We offer a wide range of proactive support services and activities prior to departure, upon arrival to Vietnam, during your study, and on completion.
RMIT Vietnam has been recognised internationally for its excellent support services for international students. The University was awarded the 2018 Duty of Care Award by the International SOS Foundation for providing high standards in health, safety and security for international students.
Prepare
Get everything ready for your international journey with RMIT Vietnam.
Explore
Discover the sights and culture of Vietnam by exploring the cities and regions.
Engage
Join our buddy system or one of our many student clubs to connect with others.
Preparing for RMIT Vietnam
Essential items for travel to Vietnam
It is advisable to have the following items in your hand luggage:
- Carry-on luggage
- Passport
- Visa
- Offer and Offer acceptance form
- Personal details and Vietnam contact address
- Key contact name/ phone numbers, address of the hotel in Vietnam, details of the person you will meet on arrival (if any)
- Vietnamese dong (or you can exchange money at the airport)
- Driving license (or another identification document)
- All personal valuables: laptop, camera, phone chargers, etc.
Note:
- Do not put your valuables in the check-in luggage
- Have photocopies of all your key travel documents in your main luggage
Checked-in luggage
- Photocopy of key travel documents
- Clothing
- Toiletries
- All other personal items including any essential electrical goods.
Appropriate level insurance coverage is essential for your time in Vietnam. As an international student with a student visa, medical insurance is compulsory to ensure your health, safety and well-being while studying at RMIT University Vietnam.
RMIT University Vietnam will arrange suitable medical insurance on behalf of the student. The new insurance fee of VND 7,400,000 is included in the tuition fee invoice per semester, effective from Semester 2, 2026
Important
From 1 March 2026, APRIL International will be appointed as RMIT Vietnam’s insurance provider for the Academic Year 2026–2027, succeeding Henner.
Please note:
- Henner coverage concluded on 28 February 2026.
- From 1 March 2026 onward, all medical services and claims must be processed under APRIL.
- Claims incurred before 1 March 2026 must continue to be submitted to Henner, in accordance with their claim submission timeline.
Before you fly, ensure you have a valid multi-entry student visa for Vietnam.
At immigration
Upon arrival, present your passport with the student visa at the immigration desk. Queues may be long, so be patient. Officials might ask a few questions before stamping your passport.
At the airport
Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport)
- Taxi: Fares to Districts 1 or 3: 100,000–150,000 VND; to District 7: 200,000–250,000 VND. Use Mai Linh or Vinasun (metered, reliable).
- Ride-hailing App/Services: Grab
Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport)
- Taxi: To city center: 290,000–350,000 VND; slightly more for areas beyond. Use Mai Linh or Taxi Group (metered, reliable).
- Ride-hailing App/Services: Grab or Xanh SM
International Student Services (ISS) is pleased to offer one-off 24/7 Free Airport Pick-up services to new international students at RMIT Vietnam.
Eligibility
- You are commencing your studies as an international student at RMIT Vietnam.
- You are arriving in Vietnam for the first time.
Note: If you travel with other students/groups, you must complete the form individually.
Process
- Submit this Airport Pickup Form at least 05 business days before your arrival date.
- The International Student Support (ISS) Team will review your request and send you a ‘Confirmation Email’ within 24 hours.
- You will receive an 'Information Email' pickup from pick-up supplier within 03 days before your arrival date. This email will include important details such as instructions and the driver's contact information.
- Please respond to the ‘Information Email’ within 48 hours to confirm that you have received the pickup instruction. This is crucial to ensure your pickup is scheduled. The failure to confirm within 48 hours will result in the automatic cancellation of your airport pickup service.
How to locate your driver upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
- The driver will be waiting at Column 12 (on the right) of the International Arrival Exit Gate, holding a nameplate with your name, 30 minutes before your scheduled arrival time.
- Please save both the driver’s phone number and your accommodation address on your phone.
- If you’re unable to find your driver, ensure you have access to the airport Wi-Fi so you can contact them via WhatsApp.
If you have any questions, please submit an inquiry on Student Connect Online Portal.
Life at RMIT Vietnam
Buddy Team: Your bridge to Vietnam
Transitioning to university life in a new country is a major milestone. The RMIT Buddy Program – a student-led initiative under the International Student Support – Student Life designed to help you feel welcomed, informed, and connected from day one.
Our Buddy Team is made up of trained RMIT student volunteers who bring local insight and cultural understanding to support your transition into university life in Vietnam. From navigating campus to settling into the local community, your Buddy is here to help you feel at home, faster.
Prior to your arrival, RMIT will introduce your Buddy to you via email, along with their contact details. Buddy will reach out to share essential information and offer support ahead of your departure. Buddy will stay connected with you throughout your journey at RMIT Vietnam — providing guidance, encouragement, and a friendly presence as you settle into life at RMIT Vietnam.
If you’re looking to create memorable moments in Vietnam while making the most of your student life here, join our events and activities.
From culturally immersive experiences to social and community-building activities, you’ll have opportunities to learn more about Vietnamese culture and daily life while connecting with local students and peers from around the world. These experiences are designed to help you feel supported, engaged, and part of a vibrant global community.
Establishing a local bank account is crucial for managing personal finances effectively while living in Vietnam, facilitating everything from receiving and transferring money to making daily payments. This section provides the essential resources and information to help you navigate this process independently.
International students are expected to have a valid student visa (DH code) sponsored by RMIT Vietnam and comply with Vietnam immigration rules and regulations.
The decision of your entry visa/ visa extension comprehensively relies on the Vietnamese Immigration Department. RMIT Vietnam is not responsible for and cannot guarantee the outcome of any visa application.
Note: All visa and visa-related procedures will strictly follow the Vietnam legislation and regulations, which RMIT Vietnam must comply with in all activities.
Upon arrival in Vietnam, getting a local SIM card is an important step to staying connected. There are a variety of options for purchasing a local SIM card, with flexible plans designed to match different needs and preferences.
*Note: In compliance with Vietnamese regulations, all SIM cards must be registered using your passport. Whether you’re purchasing at the airport, a convenience store, or an official mobile provider, always have your passport and visa on hand for a smooth and successful registration process.
The cost of living in Vietnam can vary depending on your lifestyle and location within the country.
While you’re studying, it is important to have a home base where you feel comfortable and secure. Here's a rough estimate of monthly expenses for international students in Hanoi and HCMC.
| Although rental prices can certainly differ, finding shared or private accommodation is relatively easy and has a range of options available. | Approximate cost per month: US$250 - $600 |