1. Saigon University
Saigon University is a public institution dedicated to higher education and scientific research, aimed at training high-quality human resources to meet the socio-economic development needs of Ho Chi Minh City and the country. One of the standout programs at this university is psychology.
The undergraduate psychology program at Saigon University trains graduates with strong political awareness, professional competence, and essential qualities for psychological research, applying psychology in various societal sectors, human resource management in organizations, and providing psychological counseling. Additionally, the program prepares students for further studies at higher levels.
Psychology students at Saigon University will acquire knowledge in areas such as:
- Applying basic psychological theories to study human behavior;
- Understanding and applying general social sciences (world history, anthropology, sociology, law) to analyze factors affecting psychological development;
- Understanding and applying knowledge of anatomy and neurophysiology to analyze the biological basis of psychological phenomena;
- Understanding and applying knowledge of social statistics and research methods to conduct psychological research.
In 2022, the entrance score for Saigon University was 22.7 points, with tuition fees ranging from 10 to 12 million VND per year.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:
- 273 An Duong Vuong, P. 3, Q. 5, Ho Chi Minh City
- 105 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, P. Vo Thi Sau, Q. 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- 04 Ton Duc Thang, P. Ben Nghe, Q. 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 3835 4409
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://sgu.edu.vn/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/TruongDaihocSaiGon.SGU/


2. Van Hien University
Van Hien University was established in 1997. The main goal of the university is to provide students with an application-oriented education, offering a wide range of programs and developing training curricula that align with international integration. In addition, the university places a strong emphasis on preserving and promoting Vietnamese cultural heritage, while adapting to the socio-economic development of the country with the educational philosophy of 'Building character before fame.'
At Van Hien University, the psychology program offers two specializations for students to choose from. For those interested in in-depth research, they can pursue the counseling and therapy specialization. Alternatively, students interested in business can choose the counseling and human resources management track.
The university aims to prepare students for both domestic and international job markets. To achieve this, Van Hien University applies practical, advanced scientific techniques and emphasizes foreign language proficiency and soft skill development. As a result, more than 85% of graduates secure jobs in their specialized fields. In addition to providing knowledge and skills, the Faculty of Medicine regularly organizes volunteer activities, helping students confidently apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
In 2022, the entrance score for Van Hien University was 22 points, with tuition fees ranging from 20 to 24 million VND per semester.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:
- 613 Au Co, P. Phu Trung, Q. Tan Phu, Ho Chi Minh City
- 624 Au Co, P. 10, Q. Tan Binh, Ho Chi Minh City
- 13E Function Area - Nguyen Van Linh, P. Phong Phu, South City, Ho Chi Minh City
- 736 - 738 - 740 Dien Bien Phu, P. 10, Q. 10, Ho Chi Minh City
- 665 - 667 - 669 Dien Bien Phu, P. 1, Q. 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 1800 1568
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.vhu.edu.vn/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/vhu.edu.vn


3. University of Economics and Finance Ho Chi Minh City
University of Economics and Finance Ho Chi Minh City (UEF) is also considered one of the top universities offering psychology programs in Ho Chi Minh City. The psychology program at UEF spans four years, divided into two semesters each year. Students have the flexibility to complete the program early through accelerated study options. Upon graduation, students will receive a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and can pursue graduate studies at UEF or other universities both domestically and internationally.
The total program includes 132 credits, excluding Physical Education and National Defense Education courses. Students will engage in specialized courses such as Social Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Personality Assessment and Intervention, and Counseling on Gender, Marriage, and Family.
At UEF, psychology students study in a friendly environment with state-of-the-art facilities, where all classrooms are air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi. With class sizes limited to 40 students, students have ample opportunities to form close connections and interact directly with instructors.
In addition to highly qualified and experienced faculty members, including guest lecturers who are leading experts in the field, students often have the chance to meet and learn from industry professionals, business owners, and senior managers in the psychology field. These guest speakers bring real-world insights to the classroom.
In 2022, the entrance score for the psychology program at University of Economics and Finance Ho Chi Minh City was 18 points, with tuition fees ranging from 14 to 18 million VND per academic year.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 141 - 145 Dien Bien Phu, P. 15, Q. Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 5422 6666
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.uef.edu.vn/
Fanpage: www.facebook.com/uef.edu.vn


4. What are the essential skills and qualities required to be an effective psychologist?
To become an effective psychologist, one must develop a range of vital skills and qualities.
Here are the necessary skills and qualities:
Key Skills:
- Communication Skills:
- Active listening: The ability to listen attentively and understand what the client or patient is sharing.
- Effective Communication: The ability to express ideas and explain psychological concepts clearly and understandably.
- Counseling Skills:
- Providing support: Helping clients resolve problems and develop coping strategies.
- Empathy: Understanding and sharing the emotions of the client, sympathizing with their experiences.
- Analysis and Assessment Skills:
- Psychological assessment: Using tools and methods to assess the psychological condition of clients.
- Data analysis: Analyzing information and data from psychological tests and research to make informed decisions.
- Time Management Skills:
- Planning and organizing: Managing time effectively to balance counseling sessions, research, and administrative tasks.
- Prioritizing tasks: Handling tasks and prioritizing essential duties.
- Problem-Solving Skills:
- Creative solutions: Finding effective methods and strategies to address clients' psychological issues.
- Decision-making: Making informed decisions based on assessments and client conditions.
- Research Skills:
- Research methods: Conducting studies and analyses in psychology to gain a deeper understanding of issues and trends.
- Report writing: Drafting research reports and professional papers.
Personal Qualities:
- Ethics and Integrity:
- Confidentiality: Ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of client information.
- Honesty: Providing accurate and sincere information and feedback.
- Patience and Perseverance:
- Accepting slow progress: Understanding that therapy may take time and patience.
- Empathy and Compassion:
- Understanding emotions: Placing oneself in the client's shoes and feeling what they are going through.
- Ability to Work Under Pressure:
- Stress management: Handling stressful situations and remaining calm in challenging circumstances.
- Independence and Teamwork:
- Working independently: Performing tasks effectively and autonomously.
- Teamwork: Collaborating with other professionals in psychology and related fields.
- Flexibility and Creativity:
- Adapting methods: Being flexible in adjusting approaches and strategies based on client needs and feedback.
- Creative problem-solving: Finding new and innovative ways to address psychological challenges.
5. What is the income of psychologists in Vietnam, particularly in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City?
Psychologists in Vietnam, especially in large cities like Ho Chi Minh City, earn varying incomes depending on factors such as experience, educational background, workplace, and specialization.
Here are some salary insights for psychologists:
- Basic Psychologists (Consultants or Therapists):
- Starting salary: Around 10 - 15 million VND/month.
- Experienced: 15 - 25 million VND/month.
- In private practices: Can earn higher based on the number of clients and reputation.
- Clinical Psychologists (Psychotherapy, mental health support):
- Starting salary: Around 12 - 18 million VND/month.
- Experienced: 20 - 35 million VND/month.
- In hospitals or private clinics: Salary can be higher depending on expertise and reputation.
- Organizational Psychologists (Consulting, training, and HR development):
- Starting salary: Around 15 - 20 million VND/month.
- Experienced: 25 - 40 million VND/month.
- In large corporations: Earnings may increase with large projects and contracts.
- Research Psychologists (Research and teaching at universities):
- Starting salary: Around 12 - 18 million VND/month.
- Experienced: 20 - 30 million VND/month.
- At universities: Salary varies depending on position and rank (lecturer, researcher).
- Customer Support Psychologists (Customer service, training):
- Starting salary: Around 10 - 15 million VND/month.
- Experienced: 15 - 25 million VND/month.
- In customer service companies: May receive bonuses and allowances.
- Child and Family Psychologists:
- Starting salary: Around 12 - 18 million VND/month.
- Experienced: 18 - 30 million VND/month.
- At educational institutions or private clinics: Income may be higher depending on clientele and work specifics.
6. How can applied psychology contribute to improving an individual's mental health?
Applied psychology is a vital field that focuses on utilizing psychological theories and methods to address practical issues and enhance individual mental health.
Here are some ways applied psychology can improve mental health:
- Treatment and Management of Mental Disorders:
- Counseling and Therapy: Applied psychology offers effective treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychotherapy, and family therapy to help individuals cope with mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
- Relaxation techniques: Methods like meditation, muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Enhancing Coping Skills and Stress Management:
- Coping strategies: Helping individuals develop effective coping skills to manage stress and address life challenges.
- Time management and organization: Improving time management and organizational skills to reduce pressure and boost efficiency.
- Developing Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem:
- Self-awareness: Supporting individuals in better understanding themselves, recognizing emotions and motivations, and gaining insight into their psychological issues and behaviors.
- Boosting self-esteem: Helping increase self-worth and confidence by challenging negative thoughts and fostering positive self-perceptions.
- Support in Social Relationships and Interaction:
- Communication skills: Improving communication and conflict resolution in personal and professional relationships.
- Strengthening relationships: Assisting individuals in building and maintaining supportive, positive social connections.
- Managing Emotions and Behavior:
- Emotional control techniques: Teaching methods to effectively manage and regulate emotions.
- Behavioral change: Guiding individuals to modify unhealthy behaviors and cultivate positive habits.
- Personal Goal-Setting and Planning:
- Goal-setting: Helping individuals establish and achieve personal goals, from improving health to advancing careers.
- Planning: Assisting with creating actionable plans to reach personal objectives.
- Support in Lifestyle Changes:
- Habit modification: Aiding individuals in breaking unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, or overeating.
- Promoting healthy habits: Encouraging behaviors like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep.
- Education and Awareness-raising:
- Psychological education: Providing knowledge about mental health issues to raise awareness and understanding.
- Mental health awareness: Helping individuals recognize the importance of mental well-being and ways to maintain and enhance it.
- Crisis Support: Offering crisis intervention and timely support during situations like psychological trauma or suicidal thoughts.
- Motivation and Personal Performance Enhancement:
- Motivation: Guiding individuals to find motivation and sustain perseverance in reaching their personal goals.
- Performance improvement: Assisting individuals in optimizing their performance in various aspects of life, from work to personal endeavors.
7. Ho Chi Minh City University of Education
Ho Chi Minh City University of Education is one of the top institutions offering high-quality undergraduate programs in psychology in Ho Chi Minh City. The university is a national key teacher training institution, providing undergraduate and graduate education, conducting research in education and various other fields to meet the demand for highly skilled educators and advanced research, supporting the educational and socio-economic development of Southern Vietnam and the entire country. One of its key departments is the psychology program.
Graduates of the psychology program are well-equipped with professional expertise, skills, and ethical standards to work in research institutes, centers, social organizations, media, businesses, hospitals, and more. Additionally, they are prepared to pursue further studies in psychology at advanced levels.
In addition to focusing on professional knowledge, the university also provides opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world settings. Psychology students practice counseling and therapy at reputable hospitals, creating opportunities for internships and employment at centers and hospitals after graduation.
With the goal of becoming a leading research and training center in psychology in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, the Department of Psychology at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education continually innovates and improves its educational quality, providing highly skilled professionals with the necessary expertise and abilities to meet the real-world demands in various psychology fields, educational psychology, and child social work, supporting the development of psychology across Southern Vietnam and the entire country.
In 2022, the psychology program at the university required an entrance score of 25.75 points. Tuition fees range from 5-7 million VND per semester.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:
- 280 An Dương Vương, P. 4, Q. 5, Ho Chi Minh City
- 222 Lê Văn Sỹ, P. 14, Q. 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 3835 2020
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://hcmue.edu.vn/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/HCMUE.VN


8. University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
University of Social Sciences and Humanities is part of the Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City. It is considered the largest institution in the southern region dedicated to the study and research of social sciences and humanities, offering over 34 academic programs, including psychology. The university strives to provide an optimal learning environment for students, ensuring access to modern facilities and equipment. It frequently collaborates with businesses in the field of psychology, allowing students to gain real-world exposure to their field of study.
Compared to other psychology programs in Ho Chi Minh City, University of Social Sciences and Humanities regularly hosts on-site seminars, which help students gain a deeper understanding of the field of psychology. These seminars are also a platform for sharing research on human psychological behavior, with international experts invited to provide additional insights and experiences, enhancing students' learning and practical research efforts.
In 2022, the psychology program at the university required an entrance score ranging from 24.3 to 24.5 points. Tuition fees range from 9 to 11 million VND per semester.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address:
- 10-12 Đinh Tiên Hoàng, P. Bến Nghé, Q. 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Khu phố 6, P. Linh Trung, Thủ Đức City, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 3829 3828
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://hcmussh.edu.vn/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057444489578


9. University of Labor and Social Affairs
University of Labor and Social Affairs is one of the top universities in Ho Chi Minh City offering psychology programs. As a public institution with 20 years of growth and development, the university has achieved significant milestones, especially in the training of psychology graduates. Over the years, it has become one of the leading centers for psychology education in the city and the southern region.
The undergraduate psychology program at the university is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, qualities, and attitudes to take on roles as psychological professionals in various sectors. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to gain theoretical insights and practical skills through real-life psychological practice. This focus on hands-on experience is one of the key strengths of the psychology program at the University of Labor and Social Affairs.
In 2022, the university's psychology program required an entrance score of 24.5 points, and the tuition fees for the academic year range from 14 to 16 million VND.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Address: 1018 Tô Ký, P. Tân Chánh Hiệp, Q. 12, Ho Chi Minh City
Phone: 028 3883 7814
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ldxh.edu.vn/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ldxh.edu.vn/


