Vietnam will channel major resources into four universities in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to push them into Asia's top 150 by 2030, positioning them as flagships of the country's higher education and innovation drive.

Vietnam National University Hanoi, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, and the University of Danang were named in a Sept. 30 directive by the Central Steering Committee on Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation for the development plan.

The plan sets ambitious goals: each university must attract at least US$50 million annually for research, launch 50 innovative startups every year and develop 10 successful enterprises worth at least $200 million between 2026 and 2030.

The roadmap demands sweeping changes: At least 60% of science, engineering and technology programs must be taught in English, with a push for dual-degree partnerships with top 200 global universities. Half of all courses must include practical training, project-based learning or research, with internships made compulsory. By 2030, 30% of all students must be postgraduates, 40% of them pursuing PhDs.

To attract more top researchers, the schools must waive tuition for all PhD candidates starting in 2026–2027 and provide scholarships through teaching and research assistantships. Doctoral students will also be required to spend at least 10 months abroad at elite universities or research institutes. Faculty, meanwhile, should have opportunities every 5–7 years to work for a year at world-class laboratories or R&D centers in leading companies.

By November, the four universities must submit action plans for climbing the rankings and propose large-scale science and technology infrastructure projects, especially in strategic industries.

The government has tasked multiple ministries, state-owned enterprises and the cities of Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh with supporting the effort, in hopes of building a "three-house model" linking universities, businesses and government, and boosting Vietnam's startup and innovation ecosystem.

Source: VnExpress