The Faculty of Medicine at Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy (TNUMP) is one of the most prestigious medical schools in Northern Vietnam. It has a long-standing history of training healthcare professionals for the northern mountainous regions and has recently emerged as a popular, budget-friendly destination for international students—particularly those from India—due to its English-medium program and NMC (National Medical Commission) recognition.
Established: 1968.
Location: 284 Luong Ngoc Quyen Road, Thai Nguyen City, Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam.
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: English (for the international program) and Vietnamese.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Ministry of Health of Vietnam, WHO, and the NMC (India). It is a member of the Thai Nguyen University system.
Regional Hub: TNUMP is the second oldest medical school in Northern Vietnam and serves as the primary medical training center for the mountainous northern provinces.
Infrastructure: The campus is equipped with 67 lecture halls (seating 60–100 students each), advanced digital classrooms, and a comprehensive medical library.
Research Focus: The faculty has a strong emphasis on basic medicine and pathology, featuring 27 research laboratories where students can engage in practical skill-building from their early years.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
TNUMP provides an exceptionally strong clinical environment through its own hospital and numerous regional affiliations:
TUMP Hospital: The university’s own specialized teaching hospital (established in 2007) serves as the primary base for student rotations.
Thai Nguyen National Hospital: A large multi-specialty facility that provides students with exposure to a high volume of complex medical cases.
Affiliated Network: Students also rotate through specialized provincial hospitals (Pediatric, Obstetrics, Oncology) and district general hospitals in Thai Nguyen and neighboring provinces.
Practical Approach: Clinical training begins in the second year, focusing on community health, infectious diseases, and trauma surgery common to the northern regions.
State University Affordability
TNUMP is widely considered one of the most affordable high-quality medical schools in Southeast Asia.
Annual Tuition Fee (International): Approximately $3,100 – $4,500 USD per year (approx. ₹2.6 – ₹3.8 Lakhs).
Total 6-Year Tuition: Estimated at roughly $18,650 – $27,000 USD (approx. ₹15.5 – ₹22.5 Lakhs).
One-Time Charges: Budget approx. $1,500 – $2,000 USD for initial registration, document verification, and visa processing.
Vibe: A quiet, clean, and safe provincial city known as the "City of Tea." It is an academic hub with over 10 universities, offering a peaceful environment for students.
Safety: Very high. Thai Nguyen is much less congested than Hanoi, making it easier for international students to integrate.
Connectivity: Located about 75 km from Hanoi. It is easily reachable from Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) in approximately 1–1.5 hours.
Climate: Subtropical. Expect hot, rainy summers (May–August) and cool, misty winters (December–February).
Accommodations: The university provides 16 five-storey dormitory buildings capable of housing thousands of students.
Cost: Approx. $500 – $1,000 USD per year (depending on room sharing: 2, 4, or 6-sharing).
Facilities: 24/7 security, Wi-Fi, laundry areas, and proximity to lecture halls.
Indian Mess: Due to the large population of Indian medical students, the university provides specialized mess facilities.
Food Options: North and South Indian meals (Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian) and Halal options are available.
Monthly Food/Living Budget: Approx. $150 – $250 USD.
Sports & Recreation: The dormitory complex includes standard football, volleyball, and badminton courts, as well as an aesthetic fitness center.
Academic Threshold: Minimum 50–60% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in Class 12.
NEET (Mandatory for Indians): A qualifying NEET score is strictly required for admission and for future eligibility to practice in India.
English Proficiency: For the English stream, an interview or proof of English facility is required (TOEFL/IELTS is preferred but not always mandatory if prior education was in English).
Application Deadlines: * Fall Intake (September): July 15, 2025.
Spring Intake (February): December 1, 2025.
Documents: 10th/12th marksheets, NEET scorecard, medical fitness certificate (including HIV test), and a valid passport (min. 1-2 years validity).
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus