Vietnam's Ambitious Plan: Top Global Universities by 2030

Vietnam is set to welcome elite universities and boost international students. UK institutions are invited to join the ambitious plan.

, and Administrator

2025 October 30 . 4:01 PM

2 min read

This picture is clicked inside the room. In this picture, we see a table on which laptop, speaker,... — This picture is clicked inside the room. In this picture, we see a table on which laptop, speaker, monitor, keyboard, ball, mouse, scanner and papers are placed. In the left bottom of the picture, we see a table on which electronic goods are placed. Behind that, we see a wall on which charts and posters are pasted.

Vietnam's Ambitious Plan: Top Global Universities by 2030

Vietnam is pushing ahead with ambitious plans to boost its higher education sector. By 2030, it aims to attract branch campuses from top 500 global universities and increase international student numbers. The country is also opening its doors to UK institutions, following a rise in bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam's strategy involves attracting at least two new branch campuses of top 500 global universities by the end of the decade. It also plans to offer over 20% of joint training programs in collaboration with these elite institutions. Currently, international students make up only 0.5% of Vietnam's student population. The government aims to boost this figure to 1.5% and improve the global ranking of its universities.

In line with these goals, Vietnam is actively courting UK institutions. UK-Vietnam relations have been elevated, with cooperation expanding across six key areas, including education. The country is inviting UK institutions to establish branches and expand operations. This follows a visit by Tổ Lâm, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, to the UK in October 2025, where he agreed with British leaders to expand cooperation. Notably, Vietnam also aims to make English a second language in its schools by 2035, further facilitating international collaboration.

By 2030, Vietnam aspires to have over 80% of its higher education institutions engaged in joint research or collaboration projects with international partners. This ambitious target reflects the country's commitment to enhancing its higher education sector and fostering global connections.

Vietnam's higher education sector is poised for significant growth and internationalization. By 2030, it aims to attract top global universities, increase international student numbers, and foster extensive research collaboration. The country's invitation to UK institutions reflects the strengthening of UK-Vietnam relations and the mutual benefits of educational cooperation.