International Students In Vietnam: A Diverse Educational Hub

Vietnam has experienced steady and impressive economic development over the past two decades, with a growth rate of 5.5% since 1990. The country's young population, strong government support, and good internet coverage have made it an attractive destination for international students. In 2019, Vietnam was among the top 10 fastest-growing online education markets globally, with an annual growth rate of 44.3%. The country has seen a rise in the number of international schools and a growing interest in foreign education among its brightest minds. While Vietnamese students seek international education, the country also attracts international students from various countries, including the United States, South Korea, Japan, and other parts of Asia.

Vietnamese students in South Korea

Vietnam is home to a large number of international students, with over 70,000 Vietnamese students choosing to study in South Korea. This makes them the largest group of international students in the country, ahead of China, which sent 67,450 students in 2023. South Korea is among the most popular overseas study destinations for Vietnamese students, with Korean universities' tuition fees ranging between $6,100 and $9,900 a year. Housing and other living expenses cost an additional $4,200 to $5,500 per year.

The popularity of studying in South Korea among Vietnamese students can be attributed to several factors. One reason is the strong presence of South Korean corporations in Vietnam, such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and the Lotte Group. Learning Korean has become a trend in Vietnam, fueled by career considerations. Vietnamese students recognize that proficiency in the Korean language can enhance their employability, as South Korean companies offer many job opportunities in the country. According to a 2019 survey by the University of Languages and International Studies, the job placement rate for graduates with Korean language skills was an impressive 98%.

In addition to language and career opportunities, partnerships between educational institutions in both countries have created pathways for Vietnamese students to pursue higher education and internships in South Korea. For example, the BTEC FPT College of the United Kingdom has established a cooperative internship program with IB Tech, a South Korean company specializing in semiconductor manufacturing. This agreement provides Vietnamese students with the chance to gain valuable industry experience through internships and potential employment opportunities in the semiconductor sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused uncertainty for Vietnamese students studying in South Korea, with some choosing to return home due to health and safety concerns. However, the situation also highlighted the support available to Vietnamese nationals in South Korea. The Vietnam Embassy in South Korea provided emergency contact information, and universities implemented preventive measures to ensure the safety of their students. Overall, South Korea continues to be a popular and attractive destination for Vietnamese students seeking quality education and career prospects.

English proficiency in Vietnamese universities

English proficiency is an important aspect of the Vietnamese education system, with the language being treated as a primary foreign language across all education levels. Vietnamese universities are increasingly considering students' English proficiency in their admissions decisions. The main language of instruction in most universities is Vietnamese, but English proficiency is still a crucial factor.

English proficiency in Vietnam is often assessed through internationally recognised exams such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). These exams are essential for students seeking university placements in the country, reflecting the government's emphasis on English education. Vietnam has also established partnerships with international educational institutions to enhance English education, providing access to resources, teacher training, and updated curricula aligned with global standards.

The country has made significant progress in English proficiency over the past decade. According to the 2024 EF English Proficiency Index, Vietnam ranks 63rd out of 116 countries in the moderate proficiency category, an improvement from its “low” ranking by the EPI in 2021. This progress reflects Vietnam's commitment to enhancing language education as part of its economic strategy.

English proficiency is particularly relevant for workers in the outsourcing sector, where English is the primary language for interacting with clients. This daily practice further enhances their language skills. Additionally, English proficiency strongly influences the success of business students from private universities who seek employment in foreign companies. Understanding the required proficiency levels and assessment methods helps universities prepare their students better for future employability.

To improve English proficiency levels, HEIs in Vietnam should utilise their curriculum autonomy to balance disciplinary and non-disciplinary subjects, set English skill learning objectives, and integrate English language skills as a main subject throughout their curricula. Allocating more credit hours to English language teaching and adopting a student-centred pedagogical approach are also recommended strategies to enhance English proficiency in Vietnamese universities.

Vietnamese students in the US

Vietnam has a state-run system of public and private education, with a heavy focus on compulsory education and rote learning. English is the predominant foreign language taught in schools, with Mandarin, Russian, Japanese, German, and Korean offered at some specialized schools.

The United States is the top destination for international students, with over 948,000 international students overall in 2023. In 2022-23, there were 21,900 Vietnamese students studying in the US, making up about 2.1% of all international students in the country. This number has decreased over the years, with the number of Vietnamese students in US primary and secondary schools falling by 50% from 2019 to 2022. However, Vietnam is ranked 5th by the American Institute of International Education (IIE) in terms of the number of international students at the higher education level in the US.

When Vietnamese students plan to study abroad, their top choice is the United States. Students are interested in learning about majors, the campus environment, scholarships, academic requirements, and internship and job opportunities. Parents, on the other hand, are interested in the location, campus safety, total cost, connections with universities and colleges, and the focus on employment skills.

The US Mission to Vietnam is committed to deepening educational cooperation between the two countries through enhanced linkages and dual programs, facilitating joint research, and increasing opportunities for meaningful exchanges between Vietnamese and American students, faculty, administrators, and staff.

Vietnam's economic development

Vietnam has undergone a significant economic transformation, shifting from a centrally planned to a market economy. This transition has elevated the country from one of the poorest in the world to a lower-middle-income nation, making it one of the most dynamic emerging economies in the East Asia region. The following factors have played a crucial role in Vietnam's economic development:

Economic Reforms and Trade Liberalization

The launch of Đổi Mới in 1986 introduced political and economic reforms, facilitating the shift towards a "socialist-oriented market economy." This renewal campaign combined government planning with free-market incentives and encouraged private enterprise and foreign investment, including foreign-owned businesses. As a result, Vietnam was able to increase its exports and attract foreign capital, contributing to its economic growth.

Agricultural Development

Vietnam has a strong agricultural sector, with rice as its principal crop. The Vietnam Sustainable Agriculture Transformation Project (2015-23) successfully raised farmers' incomes, lowered their costs, and promoted sustainable farming practices, leading to a reduction of approximately 1.5 million tons of CO2e emissions annually. The Vietnamese government, in partnership with the World Bank, aims to expand this project to cover an additional one million hectares and reduce up to 10 million tons of CO2e emissions by 2030.

Education and Skill Development

Vietnam has made significant strides in improving education and skill development. The Viet Nam Enhancing Teacher Education Program (2016-21) enhanced the quality of teaching and learning by providing professional development to over 600,000 educators. Additionally, the Support for Autonomous Higher Education Project (2017-23) improved research capabilities, enhanced teaching quality, and helped several programs gain international accreditation. These initiatives have contributed to a more skilled workforce, supporting Vietnam's economic development.

Bilateral Relations and Foreign Investment

Vietnam has fostered strong bilateral relations with countries like the United States, which has resulted in enhanced educational cooperation and increased opportunities for cultural exchange. Additionally, foreign investment from countries like South Korea has been significant. The presence of large South Korean corporations, such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and Lotte Group, has led to a high demand for Vietnamese employees in these companies, further boosting the country's economic prospects.

International students in Vietnamese universities

Vietnam has seen a steady and impressive economic development over the past two decades, with an average growth rate of 5.5% since 1990. The country's young population, fast-growing economy, and increasing educational expenses have made it an attractive destination for international students. Vietnamese students, on the other hand, are increasingly seeking educational opportunities abroad, with the consensus being that the domestic tertiary education system is not equipped to accommodate most applicants for higher education within the country.

Vietnamese students are choosing to stay in Asia, with many opting for South Korea, which has the largest-scale and most comprehensive Korean language training and program in Asia. In 2018, there were 19,260 Vietnamese students in South Korea enrolled in non-degree courses such as Korean language classes, accounting for 34.3% of the total international students in the country. Other popular destinations for Vietnamese students include Japan, Australia, Taiwan, China, the United States, Canada, and Germany.

While the main language of instruction in Vietnamese universities is Vietnamese, these institutions are increasingly considering students' English-language proficiency in their admissions decisions. This shift may be influenced by the growing number of international schools in the country and the increasing popularity of transnational education (TNE) in Vietnam.

The United States remains the top destination for international students globally, and it is also the first choice for Vietnamese students and parents when planning to study abroad. In 2019, Vietnamese students in the US spent nearly USD 881 million on their studies, with California, Texas, and Washington being the top three states for Vietnamese students. However, due to affordability issues, Vietnamese students are increasingly choosing countries like Japan and Canada over the US.

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