Vietnam is positioned to become a prominent destination for international students, addressing an ongoing imbalance in global student mobility. A report indicates that Vietnam currently ranks third in net student exports, following China and India. In 2023, approximately 129,000 Vietnamese students were studying abroad, compared to around 21,000 international students in Vietnam, the majority of whom originate from neighboring countries such as Laos, Cambodia, and China.
Vietnam’s Potential as an International Student Hub
Inspired by the successful development of educational hubs in Malaysia and Singapore, Vietnam aims to enhance its global educational profile. A recent report titled “Viet Nam: Towards A New International Education Hub in Southeast Asia: Lessons and Evidence,” commissioned by the British Council, explores the viability of this goal.
The report, produced by the British firm Education Insight, is based on a survey of 120 Vietnamese universities and interviews with more than 30 higher education experts. It highlights the British Council’s partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) to strengthen international collaborations.
Geographic Advantage
Vietnam’s geographic proximity to students from Laos, Cambodia, and China provides a strategic advantage in promoting international student mobility. Experts, including Hoang Van Anh from the British Council, have identified opportunities for Vietnam to retain domestic students while also attracting international scholars.
Challenges in Establishing Educational Hubs
Historically, Vietnam’s initiatives to establish educational hubs have focused mainly on local student populations, often facing challenges such as inadequate urban infrastructure and competition for available jobs, which may deter international students.
Government Commitment
Janet Illieva, CEO of Education Insight, emphasizes a renewed commitment to creating a conducive environment for international students and educational institutions. The Vietnamese government is increasingly concerned about the brain drain from students studying abroad and has introduced policies that include scholarships for overseas studies, under the condition that recipients return to contribute to national development.
Current Student Accommodation
Currently, Vietnam accommodates between 4,300 and 5,000 full-time international students each year, primarily from the region, with an additional 1,400 to 3,900 students enrolled in short-term programs. However, the distribution of international students is uneven, with a small number of universities attracting the majority of these students.
Ongoing Challenges
As Vietnam progresses with its international education initiatives, several challenges persist. For instance, the Hanoi branch of RMIT University recently announced a temporary halt on new admissions to maintain quality, citing concerns about space and infrastructure in urban environments.
Importance of Local Instructors
While opinions among Vietnamese academics regarding foreign university branch campuses vary, there is a consensus on the importance of involving qualified local instructors in these initiatives to enhance the quality and relevance of education in the country.
Conclusion
Overall, Vietnam’s efforts to establish itself as an international student hub indicate significant growth potential within the Southeast Asian educational landscape.
(Source: University World News)
