Chinese is becoming an increasingly popular language in Vietnam, opening up many exciting job and study opportunities. With the rise of language centers and online learning platforms, the cost of a Chinese course today is quite varied. So how much does a Chinese course actually cost? Let’s explore the current range of Chinese courses fees on the market with Ni Hao Ma!
What’s Included in Chinese Course Fees?
Each learning method or center offers a different pricing structure, depending on teaching quality, materials, facilities, and other services. Understanding these components not only helps you know what you’re paying for but also allows you to choose a Chinese course that fits your budget and learning goals.
Instructor Fees
One of the biggest factors affecting the cost of a Chinese course is the qualification and experience of the instructor. Courses taught by native speakers or certified teachers with years of experience usually come with a higher price tag. This is understandable, as the teacher’s expertise significantly influences the learning outcomes of students.
Learning Materials and Textbooks
Study materials are an essential part of any Chinese course. Fees usually include—or require an additional charge for—official textbooks like Boya Chinese, HSK Standard Course, exercise books, flashcards, audio/video resources, or access to online learning platforms. Some centers even provide their own custom-developed learning materials, which can also raise the overall course cost.
Facilities and Equipment
Learning environment matters. Centers with modern classrooms, air-conditioning, projectors, electronic whiteboards, or language labs for listening and speaking practice tend to have higher fees. These investments enhance comfort and learning effectiveness. Students may also enjoy access to libraries, study rooms, relaxation areas, bookshelves, or high-speed Wi-Fi—services that add value but also cost.
Student Services and Administration
Few people realize that part of the Chinese course fee covers administrative operations, such as support staff, academic advisors, and student service teams. Professional centers often invest heavily in student care—from helping you design a study path, sending reminders, rescheduling classes, answering questions, to tracking your progress. While these services improve the overall experience, they do add to the course fee.
Course Format and Learning Model
The course format is another key factor that determines price. Offline Chinese courses at centers tend to cost more due to overhead expenses. One-on-one classes are priced significantly higher than group classes because the teacher can customize content, pace, and goals to suit individual students. Some courses now use blended learning models—combining in-person and digital platforms with AI-powered tools—which also affects pricing.
How Much Does a Chinese Course Cost?
Course fees are a major consideration for students. They reflect not only the course quality but also influence decisions about where to study, what format to choose, and how to structure your learning journey. Some centers charge by the month, others by full course packages. Here’s a breakdown by course type:
Chinese Speaking Courses
Prices for Chinese speaking courses at centers in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang vary widely depending on the brand, teaching quality, course duration, class size, and format (offline or online).
- Beginner Communication Courses: Designed for newcomers, these typically range from 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 VND/course (~ 24–36 class hours). At more reputable centers, fees can rise to 5,000,000–8,000,000 VND per course, sometimes reaching 10 million if taught by native speakers in small groups.
- Intermediate to Advanced Courses: These are for students with a foundation in Chinese who want to improve fluency and real-life conversation skills. Average course fees range from 4,000,000 to 9,000,000 VND.
- Private or Small Group Classes (1-on-1 or 2–3 people): Personalized courses typically cost around 500,000–600,000 VND per session, and may exceed 10 million VND per course if taught by a native Chinese instructor.
HSK Exam Preparation Courses
HSK (Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì – Chinese Proficiency Test) exam preparation courses in Vietnam currently have an average price ranging from 3,000,000 to 6,500,000 VND per course, depending on the HSK level, teaching quality, duration,
| HSK Level | Common Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 – 2 | 3,000,000 – 4,000,000 VND/course | Basic level, short duration (6–8 weeks), ideal for beginners |
| HSK 3 – 4 | 4,500,000 – 5,000,000 VND (4-month course) | Intermediate, approx. 40–50 sessions, focuses on vocabulary, grammar, and mock exams |
| HSK 5 – 6 | 5,000,000 – 6,500,000 VND (4-month course) | Advanced, requires solid foundation, often more intensive and longer |
1-on-1 Private Tutoring
Choosing a personal Chinese tutor offers high flexibility in scheduling and the ability to customize the learning program to each student’s specific needs. The cost for this format is usually calculated per session or per month, and there is a clear difference based on the tutor’s experience and qualifications.
- Tutors who are recent graduates/students: Approximately 150,000 – 200,000 VND/hour
- Vietnamese tutors with 2-3 years of experience: Approximately 300,000 – 500,000 VND/hour
- Native speaker tutors with 2-3 years of experience: Approximately 500,000 – 700,000 VND/hour
Criteria for Choosing a Chinese Language Center
With the rising demand for Chinese learning—whether for academics, careers, or studying abroad—choosing a reputable Chinese course provider is key to achieving effective results. The right center not only saves time and money but also fosters long-term motivation and offers a clear learning roadmap tailored to each level.
However, with hundreds of centers offering various quality levels and tuition fees, how do you make a wise decision? Below are some important criteria to consider when selecting a Chinese language center:
Qualified Teachers
The quality of the instructors should be your top priority. You should research whether the teaching team has high professional qualifications, formal Chinese teaching degrees, HSK certificates, or practical teaching experience. Centers with native-speaking instructors or teachers who have studied abroad or served as HSK examiners will help students develop comprehensive language skills, especially in pronunciation and conversational reflexes.
Curriculum and Teaching Methods
A reputable Chinese language center needs to have a well-structured, clear curriculum that is suitable for learners of all levels. The curriculum should combine theory and practice, with clear divisions for vocabulary, grammar, listening-speaking-reading-writing skills, especially including practice tests if you are studying for the HSK exam. The teaching methodology also needs to be modern and updated – for example, learning through real-life situations, applying technology in the classroom, or using engaging teaching aids to help students learn more easily.
See more: TOP 10 Reputable Chinese Language Centers In Ho Chi Minh City
Reasonable Tuition Fees
Chinese language tuition is an important factor but should not be the only deciding one. However, don’t just look at a low tuition fee and overlook other factors. Compare tuition fees among centers based on the total study hours, number of sessions, instructor qualifications, and accompanying service quality. Additionally, ask clearly about other potential costs such as textbooks, materials, mock test fees, or fees for extracurricular activities.
Clear Study Roadmap and Output Commitment
A trustworthy center needs to provide learners with a clear study roadmap from the beginning, specifying the number of sessions, goals for each stage, and methods for assessing progress. Especially for HSK exam preparation or practical communication courses, the center needs to have a clear output commitment – for example: achieving HSK 4 after 3 months, or fluent communication in 10 weeks. Some places also offer free re-testing or re-enrollment if requirements are not met, which is a significant plus to consider when choosing a center.
Facilities and Learning Environment
A good Chinese language center will have modern, fully equipped facilities. In addition, study materials, reference libraries, and online learning support tools should also be fully provided. Furthermore, a positive learning environment is also reflected in the center regularly organizing extracurricular activities, workshops, or cultural exchanges to give students opportunities to practice, connect, and improve their Chinese skills.
Conclusion
Today’s Chinese course fees vary widely, but generally range from a few million VND per course at centers in major cities. Whether a fee is “high” or “low” depends on several factors discussed above, so it’s important to choose a course that aligns with your budget and learning goals. We hope this guide from Ni Hao Ma helps you make a well-informed and confident decision in your Chinese learning journey.
