How will my MBBS in Vietnam be structured from the first year to the sixth year?
The MBBS in Vietnam typically runs in four phases: pre-clinical in years 1 and 2, para-clinical in years 3 and 4, clinical in year 5, and a full clinical internship in year 6. Vietnamese language is a mandatory subject. Exact structure can vary by university.
The course is typically built in phases, moving from basic sciences to hospital work. Structure can vary by university, so treat this as a general picture.
Phase-wise Structure
| Phase | Year | Key subjects and focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Clinical | Year 1 and 2 | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry and Vietnamese Language (mandatory); builds strong basics for hospital visits |
| Para-Clinical | Year 3 and 4 | Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Community Medicine; you start visiting hospitals to observe simple cases |
| Clinical | Year 5 | Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, OBGYN, ENT; around 50 to 60% of time in hospitals with patients |
| Internship | Year 6 | Full clinical rotation as a trainee doctor, with night shifts, emergency duty and patient management under supervision |
What This Means for You
- Vietnamese is a mandatory subject and helps when you speak with patients in the clinical years, but NMC expects the whole course to be taught in English.
- Hospital exposure increases gradually from observation to supervised patient management.
My Advice
Start learning basic Vietnamese early, since you will need it with patients. Confirm the exact curriculum and recognition rules on the university's official page before you commit.
Looking for a specific course?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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