Cost of Semiconductor Engineering Education in Vietnam

Overview of Tuition Fees for Semiconductor Programs in Vietnam

Semiconductor programs in Vietnam have become increasingly popular as the country strives to develop its technology sector. The tuition fees for these programs vary significantly, ranging from VND18.5 million to VND94.8 million (approximately US$708 to $3,630) per year. This wide range reflects the diversity in educational institutions and the specific focus areas of each program.

Currently, about 25 universities across Vietnam offer semiconductor-related programs. These include disciplines such as semiconductor microelectronics technology, microchip design, microelectronics engineering, nanotechnology, semiconductor chips, and packaging technology. Among these, 17 universities have published their tuition fees for students enrolling this academic year.

The most common tuition fees fall between VND23 million and VND41 million per year, typically covering two semesters. However, some institutions charge more due to additional terms or specialized courses. For example, the civil engineering program at the Military Technical Academy has the lowest tuition fee at VND18.5 million, marking the first year the academy is recruiting civil engineering students after a six-year hiatus.

FPT University stands out with the highest average tuition fees, particularly for its Microchip Design program. Students in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City pay VND94.8 million annually, while those in Da Nang and Can Tho pay VND66.36 million. In Gia Lai, the fee is VND47.4 million. Other notable institutions include the Vietnam-Japan University and Hanoi National University, both charging VND58 million, and the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi at VND56 million.

Detailed Tuition Fee Breakdown for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Here is a detailed breakdown of expected tuition fees for semiconductor programs in 17 universities for the 2025-2026 academic year:

1. Hanoi University of Science and Technology – Microelectronics Engineering and Nano Technology: 28-35 million VND
2. University of Science, Hanoi National University – Semiconductor Technology Program (Materials Science): 38 million VND
3. University of Engineering and Technology, Hanoi National University – Microchip Design Program (Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering): 40 million VND
4. Vietnam-Japan University, Hanoi National University – Semiconductor Chip Engineering Technology: 58 million VND
5. Military Technical Academy – Microchip Design and Embedded Systems, Semiconductor and Nano Technology: 18.5 million VND
6. Post and Telecommunications Institute of Technology – Semiconductor Microchip Technology (Electrical and Electronics Engineering): 29.6-37.6 million VND
7. University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) – Semiconductor Microchip Technology: 56 million VND
8. Cryptographic Technical Academy – Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering (Embedded Systems and Microchip Design): 39.2 million VND (average per credit throughout the course)
9. University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City National University – Semiconductor Technology, Microchip Design: 34.2 million VND
10. University of Information Technology, Ho Chi Minh City National University – Microchip Design: 37 million VND
11. University of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City National University – Computer Engineering (Digital Microchip Design), Microchip Design: 30 million VND
12. Ton Duc Thang University – Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering (Semiconductor Microchip Design): 34.85 million VND
13. University of Science and Technology, Da Nang – Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering (Microelectronics – Microchip Design): 30.9 million VND
14. FPT University – Microchip Design: 94.8 million VND (3 terms in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), 66.36 million VND (in Da Nang and Can Tho), 47.4 million VND (in Quy Nhon)
15. Phenikaa University (Hanoi) – Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering (Semiconductor Microchip Design): 46.2 million VND
16. Eastern University of Technology (Hanoi, Bac Ninh) – Semiconductor Technology: 23-29 million VND (if considering one year with two terms)
17. CMC University – Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering (Semiconductor Microchip Design): 40.95 million VND (3 terms)

Admission Requirements and Government Initiatives

Currently, eight universities have set minimum score requirements for candidates applying to semiconductor programs. These include Hanoi University of Science and Technology, universities under Vietnam National University – Hanoi, and Vietnam National University – HCMC. Candidates applying to bachelor’s or engineering programs must meet specific criteria, including certain entrance scores for a combination of Mathematics and at least one Natural Science subject (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology). The total score of the three subjects must be 24/30, with a minimum score of 8/10 for Mathematics.

In September 2024, the government approved the Human Resources Development Program for the Semiconductor Industry through 2030, with a vision towards 2050. The goal is to train 50,000 qualified professionals in this field by 2030. To meet the growing demand for talent, the Ministry of Education and Training plans to offer 75 programs to support this industry, primarily in fields such as Physics, Mechanics, Computer Science, Computer Networks, and Data Communications.