In the context of Vietnamese higher education facing both opportunities and challenges brought about by globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, innovation, international integration, governance reform, and quality enhancement have become essential requirements for every higher education institution. With a strategic vision, Thai Nguyen University identifies international cooperation as the “key” to unlocking global knowledge spaces, strengthening academic connectivity, spreading values, and elevating the prestige of the university as well as Vietnamese higher education within the international academic community.
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Photo: The delegation of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Vietnam taking commemorative photos with the leadership and staff of
Thai Nguyen University.
Established in 1994, Thai Nguyen University is a multidisciplinary regional university with an enrollment of more than 115,000 students, and a workforce of nearly 3,500 staff, lecturers, and scientists, including many leading experts in various fields. Throughout its development, internationalization has consistently been identified as one of the three strategic pillars alongside education and scientific research.
Deepening International Cooperation
In the 2024–2025 academic year, Thai Nguyen University continued to deepen its international cooperation activities, contributing to regional socio-economic development through technology transfer and high-quality human resource training. The university expanded its partner network and exchange programs, welcoming more than 1,300 international guests from the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Laos, the Philippines, Germany, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and others for academic exchanges, cooperation agreements, project implementation, international conferences and workshops, teaching, studying, internships, and cultural exchange programs. Additionally, over 400 staff and students were sent abroad for study and research.
In 2025, Thai Nguyen University welcomed several international delegations, including the Embassy of the United States of America in Vietnam, the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Vietnam; the delegation of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Republic of Korea; and the delegation of the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in Vietnam.
During his recent visit, H.E. Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Vietnam, expressed his strong impression of Thai Nguyen University. He affirmed:
“I highly appreciate the capacity and cooperation initiatives of Thai Nguyen University. Cuba will make efforts to send students to study at the university as soon as possible and to promote short-term training programs, joint research, and expert and student exchanges. We welcome the expansion of language training cooperation, including sending Vietnamese lecturers to Cuba to teach Vietnamese. We also invite Thai Nguyen University to participate in international conferences on information technology and education in Cuba. We look forward to strengthening cooperation in IT, artificial intelligence, and big data.”
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Photo: The delegation of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province (Republic of Korea) visiting and working at the K–Chang Space, Thai Nguyen University.
H.E. Lee Cheol Woo, Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, stated:
“Gyeongsangbuk-do Province has selected Thai Nguyen University as the site for establishing the K–Chang Space. This is not only an educational and cultural facility but also a symbol of friendship, trust, and long-term vision between the two localities. K–Chang will serve as a learning and cultural exchange space, fostering innovation, supporting students’ access to Korean businesses, and expanding opportunities for jobs, internships, and practical experience. We hope to further strengthen cooperation between Thai Nguyen University and Kyungwoon University and to create more study and employment opportunities for Vietnamese students in Gyeongsangbuk-do.”
The number of International training programs has also been strongly promoted, including 25 advanced and English-taught programs; 20 joint training programs with partners from Taiwan, Korea, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Philippines; and 8 short-term programs attracting more than 100 students and 13 international lecturers.
In the 2024–2025 period, Thai Nguyen University and its member institutions organized 88 scientific conferences and workshops at various levels, including 8 international conferences, 3 specialized symposiums, and events with over 1,600 participants—378 of whom were international delegates. These conferences attracted leading international scientists and contributed to enhancing the academic standing of Thai Nguyen University. Some conferences have been indexed in SCOPUS. Notable examples include the International Climate Change Conference Series (ICRAF & CIFOR) hosted by the University of Agriculture and Forestry; the ICERA 2024 Conference at the University of Technology; and the ICTA 2024 Conference at the University of Information and Communication Technology. Alongside organizing conferences, many staff, lecturers, and students were also sent to participate in international workshops and training programs abroad.
The university implemented multiple international projects with a total budget of 3 million USD, such as ecotourism projects, Erasmus+ initiatives, and projects supporting ethnic minority students and reproductive health. It produced 2,178 scientific publications, including 393 papers in Web of Science-indexed journals, 153 in Scopus-indexed journals, 1,376 publications in domestic and international journals, and 256 conference proceedings.
Internationalizing the Academic Environment – A Destination for Global Students
Thanks to its proactive strategy in expanding and promoting international cooperation, Thai Nguyen University currently hosts nearly 1,000 international students from 26 countries and territories. Within the 2024–2025 academic year, the university welcomed an additional 200 students, a good evidence of the university’s growing appeal and strong academic environment.
Photo: Students from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF), Philippines studying at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen University.
H.E. João Pereira, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Vietnam, shared:
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Timor-Leste, I express my sincere gratitude to Thai Nguyen University, particularly the International School, the University of Agriculture and Forestry, and the University of Information and Communication Technology, for accepting and creating opportunities for Timorese students to acquire knowledge, skills, and access new development opportunities in Vietnam. Despite the ongoing negotiations on the bilateral agreement on higher education, science, and technology between our two governments, Thai Nguyen University has already welcomed and supported Timorese students. From 2014 to 2025, around 80 Timorese students have studied here, with more than 60 having graduated and returned home. I am sure that more Timorese students will come to study at Thai Nguyen University in the coming years.”
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Photo: Darren Ernest Carroll, a South African student, graduating from the International School, Thai Nguyen University.
Many international students have found Thai Nguyen University to be the beginning of a meaningful academic and personal journey. Darren Ernest Carroll, a South African graduating from the International School, shared:
“It has been an honor for me to study at the International School of Thai Nguyen University. I experienced a friendly, multicultural, and supportive learning environment. The lecturers were always enthusiastic and willing to guide us in both academics and daily life. Besides academic knowledge, I joined many extracurricular activities, cultural exchanges, and projects. As I move forward, I carry with me invaluable lessons, friendships, and unforgettable experiences. I would like to express my truly gratetitude to all the lecturers and fellow students who supported me throughout my studies.”
Strategic Vision – Toward the Top 500 Universities in Asia
In the 2025–2026 academic year, Thai Nguyen University expects to welcome 1,400 international guests, including 300 conference delegates, 100 project implemntors, 70–80 international lecturers, and 600 international students. The university plans to organize 40 outbound delegations with about 400 staff and students; launch 5–7 new joint training programs with partners from the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines; and expand cooperation with the USA and Australia. Twenty short-term programs (exchange, summer camps, Vietnamese studies, Erasmus+, etc.) will be implemented. The university will boost the mass of international publications, journal partnerships, and organize 10 international conferences and 20 workshops with about 2,000 participants, including 500 international delegates. It will strengthen English-language communication and international cooperation management; refine its global promotion strategy; and review and update regulations on international cooperation to better support units in seeking and utilizing international scholarship opportunities.
Assoc. Prof. Hoang Van Hung, Secretary of the Party Committee and President of Thai Nguyen University, emphasized:
“International cooperation is a core mission of Thai Nguyen University in the era of global integration. The university will continue to enhance its international reputation by developing joint training programs, promoting scientific publications, and actively participating in international research projects to position Thai Nguyen University among the Top 500 universities in Asia according to the QS Asia Rankings. We aim to build a modern, innovative, and globally integrated ecosystem of education, science, and technology that contributes to the sustainable development of the region and the nation.”
