A national workshop on developing elite and excellent universities in Vietnam was held to discuss higher education reform under the country’s new education development strategy and policy directions.
Deputy Minister of Education and Training Le Quan stressed that quality must become the core value of higher education. Universities should move beyond degree-based education and focus on graduates’ practical capabilities, while establishing appropriate admission and learning outcomes for different fields.
The ministry plans to develop criteria for identifying universities with potential to become elite, excellent, and leading institutions. Rather than applying a uniform model, the development process will focus on institutional missions, strengths, strategic priorities, and targeted investment during 2026–2030.
Representatives from Vietnam National University, Hanoi highlighted efforts to develop talent programmes, strengthen high-level research, and integrate resources through the “One VNU” model. The university aims to shift from fragmented development toward stronger integration, talent development, research excellence, and greater social impact.
The proposed national higher education strategy envisions a more connected ecosystem involving universities, research institutes, businesses, local authorities, and international partners. Participants emphasised that elite universities must combine academic excellence with national responsibility, innovation, technological development, and social impact.
The workshop concluded that greater autonomy, targeted investment, talent attraction, and stronger cooperation among government, universities, industry, and society are essential to building institutions capable of leading Vietnam’s higher education system.
