Vietnam's investment in higher education
Mar 17, 2011
Vietnam's investment in higher education: opportunities for Dutch Institutes
Vietnam's economy is growing very strongly compared to its neighbours. Presently only one third of the candidates who pass the state exam in Vietnam can be accommodated at a Vietnamese university. The government has responded by investing directly in the education sector. This investment offers many opportunities for Dutch institutions. The potential for exchange of services between Dutch and Vietnamese institutions is high and Nuffic NESO is here to assist in that cooperation.
To answer to the explosive demand in higher education the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) has initiated a multi-level plan. The project, spread over 10 years, involves structural as well as quantitative investment. A nation-wide reform of the curriculum is to be set in motion and four new universities are to be built to international standards. In addition, money is being allocated to increase the opportunities for international scholarships.
To fulfil these ambitious plans the government as well as universities and Vietnamese students directly are looking abroad to complement their educational needs. One possibility for Dutch institutions in Vietnam comes from school-leavers seeking entry to higher education. Currently, Australia and the U.S. lead the list of the most popular English speaking countries receiving Vietnamese students. These countries have achieved their market position through a more active and long-termed promotion of their countries in general, and of their educational programs in particular. However the service sectors especially have a high demand for skilled labourers in Vietnam. This is an area in which the Netherlands could be highly competitive. Dutch institutions are internationally renowned in many areas that are in high demand in Vietnam such as: flood management, agriculture/fisheries, the financial sector, shipbuilding, urban planning, design, fashion and architecture.
Another main responsibility comes forth from several of the long-term higher education goals set out by the MoET. These also coincide with Dutch strengths. Dutch institutes would be well suited in collaborating to attain these educational goals: curriculum improvement and development, quality assurance & accreditation as well as developing an international standard of education.
As globalization creates more opportunities for Vietnamese students to study elsewhere, it is critical that the Netherlands in general and Dutch HEIs in particular continue to engage in the active promotion of the country and its education service in order to remain competitive. Vietnam's socio-economic progress is turning the country into a middle income state. Now is the time for Dutch institutions to strengthen their ties or create new ones.
For the complete report please contact mstokhof@nesovietnam.org