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Vietnam Student Visa

The Vietnam Student Visa, symbolised DH under Vietnam’s Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, is issued to foreign nationals entering Vietnam to study or undertake an internship. According to official visa classification, the DH visa covers individuals entering for internships and study purposes at Vietnamese educational institutions. In practice, many students first enter Vietnam on a Tourist Visa, enrol in their course, and then apply for a visa status change to the DH category at the Vietnam Immigration Department, since a Vietnamese institution or sponsoring organisation is generally required to act as guarantor for the DH visa. As with all Vietnam Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Eligibility

Based on official Vietnamese government sources, applicants for a Student Visa (DH) must generally:

  • Be a foreign national accepted into a study programme or internship at a recognised institution in Vietnam.
  • Hold a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended entry date; DH visa validity must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s remaining validity.
  • Provide a written acceptance letter from the Vietnamese educational institution.
  • Have a guarantor organisation in Vietnam (typically the educational institution) to support the visa application.

 

Government Visa Fees

Government fees for the DH visa are set under Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC (effective April 1, 2026) and vary depending on validity and entry type, as with other non-tourist visa categories:

Fee TypeAmount
Student Visa (DH), by validity and number of entriesApproximately USD 35–145, depending on duration and entry type
INR EquivalentInformation may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances

Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Applicants should confirm the exact current fee with the Vietnam Immigration Department or the relevant Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate, as the DH visa is generally not processed through the standard e-Visa fee schedule used for tourism and short business visits.

Vietnam Visa Processing Time

Because a DH visa typically requires a Vietnamese institution to act as guarantor, and is often obtained after arrival through a visa status change rather than in advance, processing timelines can vary more than for the standard e-Visa system. Applicants are advised to first confirm their acceptance and guarantor arrangements with their Vietnamese institution, then apply for a Tourist Visa or eVisa to enter the country, before initiating the visa status change process with the Immigration Department once enrolled. Applicants should coordinate closely with their institution and the Immigration Department to determine an accurate processing timeline for their specific case.

Required Documents Checklist

Passport valid for a period that is at least 30 days longer than the intended DH visa validity
Digital passport-style photograph
Written acceptance letter from the Vietnamese educational institution
Completed visa application form (for initial entry, and/or for visa status change after arrival)
Guarantor documentation from the sponsoring educational institution or organisation in Vietnam
Additional supporting documents as requested by the Vietnam Immigration Department or the specific embassy/consulate

Step-by-Step Application Process

Secure admission and an official acceptance letter from a recognised Vietnamese educational institution.
Confirm with the institution whether they will act as your guarantor for the DH visa application.
Once enrolled, submit a visa status change application to the Vietnam Immigration Department, with your institution's guarantor documentation.
Enter Vietnam on a Tourist Visa or eVisa if a DH visa cannot be issued before arrival.
Provide your passport, photograph, and acceptance letter as part of the application.
Pay the applicable visa fee.
Await processing and any request for additional documents.
Receive your DH visa, valid generally up to 12 months, extendable for up to 1 year at a time.
Register your residence and comply with reporting requirements as a foreign student in Vietnam.

Important Notes

The DH visa is generally valid for up to 12 months and can be extended for further periods, subject to continued enrolment and guarantor support.
Many students initially enter Vietnam on a Tourist Visa and later apply for a visa status change to DH once enrolled — this route commonly requires an agency or the institution's assistance.
A written acceptance letter from the educational institution and a guarantor arrangement in Vietnam are essential requirements.
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Visa validity must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport's remaining validity.
Providing false or dishonest information in the application will result in denial.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Vietnam Student Visa requires careful planning, accurate documentation, and compliance with Vietnam’s immigration and educational requirements. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with institution selection, admission documentation, visa application forms, financial evidence, accommodation details, travel insurance (where applicable), and all required supporting documents. Our experienced consultants carefully review your application to help minimize errors and delays while ensuring your documentation is complete and meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and student-focused assistance throughout your Vietnam study journey. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Vietnamese immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Vietnam Student Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Vietnam Student Visa (DH) used for?
It is issued to foreign nationals entering Vietnam to study or complete an internship at a recognised Vietnamese institution.
2. How much does a Vietnam Student Visa cost?
Fees vary by validity and entry type, generally ranging from approximately USD 35 to USD 145. Confirm the exact fee with the Vietnam Immigration Department or the relevant embassy/consulate.
3. Can I apply for a DH visa before arriving in Vietnam?
In some cases, yes, but many students enter on a Tourist Visa first and then apply for a visa status change to DH once enrolled at their institution, since a Vietnamese guarantor is generally required.
4. Do I need a guarantor for a Vietnam Student Visa?
Yes. A Vietnamese educational institution or sponsoring organisation typically needs to act as guarantor to support the DH visa application.
5. How long is a Vietnam Student Visa valid for?
The DH visa is generally valid for up to 12 months and can be extended for further periods, subject to continued study and guarantor support.