Ho Chi Minh City strives to attract international students

Vietnam is emerging as an attractive option for many international students due to its affordability and evolving educational standards.

Saran Palanisamy is one of the first 50 Indian students to self-finance medical studies at Hong Bang International University in Ho Chi Minh City.

Palanisamy shared that the medical entrance exam in India is extremely competitive, while the number of medical schools does not meet the demand of candidates.

“The medical education systems in India and Vietnam differ significantly,” Palanisamy said, adding that Vietnam offers its own strengths, especially with a fully English-taught curriculum and more affordable costs for both tuition and living.

Similarly, Park Jun Seo from South Korea selected Vietnam for his higher education.

After completing a degree in international business at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, Park is now pursuing a second degree in corporate accounting.

Park shared that he was so satisfied with his experience in Vietnam since the facilities are modern and the lecturers are excellent.

Growing numbers of full-time foreign students

Associate Professor Dr. Bui Quang Hung, vice-president of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, said that the university’s full-time program currently hosts over 40 international students, with most of them coming from Myanmar, China, South Korea, France, and New Zealand, Cambodia, and Laos.

Its exchange programs attract over 100 foreign students annually.

According to several local universities, the number of international students enrolling in full-time programs is increasing, though it remains relatively modest.

Currently, most international students are taking part in short-term courses or exchange programs that last one to two semesters.

Dr. Ha Thuc Vien, vice-president of the Vietnamese-German University, reported that international students account for some two percent of the university’s total student population, primarily from Southeast Asia and Europe.

In the 2024-25 academic year, the university welcomed over 100 students from countries in the region and Europe.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dinh Duc Anh Vu, vice-rector of the International University under the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, said that most international enrollments are short-term exchanges rather than full-time students.

“The overall environment still lacks the full support system international students expect," Vu noted.

"Language barriers outside the classroom and limited cultural integration are key obstacles.

“Many students prefer studying in more developed countries, unless they are specifically seeking cultural experiences.”

Vision to become global education hub

In 2023, the government tasked the Ministry of Education and Training with working with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to map out a plan positioning the city as a regional and global education and training hub.

A task force was established to coordinate with universities across the city to explore strategic policies, international partnerships, and the development of globally recognized academic programs.

Professor Dr. Huynh Van Son, president of the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and deputy head of the task force, emphasized the importance of adding a clearer definition of international integration to ensure action-oriented approaches and supporting data to the plan to make it more feasible.

He also suggested offering various incentives to international students.

To become an international center for education and training, it is necessary to create an international educational environment, international training programs, and a faculty meeting international standards, said Associate Prof. Dr. Hung.

However, several universities find it hard to attract foreign lecturers.

“Despite having internationally accredited programs and modern infrastructure, it’s incredibly difficult to hire foreign lecturers due to labor permit complications,” he stressed.

Echoing the viewpoint, Dr. Vu said that permit challenges, not salary concerns, are the primary deterrent.

"Whether self-applied or processed by the university, the procedures are overly complex and discouraging."

Training world-class talent

Several universities in the southern metropolis are participating in a citywide initiative to train globally competent professionals.

For example, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is leading efforts in urban management, while the University of Economics is focused on finance and banking.

Both institutions are aligning their curricula with top international standards.

Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, president of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, evaluated that this activity has a positive impact on many stakeholders.

However, the recruitment target set by the city for labor in this field lacks accurate numbers, which makes it difficult for the university to determine the appropriate training quotas to meet the demand.

“If the city could directly commission training programs, allocate budgets, and commit to employing graduates, the impact would be much greater,” said Dr. Hung.

A strategic opportunity

Education expert Tran Duc Canh, chair of the Saigon Institute for Higher Education Development, underlined that Ho Chi Minh City has multiple advantages in developing into a hub for innovation, education, and business investment compared to other regions.

The city's education system is also more advanced, with open education, extensive exchanges with overseas Vietnamese, and strong connections with intellectuals abroad.

However, long-term success will depend on a strategic plan, including assessments of current human capital and targeted development over the next two decades.