If you are looking for a destination that combines lower tuition costs, quality of education, and adequate living costs, Vietnam may be one of the options worth thinking about when studying English.
Although Malaysia and the Philippines are among the most popular English language destinations, in recent years, Vietnam has begun to attract an increasing number of international students thanks to the development of language institutes, the presence of qualified teachers, and the lower study and living costs compared to many other countries.
But the most important question remains: is Vietnam worth traveling to learn English? Is it the right choice for Saudi and Gulf students?
The answer depends on your goals, budget, and level of language you want to reach, in addition to the type of institute and city you will study in.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need before deciding to study in Vietnam, including:
- Advantages of studying English in Vietnam
- The best English language institutes
- Tuition fees and expected costs
- Living and housing costs
- The best cities to study
- Comparison between Vietnam and Malaysia
- How to choose the right institute
- The most frequently asked questions by Saudi and Gulf students
1 Is it worth studying English in Vietnam?
The short answer is: Yes, if you are looking for an appropriate cost, international environment and institute that offers powerful English language programs.
But if your goal is to study in a country where English as the official language of everyday life, there may be other destinations that fit this goal more.
Therefore, the decision depends on what you want to achieve in terms of language study, and not only on the name of the state.
◆ Why is Vietnam a growing destination for studying English?
The English language education sector in Vietnam has witnessed a remarkable development over the past years, with the expansion of a number of educational institutes in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Da Nang, and the presentation of various programs that suit international students.
Many of these institutes offer programs in: General English, Academic English, Preparation for IELTS Exams, Business English, and Intensive Conversation Programs.
Some institutes also use English-speaking teachers, as well as qualified teachers of different nationalities, with different from one institute to another.
◆ Why do some Saudi and Gulf students choose Vietnam?
There are several reasons why some students in the Gulf think about Vietnam, most notably:
- The cost of the study is lower compared to some other destinations
- Relatively lower cost of living
- Provides study programs with different durations that are suitable for long vacations or study
- There are multiple options of institutes in more than one city
- Combination of study and exploration is one of the fastest growing countries in Southeast Asia
However, the institute should be chosen carefully, because the quality of the programs varies from one educational institution to another.
◆ Is Vietnam better than Malaysia to learn English?
There is no single answer that will suit all students.
Each country has its own advantages, and the choice depends on the student's goals and budget.
In general: If you are looking for an environment with a large number of international students and well-known institutes in the Arab world, Malaysia may be a suitable option. If you are looking for less costs and different experience in Southeast Asia, Vietnam may be a worthy study option.
In later part, we will provide a detailed comparison between Vietnam and Malaysia in terms of institute quality, fees, living and educational environment, so that you can make the right decision.
2 Best English Language Institutes in Vietnam 2027
If you plan to study English in Vietnam, you will find dozens of institutes offering different programs, but the fact is that not all institutes are suitable for international students, and some focus mainly on Vietnam students, while others provide programs for adults and students coming from outside Vietnam.
For this reason, the institute should not be chosen based on price only, but should be considered the quality of the program, the number of hours of study, the teachers' experience, the city the institute is located, and the compatibility of the program with your goal of learning English.
After reviewing the official websites of the most famous language institutes in Vietnam, it can be said that the following institutes are among the most prominent options available.
◆ How did we choose these institutes?
To be fair and useful, we relied on several criteria, including: educational reputation, years of experience, diversity of programs, quality of the curriculum, availability of programs for international adults and students, number of branches, teacher level, and flexibility of study programs.
We have not only relied on ads or ratings, but we have also reviewed the information published on the official websites of each institute.
◆ 1. Ila Vietnam
Ila Vietnam is one of the most famous English language institutes in Vietnam, and has a wide network of educational centers in several cities. It offers a variety of programs including general English, English for communication, preparation for IELTS and more. The institute also points out that it has adopted educational programs with international standards and provided a large number of qualified teachers.
Highlights: One of the largest language institutes in Vietnam, a variety of programs for adults, branches in several major cities, a modern educational environment, and multiple options for developing speaking, listening and writing skills.
Suitable for: Those wishing to study general language, prepare for the IELTS test, and students who prefer large institutes.
◆ 2 Apollo English
Apollo English is one of the oldest names in the English language teaching market in Vietnam, and has more than 75 centers within the country, and emphasizes the use of foreign teachers and developed educational programs in cooperation with international educational institutions.
Highlights: Long experience in teaching English, wide spread in various cities, modern curricula, foreign teachers in the programs determined by the institute, and a professional educational environment.
Suitable for: Those looking for a long-experienced educational institution, and students who are interested in developing English communication skills.
◆ 3 Vus (Vitnam USA Society English Centers)
VUS is one of the largest English language teaching centers in Vietnam, and offers a variety of programs for children, adolescents and adults, and is known for its collaboration with international educational bodies in some of its programs.
Highlights: Wide spread, various programs by level, public language courses and IELTS, and modern educational facilities.
Suitable for: Students who wish to study the language within a large institution, and who wish to develop the language for academic or professional purposes.
◆ 4 Language Link Vietnam
Language Link Vietnam is distinguished by its expertise in offering English language programs, especially in Hanoi, and offers general language and academic English courses, and preparations for international exams.
Highlights: Long experience, various academic programs, adult courses, and interest in developing communication skills.
Suitable for: Those wishing to study in Hanoi, and prepare for language tests.
◆ 5 Acet Vietnam
Acet Vietnam is more focused on academic English, and is best known for its undergraduate and international student preparation programs such as IELTS.
Highlights: Specialist in academic language, powerful programs to prepare for undergraduate studies, and experience preparing students for language exams.
Suitable for: Students who plan to study undergraduate studies, and who wish to raise IELTS scores.
◆ Comparison of the most famous English language institutes in Vietnam
| institute | best suited for | software | cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ila Vietnam | General Language and IELTS | variety | Several cities |
| Apollo English | Communication and the general language | variety | More than 75 centers |
| Vus | General Language and IELTS | variety | Several cities |
| Language Link | Academic language | General Language and IELTS | Hanui mainly |
| acet | Undergraduate and IELTS | English academy | Major cities |
Note: The programs, number of study hours, branches available, and the policy of each institute may vary, so it is recommended to see the latest information before registration.
◆ Which institute is best suited for Saudi and Gulf students?
There is no single institute that suits all students.
The choice depends on: your current level in English, your goal of study, program duration, budget, and city you wish to stay.
Therefore, choosing the right institute from the start helps to make the best benefit from your study period, rather than relying on fame or price only.
Confused between Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines?The Edusar team compares your options based on your budget and goal.
استشارة مجانية3 How to choose the best English language institute in Vietnam?
Most English language institutes may seem similar when browsing their websites, they all talk about the quality of education, teachers and modern programs. But when you actually compare, you will find significant differences in the quality of teaching, the number of study hours, the size of the classes, the activities, and even the students' level in the classroom.
Therefore, choosing the right institute should not only depend on fame or price, but on the compatibility of the program with your educational goals.
◆ First: Determine your goal in studying the language
Before you start comparing institutes, ask yourself: Why do you want to study English?
The answer to this question will determine the type of program that is right for you.
For example:
| goal | The right program |
|---|---|
| Conversation improved | General English |
| undergraduate | English academy |
| IELTS test | IELTS Preparation Program |
| work | Business English |
| Develop all skills | Intensive program |
Choosing the right program saves you time and money and gives you better results.
◆ Second: Don't compare prices only
One of the most common mistakes is to choose the cheapest institute without considering what the program is involved in.
Before registration, compare: the number of weekly study hours, the number of students in the classroom, the teacher experience, the teaching materials, the practical activities, the periodic exams, and the certificate awarded by the institute.
Sometimes the higher-priced institute is more prolific in the long run because it offers more study hours or better education.
◆ Third: Choose the right city
The study experience varies from city to city.
Ho Chi Minh City
The largest city in Vietnam, with a large number of language institutes, is suitable for those looking for active civilian life, and a wide choice of accommodation, restaurants and transportation.
Hanoi
The capital, a good academic environment, includes many universities and institutes, and is suitable for those who prefer the cultural atmosphere.
Da Nang
A relatively quiet city, affordable living cost, close to beaches and attractions, and suitable for those looking for a less crowded environment.
◆ Fourth: Is Vietnam better than Malaysia or the Philippines?
This question is one of the most frequently asked questions by students in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
In fact, no country is best for everyone, it depends on your goals and budget.
| standard | Vietnam | Malaysia | Philippines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study cost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| cost of living | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Spread of English in everyday life | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Diversity of institutes | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| The right environment for Arab students | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| IELTS Software | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If you are looking for the lowest cost, Vietnam or the Philippines may be a convenient option. If you want a environment where people use more English, and institutes with a strong presence among Arab students, Malaysia will often be a better choice.
◆ Fifth: Mistakes that students make when choosing an institute
Avoid the following mistakes before registration:
- Select the institute based on the price only
- Registration without knowing the number of study hours
- Ignore the location of the residence and its distance from the institute
- Uncertainty of start-up dates
- Rely on old or unofficial information
- Choose a program that does not suit your current level
◆ Is studying in Vietnam suitable for you?
Vietnam may be an excellent option if you are looking for a suitable study and living costs, you want to develop your English, prefer your study experience in a Southeast Asian country, or you are looking for a variety of programs and flexible study durations.
If your goal is to study in an environment in which the English language is widely used on a daily basis, you may also want to compare Vietnam with Malaysia or the Philippines before making your final decision.
Are you ready to start your journey?Get a free consultation from the Edusar team before you sign up.
Contact us؟ FAQs about studying English in Vietnam 2027
If you plan to travel to Vietnam to study English, it is natural to have many questions about institutes, costs, visas, and the nature of life there.
In this section, we have collected the most frequently asked questions that Saudi and Gulf students are looking for, with clear and up-to-date answers.
Is Vietnam worth studying English?
Is Vietnam better than Malaysia?
How long does it take to study English?
Are there recognized institutes?
How much does it cost to study English in Vietnam?
How much does it cost to live?
Are there halal restaurants?
Is the study suitable for Saudi and Gulf students?
Do I need a visa to study the language?
Can the study period be extended?
Can the institute be changed after arrival?
Can I live near the institute?
When is the best time to travel to Vietnam?
Can I study for a month only?
Can IELTS be studied in Vietnam?
Do institutes provide housing?
Is it possible to register directly at the institute?
In recent years, Vietnam has become one of the destinations worth considering when looking for English language study, especially for students who want to combine appropriate costs, various educational programs and a different cultural experience in Southeast Asia.
With a number of well-known institutes, the diversity of programs, and the flexibility in the duration of the study, the student can choose the program that suits his level, objectives and budget.
But choosing the right institute remains the most influential factor in the success of the language learning experience, so we always recommend comparing the options available and not making a decision based on the price only.
◆ Start your journey with Edusar
If you are considering studying English in Vietnam, the Edusar team helps you with every step, from choosing the right institute, through comparing programs and costs, and completing the registration procedures.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and we will help you choose the best institute that suits your level and budget, so that your educational journey begins with confidence.