The Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine (PNTU) is a prestigious public medical school in Ho Chi Minh City, specifically established to train healthcare professionals for the city’s dense population. Named after the first Minister of Health of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, it is recognized for its high academic standards and its status as a key medical research center in the south.
Established: 1989 (formerly the Training Center for Healthcare Professionals).
Location: 2 Duong Quang Trung, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD) (Equivalent to MBBS).
Duration: 6 Years (5 years of academic study + 1 year of clinical internship).
Language of Instruction: Vietnamese (Standard program) and English (International cohorts).
Accreditation: Recognized by the Vietnam Ministry of Health, WHO, and NMC (India).
Academic Prestige: PNTU is unique because it was originally managed directly by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, giving it a strong community-service mission.
Modern Infrastructure: The campus features advanced laboratories for biomaterials, molecular biology, and anatomy. It also houses the Center for Elaboration Competency and Innovation in Clinical Simulation, one of the most advanced in the region.
Vietnam-Germany Faculty: The university has a notable collaboration with the University of Mainz (Germany) for specialized medical training.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
As a city-focused university, PNTU has deep clinical ties with virtually all major hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City:
Gia Dinh People’s Hospital: A primary teaching site for general and internal medicine.
Hung Vuong Hospital: A major center for Obstetrics and Gynecology training.
Children’s Hospitals 1 & 2: Specialized pediatric rotations.
Hospital for Tropical Diseases: Offers unique clinical exposure to infectious and tropical medicine.
Practical Edge: Clinical practice starts as early as the second year, emphasizing bedside learning and procedural skills in some of the country's busiest healthcare settings.
State University Affordability
Tuition at PNTU is set to remain competitive for international students seeking a high-volume clinical environment.
Annual Tuition (International Program): Approximately $4,500 – $5,500 USD per year (~₹3.5 - ₹4.5 Lakhs).
Total Course Fee: Roughly ₹21 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs for the full 6-year duration.
Ancillary Costs: Budget approx. $1,000 USD for initial registration, document verification, and one-time visa charges.
Vibe: District 10 is known as a hub of activity with many student-friendly cafes and local parks.
Safety: High. The area around the university is well-lit and populated, making it safe for international students.
Connectivity: Centrally located; Tan Son Nhat International Airport is approx. 20-30 minutes away by taxi or bus.
Accommodation: Secure, university-managed hostels are available nearby in District 10.
Cost: Approx. $800 – $1,200 USD per year (~₹65,000 - ₹1 Lakh).
Setup: Typically 2-to-4 sharing rooms with Wi-Fi, study desks, and laundry facilities.
Indian Mess: Due to the growing Indian student community, dedicated Indian mess services (both Veg and Non-Veg) are available near the campus.
Monthly Food Budget: Approx. $150 – $250 USD.
City Living: District 10 is a vibrant area with many affordable eateries, local markets, and easy access to the city center via public bus.
Academic Threshold: Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in Class 12.
NEET (Mandatory for Indians): A qualifying NEET score is strictly required for admission and for eligibility to sit for the FMGE/NExT in India.
Language Requirement: For English-medium programs, an interview or proof of English fluency is required. For Vietnamese-taught programs, a 1-year language course is mandatory.
Timeline: Primary intake is in September. Applications for 2026 are expected to open in May/June.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus