The University of Medicine and Pharmacy (VNU-UMP), a member of the prestigious Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), is one of the top medical schools in Northern Vietnam.
Established: 2010 (as VNU School of Medicine & Pharmacy); upgraded to University status in 2020.
Location: 2B Pham Van Dong, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD/MBBS).
Duration: 6 Years (5 years of academic study + 1 year of clinical internship).
Language of Instruction: Primarily Vietnamese for undergraduate MD; English is used for the newly launched International Master's programs.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) of Vietnam, WHO, and NMC (India).
VNU Integration: As part of VNU Hanoi (the #1 university in Vietnam according to many rankings), students benefit from a massive research-based ecosystem and interdisciplinary collaboration with basic science departments.
Modern Facilities: The university houses high-quality specialized laboratories equipped with the latest medical devices for pharmaceutical and clinical research.
Hanoi Campuses: While the administrative hub is in Cau Giay, VNU is progressively moving many operations to its sprawling new high-tech campus in Hoa Lac.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
VNU-UMP is distinguished by its extensive network of nearly 29 affiliated central-level and city hospitals in Hanoi:
VNU Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital: The university's own specialized clinical base.
Bach Mai Hospital: One of the largest and most famous tertiary referral hospitals in Vietnam.
Viet Duc University Hospital: The leading surgical center in North Vietnam.
National Children's Hospital: A premier site for pediatric clinical rotations.
Clinical Exposure: Students gain diverse experience across varied settings, from high-tech trauma surgery to community-based primary care.
State University Affordability
Tuition at VNU-UMP is highly competitive for international students compared to private colleges in India or the Philippines.
Annual Tuition Fee: Approximately $4,500 – $6,000 USD per year (~140 million VND).
International Student Admin Fee: Approx. $400 USD (one-time).
Application Fee: $100 USD (non-refundable).
Total Course Cost: Estimated at roughly $30,000 – $35,000 USD for the full 6-year program.
Vibe: The historic capital of Vietnam, known for its mix of ancient architecture, vibrant street food, and bustling commerce.
Transport: The city is well-connected by buses and the developing Hanoi Metro. Students can use a monthly bus pass for roughly $5–10 USD.
Climate: Four distinct seasons. It gets quite cold and misty in January/February (around 10°C) and very hot and humid in the summer (35°C+).
Dormitories: International students have access to VNU’s dormitory system (often shared with other VNU member schools).
Cost: Very affordable, approx. $1,000 – $1,500 USD per year.
Living Costs: Hanoi is an affordable city.
Monthly Food/Personal Expenses: Approx. $200 – $300 USD.
Mess: While no single "Indian mess" exists for the entire school, the growing influx of international students has led to increased availability of South Asian and Halal food options in the Cau Giay area.
Academic Threshold: High school graduation with at least 50-60% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
NEET (Mandatory for Indians): A qualifying NEET score is strictly required for admission and for eligibility to practice in India later.
English Proficiency: IELTS 5.5+ or equivalent is generally required for programs involving English instruction.
Interview: Shortlisted international candidates often participate in an online admission interview focused on motivation and basic science knowledge.
Application Deadlines:
Fall Intake (September): Before June 30th.
Spring Intake (February - limited): Before October 15th.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus