The cost of a psychology degree in Vietnam depends heavily on the university, programme format and student category. There is no single national tuition rate for Psychology, and published 2026 figures show substantial differences even among universities in the same country.
For students comparing options, the most useful approach is to look at official tuition for named programmes and then confirm whether that fee also applies to international students. Psychology can be offered through social-science universities, health-science institutions and private universities, and the curriculum can differ accordingly.
How much does a psychology degree cost in Vietnam?
Official 2026 to 2027 tuition information gives a useful picture of the range.
At the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, the standard Psychology programme is listed in a tuition group averaging 23,000,000 to 33,000,000 VND per academic year for the 2026 intake. Its international-standard Psychology programme is listed at an average of 54,000,000 to 66,000,000 VND per academic year.
The University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City lists expected 2026 tuition for Psychology at 30,000,000 VND per academic year in its undergraduate admissions documentation.
Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy lists Psychology at 50,141,000 VND per academic year for 2026 to 2027.
VinUniversity offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and, for 2026 to 2027, lists tuition for its non-Nursing undergraduate programmes at 815,850,000 VND per academic year before its published founder-funded tuition support.
These figures illustrate the range, but they should not be converted into a national average. The programmes have different structures, funding models and tuition policies.
2026 tuition examples
University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Ho Chi Minh City
The university publishes two useful reference points for Psychology.
For the standard programme, Psychology is in a fee group with an estimated average annual tuition of 23 million to 33 million VND for students entering in 2026.
The university also offers an international-standard undergraduate Psychology programme. The published average annual tuition for this programme is 54 million to 66 million VND.
The university states that the figures are estimates based on the standard study load and that actual tuition depends on the credits a student registers and the fee applicable in each academic year.
University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City
UMP Ho Chi Minh City includes Psychology among its 2026 undergraduate programmes and lists expected tuition at 30 million VND per academic year.
This is a useful example of a Psychology degree offered within a health-sciences university rather than a general social-sciences institution.
Applicants should still confirm the programme's curriculum and career orientation. A degree called Psychology does not automatically mean that all coursework is focused on clinical psychology.
Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy
CTUMP's 2026 undergraduate admissions information includes Psychology and lists expected tuition of 50.141 million VND per year.
Again, the fee should be checked for the exact student category. A general undergraduate tuition schedule may not automatically apply to every foreign applicant or special international cohort.
VinUniversity
VinUni lists a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology among its undergraduate programmes for 2026 to 2027.
Its published listed tuition for undergraduate programmes other than Nursing is 815.85 million VND per academic year. VinUni also states that a 35 percent founder-funded tuition subsidy is automatically applied to admitted students, including international students.
The actual amount paid can therefore be lower than the listed rate, and scholarships or financial aid can reduce it further for eligible students.
Why psychology tuition varies
Tuition is influenced by more than the subject name.
A Psychology programme may be delivered by a public university, a health-sciences institution or a private university. Some programmes are standard Vietnamese undergraduate degrees, while others are designed as international-standard programmes with a different fee structure.
Costs can also vary because of:
- number of credits,
- programme language,
- international or standard track,
- public or private funding model,
- laboratory or research components,
- student services,
- scholarships and tuition subsidies,
- and annual tuition adjustments.
That is why a programme costing 25 million VND per year and another costing several hundred million VND per year can both legitimately be Psychology degrees in Vietnam.
How long does a psychology degree take?
A bachelor's degree in Psychology in Vietnam is commonly structured as a four-year undergraduate programme.
For example, the international-standard Psychology programme at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Ho Chi Minh City, states a four-year duration.
Students should still check the programme's total credits and whether internships, fieldwork or a thesis are compulsory. A student taking a lighter credit load or repeating modules could take longer and pay more overall.
Standard versus international programmes
The label matters because it can affect both cost and language.
At USSH Ho Chi Minh City, the 2026 tuition page distinguishes the standard programme from the international-standard programme, with the latter carrying a substantially higher average annual tuition.
An international-standard programme should not automatically be assumed to be fully taught in English. Applicants should ask for the official language of instruction, the proportion of modules delivered in English and the language used for assessments and placements.
Vietnam Clinic has a separate guide on Are There English-Speaking Universities in Vietnam?.
Can international students study psychology in Vietnam?
Potentially, yes, but international admission is institution-specific.
A university offering Psychology to domestic applicants does not necessarily use the same admission process for foreign applicants. International students may need a separate application route, recognition of their secondary-school qualification, proof of language ability and additional documentation.
Before relying on a published tuition rate, ask the university whether:
- foreign students are accepted into the programme,
- the same tuition applies to foreign students,
- the programme is taught in Vietnamese or English,
- a recognised foreign high-school qualification is sufficient,
- and any additional international-student fees apply.
Admission and tuition should be confirmed together.
What is included in tuition?
Universities do not all define tuition in the same way.
The tuition may cover core teaching and academic services but exclude textbooks, accommodation, insurance, student activities, retaken modules or specialist training.
VinUni's published tuition information states that its listed tuition includes training and practical fees, facilities, IT support and a range of student services. Other universities may use a different structure.
Ask for a current fee document showing what is included and which charges are separate.
Additional costs to budget for
A Psychology student may also need to plan for expenses beyond tuition.
Books and academic software
Some courses require textbooks, research software or access to academic databases. Universities may provide some of these resources centrally.
Research and project expenses
Final-year research, surveys or field projects can create small additional costs depending on the programme.
Internship or placement expenses
Transport and accommodation related to placements may not be included in tuition.
Living costs
Housing, food and transport vary by city and lifestyle and should be treated separately from the academic fee.
Does a psychology degree qualify you to practise clinically?
A bachelor's degree in Psychology and permission to work as a regulated clinical practitioner are not the same thing.
Vietnam's healthcare legislation recognises clinical psychology within the medical-practice licensing framework. The Law on Medical Examination and Treatment includes clinical psychologists among professional titles subject to licensing conditions.
Students interested in clinical practice should therefore investigate the postgraduate training, supervised practice, competency and licensing requirements that apply to the role they want. A general bachelor's degree may be an academic foundation rather than the final professional qualification.
This distinction is particularly important for international students, who may also need their qualification recognised in another country if they plan to work abroad.
For employment context, Vietnam Clinic also publishes Psychologist Salary in Vietnam: How Much Do Psychologists Earn?.
How to compare total degree cost
Do not compare universities only on the first-year tuition figure.
A better estimate includes:
- annual tuition for the expected four years,
- possible annual fee increases,
- compulsory additional charges,
- scholarship or subsidy conditions,
- cost of retaken credits if applicable,
- and living expenses.
Ask whether tuition is charged as a fixed annual amount or by credit. USSH Ho Chi Minh City, for example, notes that actual tuition can depend on the credits registered.
Questions to ask before enrolling
Before paying an application or enrolment fee, confirm the following directly with the university:
- Is the programme a bachelor's degree in Psychology?
- What is the programme duration?
- What is the total number of credits?
- What is the 2026 to 2027 tuition for my student category?
- Is tuition charged by year, semester or credit?
- What is the language of instruction?
- Are foreign students accepted?
- Are internships or placements compulsory?
- Does the curriculum include clinical psychology, counselling, educational psychology or another focus?
- Does the degree by itself meet any professional-practice requirement?
Getting these answers in writing makes cost comparisons much more reliable.
Bottom line
Psychology degree costs in Vietnam vary widely. Official 2026 tuition examples range from 23 million to 33 million VND per year for a standard Psychology programme at USSH Ho Chi Minh City, through 30 million VND at UMP Ho Chi Minh City and 50.141 million VND at CTUMP, to much higher listed private-university tuition at VinUni.
The best price comparison is not a national average. It is the verified fee for the exact Psychology programme, intake and student category you are considering, together with a clear understanding of what the degree qualifies you to do after graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a psychology degree cost in Vietnam?
Costs vary widely. For 2026 to 2027, official examples range from 23 million to 33 million VND per year for a standard Psychology programme at USSH Ho Chi Minh City to much higher private-university tuition.
How long is a psychology degree in Vietnam?
A bachelor's degree in Psychology is commonly four years. Students should confirm the exact credit load, internship requirements and graduation structure for the programme they choose.
Can international students study psychology in Vietnam?
Some universities may accept international students, but the process is institution-specific. Applicants should confirm eligibility, language of instruction and whether the published tuition applies to foreign students.
Are psychology degrees in Vietnam taught in English?
Some programmes may include substantial English-language teaching, but an international or international-standard label does not guarantee that every module is in English. Confirm the teaching and assessment language directly.
Does a bachelor's degree in Psychology let me practise as a clinical psychologist in Vietnam?
Not automatically. Academic graduation and professional licensing are separate, and clinical psychology is included within Vietnam's regulated healthcare-practice framework.
Is tuition the same every year?
Not necessarily. Universities can change rates, and some charge according to registered credits. Ask for the current fee policy and any expected annual increases before estimating the total degree cost.
Sources
- University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Ho Chi Minh City - 2026-2027 undergraduate tuition
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City - 2026 undergraduate admissions and tuition
- Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy - 2026 undergraduate admissions and tuition
- Government of Vietnam - Law on Medical Examination and Treatment
Writer
Jonathan García-Allen
Psychologist, book author and digital strategist specializing in mental health. He co-founded Psicología y Mente, one of the world’s most visited mental health websites, with more than 20 million visits per month. He has more than 10 years of experience creating health content and helping psychologists, therapists and clinics grow their online presence through content, SEO and digital marketing
Medical review
Tan Nguyen
Medical writer for Vietnam Clinic. MD, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
