursue MBBS abroad, need to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to gain the license to practice in the country. The National Board of Examinations (NBE) administers the FMGE as a screening test to evaluate the medical expertise and knowledge of foreign medical graduates. Since the passing rate for this test can be difficult, it is imperative to prepare fully.

Students must also register with a State Medical Council (SMC) in order to practice medicine in India after completing their medical education.