Janice Lozano
Vietnam has been experiencing steady economic development over the past two decades, with a growth rate of 5.5% since 1990. The country has a young demographic, with half of its population under 30. In recent years, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for international students, especially those from Asia. The country has a growing number of international schools and a rising English proficiency rate. Vietnamese students also make up the fifth-largest group of foreign students in the US, with 21,900 enrolled in higher education during the 2022-2023 academic year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Vietnamese students studying abroad in 2019-2020 | 190,000 |
| Destinations of Vietnamese students studying abroad | Japan (22%), the US (17%), Australia (17%), Canada (12%), the UK (7%), China (6%) |
| Number of Vietnamese students in the US in 2022-2023 | 21,900 |
| Number of Vietnamese students in Korea | 73,000 |
| Number of Vietnamese students in Japan | 49,000 |
| Number of Vietnamese students in Australia | 33,000 |
| Number of Vietnamese students in Taiwan | 24,000 |
| Number of Vietnamese students in China | 27,000 |
| Youth population in Vietnam | 17% of the population is aged 17-25 |
| Main language of instruction in Vietnam | Vietnamese |
| Religion in Vietnam | 55% Buddhist; Confucianism, Taoism, Catholicism, and Cao Dai are also practiced |
| Largest cities in Vietnam | Ho Chi Minh City (8.2 million), Hanoi (7.4 million), Hai Phong (1.9 million), Can Tho (1.2 million), Bien Hoa (1.1 million), Da Nang (over 1 million) |
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What You'll Learn
Vietnamese students in the US
Vietnamese students are enrolling in US universities at record levels, with nearly 4,500 F-1 visas issued in early 2024. Driven by interest in STEM fields and deepening bilateral ties, Vietnam now leads all ASEAN countries in the number of students studying in the United States. The educational bond between the two countries has grown significantly in recent years, with almost 4,500 F-1 student visas granted to Vietnamese students enrolled in US universities in the first half of the fiscal year 2024. This represents a 23% increase over the same period in 2023.
According to the Institute of International Education (IIE), 22,066 Vietnamese students were enrolled in US higher education institutions during the 2023-2024 academic year. When including students in K-12 education, language program participants, and other non-degree categories, the figure climbs to over 31,000. Nearly 48% of Vietnamese international students are pursuing STEM-related degrees, including emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology. The financial impact of Vietnamese international students is also significant. During the 2022-2023 academic year, Vietnamese student spending surpassed an estimated $816 million.
The growing wave of academic migration underscores the strong appeal of American education among Vietnamese families and the strategic emphasis both countries place on education. The US Embassy in Hanoi and the US Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City have announced the Summer 2025 Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) programs for scholars and secondary school educators. The US Mission to Vietnam is committed to deepening educational cooperation through enhanced linkages and dual programs between American and Vietnamese institutions, facilitating joint research, and increasing opportunities for meaningful exchanges.
The US diplomatic mission in Vietnam has funded an exchange program to improve technical training for 18 Vietnamese education managers, expanded English training programs and STEM education activities for Vietnamese youth, implemented the Fulbright fellowship program, and provided additional Fulbright scholarships in natural sciences to Vietnamese students. The mission is also committed to expanding higher education cooperation through thematic seminars, working trips, and meetings involving US universities and colleges in Vietnam.
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Popularity of Korea for Vietnamese students
Vietnam has seen a growing number of international students in recent years, with the country aiming to become an international student hub. The US remains the top destination for Vietnamese students, with the country being home to the fifth-largest group of foreign students in the US. However, Korea is a close contender for the top spot and is rising in popularity.
Vietnamese students are increasingly choosing to study in Asia, with Korea being one of the most popular destinations. There are several reasons for this growing popularity:
- Affordability: Korea, along with Japan, is more affordable for Vietnamese students compared to Western institutions.
- Rankings: Korean institutions are highly ranked, offering quality education that is attractive to international students.
- Proximity: Korea is geographically closer to Vietnam than Western countries, making it a more convenient and accessible option for Vietnamese students.
- Career Opportunities: Learning Korean is a growing trend in Vietnam, fuelled by career considerations. Strong investments by South Korean corporations like Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Lotte Group have resulted in a large number of Vietnamese employees in these Korean companies. Fluency in Korean enhances job prospects, with 98% of language graduates securing jobs after graduation according to a 2019 survey by the University of Languages and International Studies.
- Intra-regional Mobility: Vietnamese students are increasingly opting for Asian destinations over Western ones, with Japan and Korea outpacing the US, Australia, and Canada in popularity.
- Cultural Ties: Vietnam and Korea share a history that dates back to the 12th century. While there have been conflicts between the two nations, including the Vietnam War, there is also a cultural exchange that has influenced both countries.
- Language Training: Vietnam has the largest and most comprehensive Korean language training program in Asia, making it easier for Vietnamese students to learn Korean and consider Korea as a study destination.
As of 2023, there were 73,000 Vietnamese students in Korea, according to the Korean Immigration Service, making Vietnam Korea's top international student market. This number has been rising rapidly over the past five years, indicating the growing popularity of Korea as a study destination for Vietnamese students.
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English-language proficiency in Vietnamese universities
English-language proficiency is an important aspect of education in Vietnam, with the country making impressive strides in this area over the past decade. While Vietnamese is the main language of instruction in most universities, English proficiency is increasingly considered in admissions decisions. This trend reflects the government's emphasis on English education and its recognition as a critical skill for employability in international workplaces.
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are commonly used to assess English proficiency in Vietnam. These internationally recognised exams are essential for students seeking university placements in the country. Vietnam's partnerships with international educational institutions also enhance English education by providing access to resources, teacher training, and updated curricula aligned with global standards.
Despite the progress, there is still a perceived gap between the government's ambitious policies and the actual implementation in universities. English language education in Vietnam faces socio-economic, cultural, political, and technological challenges. Currently, English is often treated as an adjunct component of university curricula, with limited credit hours allocated to its teaching and learning. This situation negatively impacts the motivation to teach and learn English, contributing to the low English proficiency levels observed among graduates.
To address this issue, universities should utilise their curriculum autonomy to integrate English skill learning objectives and assess English language skills as a primary subject throughout their programmes. Allocating a more significant number of credit hours to English language education from the first year of study until graduation is recommended. Additionally, a student-centred pedagogical approach that considers students' entry-level proficiency and learning needs can improve English proficiency outcomes.
The focus on English proficiency in Vietnam is particularly relevant for the outsourcing sector, where English is the primary language. The sector's growth of 20%-25% annually is driven by a workforce skilled in English, showcasing the practical application of English proficiency in the country's economic development. Furthermore, English proficiency strongly influences the success of business graduates seeking employment in foreign companies, highlighting the importance of aligning university courses with the requirements of international employers.
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Vietnam's economic development and international students
Vietnam has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle-income economy in a single generation. Since the launch of the Đổi Mới reform period in 1986, Vietnam has shifted from a highly centralised planned economy to a mixed economy. This has resulted in a remarkable development success story, with real GDP per capita soaring from less than $700 in 1986 to almost $4,500 in 2023. The country is now the 33rd-largest economy in the world by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and the 26th-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP).
Vietnam's economic development has been characterised by a consistent track record of high-performing economic and market growth, a stable political system, and an ample workforce of young and skilled labourers. The country has also benefited from its proximity to East Asia's top emerging economies, particularly China. China's commitment to seamless trade with Vietnam, including bilateral cooperation in various infrastructure projects, has boosted imports from Vietnam, which rely heavily on Chinese input for many of its exports.
However, Vietnam's economic growth has also faced some challenges. Despite its success, poverty remains a significant concern, with 28% of survey respondents citing it as their main problem in the Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) in 2018. Additionally, issues such as corruption, bureaucracy, lack of transparent regulations, and failure to enforce investor rights have been identified as obstacles to investment by the U.S. State Department.
In terms of international students, Vietnam has been actively promoting itself as an international student hub, particularly in Asia. Vietnamese students tend to choose Asian countries for their studies, with Korea being the top destination, followed by Japan, Australia, Taiwan, and China. The popularity of Korea among Vietnamese students is influenced by the strong investments of South Korean corporations in Vietnam, leading to a high demand for employees with Korean language skills.
While Vietnam is attracting international students, the focus of this article is on the outbound mobility of Vietnamese students to other countries. The United States, for example, remains the top destination for international students globally, and Vietnamese students constitute the fifth-largest group of foreign students in the U.S., indicating a deepening bilateral relationship between the two countries.
In conclusion, Vietnam's economic development has been impressive, transforming the country's economic status within a generation. While challenges remain, particularly regarding poverty and corruption, Vietnam has established itself as a stable and rapidly developing destination for international business and foreign investment. The country's economic growth has been accompanied by a focus on education, with Vietnamese students increasingly seeking international study opportunities, particularly in Asia.
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Vietnam's domestic education system and its limitations
Vietnam's education system is a state-run model of public and private education, managed by the Ministry of Education and Training. It is divided into five levels: preschool, primary school, secondary school, high school, and higher education. Formal education consists of twelve years of basic education, including five years of primary education, four years of secondary education, and three years of high school education.
The Vietnamese curriculum is highly competitive, and high school education is one of the most significant social issues in the country. Designated "High Schools for the Gifted" offer additional extensive courses and are considered prestigious, demanding high entrance exam scores. Entrance to university is determined by the National High School Examination (THPTQG) test.
Vietnam's education system faces several limitations. Firstly, it struggles to accommodate the country's burgeoning youth population, with universities only having the capacity for one-third of applicants in previous years. This has resulted in overcrowded universities and the proliferation of low-quality private providers. The system has been criticized for its inflexibility and excessive focus on testing, contributing to social issues such as depression, anxiety, and increasing suicide rates. Citizens have advocated for a more flexible curriculum that emphasizes life skills. Additionally, the quality of education varies across institutions, with access limitations and a lack of high-quality options.
The Vietnamese government has acknowledged these challenges and implemented reforms. They have invested in education, with an estimated 6.3% of the national budget allocated for education in 2012. The government has also focused on foreign language education, aiming for all students to be enrolled in a 10-year foreign language program by 2025. Efforts to internationalize the education system include imposing restrictions on foreign institutions and tightening enrollment caps for foreign students in Vietnamese schools. Vietnam is experiencing rapid economic growth, and expanding access to education and vocational training are crucial objectives to upskill its workforce.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Vietnam is in the market to promote foreign education for its brightest minds. The country is also home to a growing number of international schools.
The most popular study abroad countries for Vietnamese students are Korea, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, China, the US, Canada, and Germany.
The most popular fields of study for Vietnamese students include Tourism, STEM fields (inclusive of Engineering), and Business Studies.
Vietnamese students are interested in learning about majors, the school/campus environment, scholarships, academic requirements, and internship and job opportunities. Parents, on the other hand, focus on school location, campus safety, total cost, connections with universities, and the focus on employment skills.
One of the main challenges is the affordability of fees endorsed by American and British universities. Scholarships are desired but can be difficult to obtain.
