The Vietnam University of Traditional Medicine (VUTM), located in Hanoi, is the leading institution in Vietnam dedicated to the integration of Eastern traditional healing with modern Western medicine. Established in 1971 (with roots dating back to 1957), it is a major hub for students interested in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and holistic healthcare.
Established: 1971 (Current university status since 2005).
Location: 2 Tran Phu, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Degree Conferred: Doctor of Traditional Medicine.
Duration: 6 Years (including a clinical internship).
Language of Instruction: Primarily Vietnamese (Some specialized short-term courses and international exchange modules are available in English).
Accreditation: Recognized by the Ministry of Health of Vietnam and the WHO. It is a key member of international traditional medicine networks.
Eligibility: International students must have a high school diploma and usually demonstrate proficiency in the Vietnamese language (at least B2 level) before beginning the medical curriculum.
Heritage Focus: The university aims to inherit and promote the rich heritage of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine while applying modern scientific research methods.
Curriculum: Students study both Western Medicine (Anatomy, Pathology, Surgery) and Traditional Medicine (Yin-Yang theory, Meridian theory, Herbal Pharmacology).
Facilities: Includes 10 functional departments, 37 specialized departments, and a vast medicinal herb garden for botanical study.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
VUTM operates its own specialized hospital and partners with the country’s top medical facilities:
Tue Tinh Hospital: The university’s primary 500-bed teaching hospital, located right on campus. It specializes in treating chronic diseases using combined East-West therapies.
National Hospital of Traditional Medicine: The highest-level hospital for traditional medicine in Vietnam.
Viet Duc Hospital & Bach Mai Hospital: Students rotate through these major Western-style surgical and general hospitals in Hanoi to gain comprehensive clinical skills.
Practice Areas: Students gain extensive hands-on experience in Acupuncture, Tuina-Massage, and Herbal Preparation.
State University Affordability
Tuition at VUTM is exceptionally affordable, especially compared to private Western-style medical schools.
Annual Tuition (International): Approximately $1,000 – $1,500 USD per year.
Vietnamese Language Course: If required, a preparatory 1-year language course costs approx. $1,500 – $2,000 USD.
Total 6-Year Tuition: Estimated at roughly $6,000 – $9,000 USD.
Visa & Health Insurance: Approx. $200 USD per year.
Vibe: Located in Ha Dong, a suburban district that has become a bustling residential and education hub. It is quieter and less expensive than central Hanoi but well-connected.
Transport: The university is near the Hanoi Metro (Line 2A), allowing students to reach the city center quickly.
Climate: Four seasons. Very humid/hot summers and chilly, damp winters.
Safety: High. Hanoi is considered one of the safest capitals in Southeast Asia for international students.
On-Campus Dormitories: VUTM provides housing for international students in a dedicated dormitory building.
Cost: Approx. $500 – $800 USD per year (sharing basis).
Facilities: Rooms are equipped with beds, desks, and 24-hour hot water. Students usually share communal kitchen areas.
Dining: There is no specific international mess; most students self-cater or eat at local university canteens.
Food Budget: Highly affordable; students can manage on $100 – $150 USD per month.
Off-Campus: Private apartments in the Ha Dong area range from $250 – $400 USD per month.
Academic: High school certificate with strong marks in Biology and Chemistry.
Language: Most undergraduate programs require a Vietnamese Proficiency Certificate. The university usually offers a 6-to-12-month language preparatory course before the MD program begins.
Entrance: Unlike some Western schools, admission for international students is often based on transcript evaluation and a personal interview rather than a standardized entrance exam like the MCAT.
Documents: Transcripts, high school diploma, passport, medical fitness certificate, and a certificate of Vietnamese language (if already obtained).
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus