The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy at Tay Nguyen University (TNU)—also known as Đại học Tây Nguyên—is a major regional medical school located in Buon Ma Thuot, the "Capital of Coffee" in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Established in 1977, the university is a multidisciplinary hub that plays a vital role in providing healthcare professionals for the Central Highlands and surrounding provinces.
Established: 1977.
Location: 567 Le Duan Street, Buon Ma Thuot, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam.
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD) (equivalent to MBBS).
Duration: 6 Years (including a 1-year clinical internship).
Language of Instruction: Primarily Vietnamese for standard programs; English-medium tracks are increasingly being introduced to accommodate international cohorts.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) of Vietnam, WHO, and the NMC (India).
Regional Significance: TNU is a national-level university mandated to lead socio-economic development in the Central Highlands.
Infrastructure: The campus features specialized facilities for the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, including dedicated labs for Morphology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology.
Medical Ecosystem: The university integrates academic learning with practical service through its own Tay Nguyen University Hospital and its Center for Students' Services, which manages international student affairs.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Tay Nguyen University Hospital: A 100-bed university-owned hospital located on campus, serving as the primary training site for clinical skills and initial patient interaction.
Regional Affiliations: Students undergo major rotations at the Dak Lak Province General Hospital (the largest in the region) and other specialized provincial facilities.
Clinical Exposure: Clinical training typically begins in the third year, with rotations in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynecology. The region's unique demographic allows students to gain experience in tropical medicine and community health challenges specific to the highlands.
State University Affordability
Tuition at Tay Nguyen University is highly affordable, keeping with its mission as a regional public institution.
Annual Tuition (International): Approximately $3,000 – $4,500 USD per year (roughly ₹2.5 – ₹3.7 Lakhs).
Total 6-Year Tuition: Estimated at roughly $18,000 – $25,000 USD.
Miscellaneous Fees: Budget approx. $300 – $500 USD annually for student visas, health insurance, and administrative processing.
Vibe: A peaceful, green city famous for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and the Yok Don National Park. It offers a focused, quiet environment for medical study.
Connectivity: Buon Ma Thuot Airport (BMV) has daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Climate: Tropical monsoon. It is cooler than the coastal cities due to its elevation, with a pleasant average temperature of 23°C.
Safety: Very high. It is a tight-knit community where international students are highly respected.
Dormitory System: The university provides secure, on-campus housing specifically managed for both local and international students.
Cost: Approximately $500 – $900 USD per year.
Facilities: Rooms are furnished with basic utilities, 24/7 security, and are within walking distance of the medical faculty buildings.
Dining: The university has a dedicated student canteen.
Indian Mess: Given the growing number of Indian medical students in Vietnam, local and on-campus food services often provide customized meal plans (both Veg and Non-Veg).
Cost of Living: Buon Ma Thuot is one of the most affordable cities in Vietnam; students can manage on $150 – $200 USD per month for food and personal expenses.
Academic: Minimum 50% in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in Class 12/High School.
NEET (Mandatory for Indians): A qualifying NEET score is required for admission and for the degree to be valid for practicing in India.
Language Proficiency: For English-medium tracks, an interview or proof of English fluency is required. For Vietnamese tracks, a 1-year language preparatory course is mandatory.
Documents: Transcripts, High School Diploma, Valid Passport, Medical Fitness Certificate (HIV negative), and 4 passport-sized photos.
Timeline: Primary intake is in September. Applications for the 2026 session typically open in May/June 2026.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus