Vietnam To Build Four Universities On Par With Asia's Best

Synopsis
Vietnam plans to build four new universities to match Asia’s top institutions. The goal is to improve education quality, boost research, and train globally competitive talent through modern, innovation-focused programs and international collaboration.

Vietnam has unveiled a major higher education development plan aimed at transforming some of the country's leading universities into internationally competitive institutions and strengthening their role in research, innovation, technology transfer, and workforce development. The initiative focuses on four prominent institutions in Ho Chi Minh City: University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH), University of Medicine and Pharmacy Ho Chi Minh City (UMP), Vietnamese-German University (VGU), and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM).

The long-term strategy outlines an ambitious vision for the modernization and global advancement of Vietnam’s higher education sector. Under the plan, UEH, UMP, and VGU are expected to become key public universities serving both the southeastern region and the nation by 2035. The institutions will receive support to expand their academic capabilities, modernize infrastructure, improve research performance, and strengthen international competitiveness while striving to secure positions among Asia’s leading universities in their respective fields.

The government’s decision reflects Vietnam’s growing commitment to developing a knowledge-based economy driven by innovation, scientific research, advanced technology, and highly skilled human resources. Education leaders view universities as critical engines for economic growth, technological advancement, and regional development, particularly as the country seeks to strengthen its position in the global economy.

Under the development roadmap, University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) is expected to evolve into a leading multidisciplinary university while maintaining its strong reputation in economics, business, and management education. The institution has been tasked with achieving recognition among the top 100 universities in Asia in these academic disciplines. University leaders are expected to focus on enhancing educational quality, expanding international collaborations, increasing research output, and developing programs aligned with global standards.

Meanwhile, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Ho Chi Minh City (UMP) has been designated to play a central role in advancing medical education, healthcare research, and the training of healthcare professionals. The institution aims to become one of Vietnam’s premier health sciences universities while meeting the standards associated with Asia’s top 100 universities. The plan emphasizes strengthening medical research, adopting advanced healthcare technologies, expanding international cooperation, and improving the quality of medical training to meet growing healthcare demands both nationally and regionally.

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The strategy also places significant importance on Vietnamese-German University (VGU), which is expected to develop into a research-intensive institution modeled after Germany’s leading research universities. The university has been identified as a future center of excellence in engineering, technology, and innovation. Particular attention will be given to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, semiconductor technology, microchip engineering, and intelligent manufacturing systems. Officials believe that strengthening these disciplines will support Vietnam’s efforts to attract foreign investment and expand its high-technology industries.

Looking beyond 2035, the plan sets even more ambitious goals for 2050. By that time, UEH, UMP, and VGU are expected to maintain educational, research, and governance standards that place them among the top 100 universities in Asia. Alongside Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM), the institutions are expected to serve as leading centers for scientific research, technology development, innovation, and knowledge transfer, contributing directly to regional and national competitiveness.

The development framework includes comprehensive measures to strengthen university performance. Planned initiatives include modernizing campus infrastructure, expanding educational facilities, recruiting internationally competitive faculty, improving academic programs, increasing international research publications, and strengthening partnerships with businesses, government agencies, and industry leaders. Universities will also be encouraged to collaborate more closely with local authorities to address workforce needs and support regional development priorities.

Education officials believe the initiative will play a critical role in positioning Ho Chi Minh City and the southeastern region as major centers for higher education, healthcare, finance, and technology innovation in Southeast Asia. By investing in globally competitive universities and advanced research capabilities, Vietnam aims to build a stronger educational foundation that supports sustainable economic growth, scientific progress, and long-term national development.