Vietnam has a strong and growing higher education system with a wide range of universities and colleges spread throughout the country. Here are some key points about universities in Vietnam:
Number of Universities: Vietnam has more than 450 universities and colleges. These institutions offer a diverse range of programs and degrees, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
High concentration in urban area
First of all, as mentioned above, reputable universities in Vietnam are mostly located in metropolitan areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh city, so that if you desire to study undergraduate in Vietnam, be prepared to live in those cities. Students from a suburban area or remote area in another country may feel it overwhelming to relocate to city, with a lot more traffic and people, hence distractions from study. In smaller cities such as Hue and Vinh, there are also choices but they are rather limited. There are plans under way to move these universities outside of the cities’ core into the peripheral areas but as of 2012, all universities are of close proximity to the city centre.
Public and Private Universities: Vietnam has both public and private universities. Public universities are often larger and more established, while private universities tend to be smaller and more specialized.
Popular Fields of Study: Some popular fields of study in Vietnamese universities include business administration, engineering and technology, information technology, medicine and healthcare, social sciences, and humanities.
Language of Instruction: The majority of universities in Vietnam use Vietnamese as the primary language of instruction. However, there are also some universities that offer programs in English, particularly in the major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Quality and Rankings: Vietnamese universities are working towards improving the quality of their education and research. However, many universities in Vietnam are not yet internationally ranked. Some of the top-ranked universities in Vietnam include Vietnam National University-Hanoi, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
International Collaboration: Vietnamese universities are increasingly engaging in international collaborations and partnerships with universities from around the world. This allows for exchange programs, joint research projects, and faculty collaborations.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships: The tuition fees at Vietnamese universities vary depending on the university and program. Public universities generally have lower tuition fees compared to private institutions. Scholarships are available for both domestic and international students, providing financial support for their studies.
Campus Facilities: Vietnamese universities are investing in modernizing their campuses and facilities to improve the overall learning experience for students. Many universities have libraries, research centers, sports facilities, and dormitories for students.
Student Life: Vietnamese universities offer a vibrant student life with various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities. Students can participate in cultural events, sports competitions, academic conferences, and community service projects.
Global Recognition: Vietnamese universities are working towards gaining global recognition and accreditation. Some universities are actively seeking international accreditation to ensure the quality of their programs and degrees.
Teachers- Students relationships: One more thing to remember is that in Vietnam’s universities and most of education level, relationship with lecturers are extremely important. In traditional domestic universities, students never address their teachers by their first or last name, but simple call them teachers: Thay (male teacher), Co (female teacher) or Giao su (Professor).
Students also respect teachers by presenting some gifts to their instructors and visit their houses on special occasion like Tet Holiday or Vietnam’s Teacher Day (20/11).
Overall, the higher education sector in Vietnam is growing rapidly, and universities are making efforts to improve the quality of education and research. Studying at a university in Vietnam can provide students with diverse academic opportunities, practical skills, and a unique cultural experience.