The plan emphasizes the focused development of five public higher education institutions into national key universities specializing in engineering and technology, with quality and prestige of regional stature. Among these, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) is expected to be designated as part of the group of leading higher education institutions in Asia.

These institutions, alongside national universities and certain local universities, will serve as the core in training high-quality human resources and talent, conducting research, development, and innovation to support the advancement of high-tech fields, strategic technologies, and national digital transformation.

The five higher education establishments are:

HUST: its key fields and disciplines include national sciences, life sciences; maths and statistics; computer and information technology; and engineering.

Hanoi University of Civil Engineering: architecture and construction.

University of Transport: transport.

Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT): computer and information technology.

HCM City University of Technology and Education: technology and engineering.

According to the plan, by 2030, the network of higher education institutions training in STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields will expand to accommodate over one million learners. Of these, 7 percent will have a master’s degree (and equivalent qualifications), and 1 percent doctorate. Priority will be given to higher education institutions with strong research capabilities, focusing on STEM disciplines and fields aligned with the development priorities of key economic and social sectors across various areas.

Additionally, the plan includes the continued development of three universities established under intergovernmental agreements between Vietnam and other countries (Vietnam-Germany University, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, and Vietnam-Japan University) into research-oriented higher education institutions with a high degree of internationalization. These institutions will prioritize promising fields in science, engineering, and technology. Furthermore, the investment will be directed toward establishing Vietnam Maritime University as a national key university, achieving a level comparable to developed countries in the region in the fields of science, engineering, and technology that support the growth of the marine economy.

The Prime Minister has recently approved the Plan for the Network of Higher Education and Pedagogical Institutions for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision extending to 2050.

Under the plan for the higher education and pedagogical institution network development, Vietnam plans to expand the scale of higher education to over three million learners, achieving a ratio of 260 university students and 23 postgraduate learners per 10,000 people. The proportion of individuals aged 18-22 pursuing higher education is targeted to reach 33 percent, with no province falling below a rate of 15 percent.

The plan also outlines the development orientation for the network of higher education institutions training teachers, aiming to achieve a scale of 180,000 to 200,000 learners. 

Thanh Hung