Vietnam Removes Barriers for the Return of International Students

While recent changes in United States visa policies have put significant pressure on foreign students, Vietnam is taking a different approach by removing administrative and educational barriers to facilitate student return and activity. According to reports published on July 19, 2026, the country seeks to strengthen its position in the global education market by relying on new legal reforms [1].

Structural Reforms in 2026 Educational Laws Since the beginning of 2026, key reforms in Vietnam's higher education and vocational training laws have been implemented. These changes include the removal of 36% of cumbersome administrative procedures and the full digitalization of academic records [2]. The goal of these measures is to facilitate the degree verification process for students returning from abroad. Additionally, the recognition of digital diplomas allows employers and educational institutions to verify individuals' academic backgrounds quickly and without the need for traditional bureaucracy [2].

Response to International Visa Restrictions On July 19, 2026, the finalization of new student visa regulations in the United States (under the Trump administration), which limited the stay of F-1 students to four years and reduced the departure period to 30 days, created a wave of concern among Vietnamese students residing in America [4]. In response to these conditions, the Vietnamese government, through platforms such as Vietnam.vn, has announced its readiness to support the return of these elites by simplifying employment and education laws [3]. These policies include tax exemptions and facilitation of work permits for specialists holding high-level international degrees.

Vietnam as the New Regional Education Hub In addition to facilitating the return of its own citizens, Vietnam has considered new incentives for foreign students. According to proposals from the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), international students are now allowed to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week [2]. This move, which aligns with global standards, has increased Vietnam's attractiveness for students from neighboring countries like Laos and Cambodia, as well as Western students. The recent successes of Vietnamese scientific teams in the 2026 International Chemistry and Biology Olympiads also testify to the improvement of educational quality in this country [1].

Streamlining Entry and Exit As of July 1, 2026, new entry and exit regulations under Decree No. 165/2026/ND-CP have been implemented, including a pre-arrival digital health declaration system. This system is designed to reduce waiting times at borders and create a centralized database for international students and professionals to ensure a seamless educational mobility process [3].