The School of Medicine at Tan Tao University (TTU) is a unique, private non-profit institution located in the Tan Duc E. City (Duc Hoa Ha, Long An Province), just on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. It is the first university in Vietnam to adopt a U.S.-style liberal arts education model, specifically designed to bridge the gap between Vietnamese medical training and international standards like the USMLE.
Established: 2013 (University founded in 2010).
Location: Tan Duc E. City, Duc Hoa Ha, Duc Hoa, Long An Province (approx. 30-45 mins from HCMC).
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD).
Duration: 6 Years.
Language of Instruction: Bilingual (English and Vietnamese). Scientific and medical subjects are taught in English to prepare students for international exams.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Ministry of Health of Vietnam and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
U.S. Curriculum Model: The curriculum is modeled after Duke University (USA) and emphasizes critical thinking, research, and clinical reasoning.
USMLE Preparation: TTU is the only university in Vietnam that explicitly integrates preparation for the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 into its medical program, facilitating students' ability to pursue residency in the United States.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: The school utilizes the Anatomage Table (a 3D virtual dissection tool) and maintains modern microbiology and pathology labs.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Tan Tao University Hospital: The school has its own general hospital that serves as a primary practical teaching site.
Affiliated Hospitals: Students rotate through major tertiary hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, including:
Thống Nhất Hospital.
Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital.
Tam Duc Heart Hospital (known for specialized cardiac training).
Early Clinical Exposure: Unlike traditional programs, TTU students often begin observing clinical environments and interacting with patients in their early years.
State University Affordability
Tuition at TTU is higher than public universities due to its private, non-profit, U.S.-style model.
Annual Tuition (International): Approximately $7,000 – $10,000 USD per year (~170 to 250 million VND).
Scholarships: TTU is well-known for offering generous merit-based scholarships (ranging from 25% to 100% of tuition) to high-achieving students.
Ancillary Fees: Budget approx. $500 USD annually for books, clinical uniforms, and mandatory health insurance.
Vibe: Located in an industrial-academic park, it offers a quiet, focused environment away from the noise of the city, yet it is close enough to Ho Chi Minh City for clinical rotations and weekend trips.
Safety: Very high. The campus is a gated community with private security.
Climate: Tropical; hot and humid year-round with a rainy season from May to November.
On-Campus Dormitories: Modern, secure housing is available within the 503-acre Tan Duc E. City campus.
Cost: Approx. $800 – $1,200 USD per year.
Facilities: Separate wings for male and female students, air-conditioned rooms (optional), 24/7 security, and study lounges.
Dining: The campus features a student cafeteria serving Vietnamese and international meals.
Food Budget: Approx. $200 – $300 USD per month. The rural-suburban location of Duc Hoa makes local fresh food quite affordable compared to central HCMC.
Academic Threshold: High school diploma with strong grades in Biology and Chemistry.
English Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate strong English skills. Minimum IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 79 is typically required, or students must pass the university's internal English assessment.
Interview: A mandatory interview with the School of Medicine's admission board (often involving U.S.-trained professors) to assess motivation and aptitude.
NEET (For Indians): A qualifying NEET score is mandatory for admission and for the degree to be valid for practicing in India.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus