Vietnam’s Universities Rise in Prominence: A Latest Era for Southeast Asian Higher Education
A new pilot ranking by Times Higher Education (THE) signals a significant shift in the landscape of Southeast Asian universities. The ranking, featuring 104 institutions from eight countries, highlights Vietnam’s growing strength in higher education, with 11 universities making the list.
Vietnamese Universities Shine in Research
The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Duy Tan University are leading the charge for Vietnam, securing 13th and 19th positions respectively in the Southeast Asia ranking. Notably, UEH’s research quality score of 92.1 out of 100 places it among the region’s elite, trailing only the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University.
Duy Tan University also demonstrated strong research capabilities, achieving a research quality score of 91.9. Hanoi Medical University distinguished itself in the teaching category, earning a score of 32 out of 100.
Did you know? THE uses five key categories for its rankings: teaching (30%), research (35%), citations (30%), international outlook, and industry income.
The Full List of Vietnamese Universities in the Ranking
Here’s a complete overview of the Vietnamese universities recognized in the THE Southeast Asia ranking:
| No | Universities | Southeast Asia rank | World rank |
| 1 | University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City | 13 | 501-600 |
| 2 | Duy Tan University | 19 | 601-800 |
| 3 | Ton Duc Thang University | 21 | 601-800 |
| 4 | Hanoi Medical University | 23 | 801-1000 |
| 5 | Nguyen Tat Thanh University | 33 | 1001-1200 |
| 6 | Vietnam National University Hanoi | 42 | 1201-1500 |
| 7 | Ho Chi Minh City Open University | 45 | 1201-1500 |
| 8 | Hanoi University of Science and Technology | 71-80 | 1501+ |
| 9 | Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City | 71-80 | 1501+ |
| 10 | Hue University | 81+ | 1501+ |
| 11 | University of Da Nang | 81+ | 1501+ |
What Drives Vietnam’s Rising University Rankings?
Vietnam’s increasing prominence in global university rankings is fueled by a concerted effort to improve research output and international collaboration. The government has invested heavily in higher education, encouraging universities to focus on research and innovation. The requirement of at least 1,000 scientific publications over the past five years to qualify for THE rankings underscores the importance of research volume.
Pro Tip: Universities looking to improve their ranking should prioritize increasing research output and fostering international partnerships.
Future Trends in Southeast Asian Higher Education
THE plans to lower the publication threshold in future editions, potentially allowing more Vietnamese universities to participate and gain recognition. This suggests a commitment to inclusivity and a broader representation of institutions across the region.
The growing demand for higher education in Vietnam, coupled with increasing international student enrollment, is also contributing to the sector’s growth. Vietnam is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international students, as highlighted by Thông tấn xã Việt Nam (TTXVN). This trend is expected to continue, further boosting the international outlook of Vietnamese universities.
FAQ
Q: What ranking system did these results approach from?
A: The rankings are from a pilot program by Times Higher Education (THE).
Q: What factors are considered in the THE ranking?
A: Teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry income are the five key categories.
Q: What is the minimum publication requirement for THE rankings?
A: Currently, institutions need at least 1,000 scientific publications over the past five years, but THE plans to lower this threshold.
Q: Which Vietnamese university ranked highest?
A: The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) ranked 13th in Southeast Asia.
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