Attending university involves more than just tuition fees—students should also consider additional living expenses such as accommodation, textbooks, study materials, transportation, and parking, which are often overlooked.
Public Transport: In Vietnam, the most common mode of transportation is two-wheelers (motorbikes), but public transport also includes buses, cars, and bicycles. One of the most widely used apps is GRAB, which provides services for ride-hailing, food delivery, parcel delivery, and more. It is a convenient and affordable option for daily commuting.
Purchasing a personal vehicle, such as a motorbike, can be a more economical and convenient option for students living in the city. The cost of obtaining a driving license and completing the necessary formalities is approximately ... for international students and around ... for local students.
Faculties or departments usually provide a list of required textbooks and equipment, often included in the course syllabus. With careful planning, students can minimize these costs. Becoming a member of the on-campus library allows students to borrow books, further reducing expenses.
The following is a guide to what an average student can expect to pay in 2025, including basic monthly expenses and the costs of some commonly purchased items.
| Single student living on-campus | Single student living off-campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Rent |
School dorm
1.300.000 VND (4-person dorm room)
750.000 VND (8-person dorm room)
|
1.500.000 VND |
| Utilities | 500.000 VND | 500.000 VND |
| Food | 3.000.000 VND | 3.000.000 VND |
| Mobile phone | 100.000 VND | 100.000 VND |
| Internet | 150.000 VND | 150.000 VND |
| Public transport | 500.000 VND | 500.000 VND |
| Photocopying | 50.000 VND | 50.000 VND |
| Recreation | 500.000 VND | 500.000 VND |
| Total monthly expenses | 6.100.000 VND | 6.300.000 VND |
At DNC, students have access to a variety of convenient and affordable dining options. The DNC Canteen and nearby fast-food outlets offer budget-friendly meals and beverages, catering to different tastes and ensuring students are well-fed throughout the day.
For added convenience, the GS25 convenience store operates 24/7, providing snacks, essentials, and quick meals anytime. Additionally, SHE Tea & Coffee Café offers a cozy and welcoming space where students can relax, study, or enjoy a drink with friends. These facilities contribute to a supportive and comfortable campus life.
Nam Can Tho University (NCTU) has partnered with VietinBank to assist both international and local students with banking and financial services. The Finance Department at Block C provides step-by-step guidance on banking procedures, including setting up accounts and using digital services.
Students can obtain debit or credit cards for use both on and off campus. Once issued, the cards can be used at ATMs available on-site or around the city. Note that some ATMs may have limited access after 10:00 PM.
In Vietnam, most transactions are made through online payments or cash at restaurants, shops, and other establishments. Students are also encouraged to use internet banking, with support and instructions for setting it up—along with digital authentication certificates—provided by VietinBank.
