On May 9, 2026, The University of Danang-The Vietnam–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (UD-VNUK) has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Ho Chi Minh City International University (HCMIU) and VNU International School (VNU-IS). The partnership marks a new step in efforts to advance the internationalisation of higher education in Vietnam.

The memorandum of understanding aims to strengthen collaboration among the three internationally oriented public higher education institutions, with a focus on sustainable development, academic mobility, joint training, research collaboration and institutional innovation.

The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Nguyen Hiep, Director of UD-VNUK; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang, Rector of HCMIU; and Dr. Phung Danh Thang, Standing Vice Rector in charge of VNU-IS. Also present were senior leaders, faculty members and staff from the three institutions, along with representatives from UD.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nguyen Hiep said the partnership marked an important milestone for the three institutions as Vietnam’s higher education sector continues to deepen international integration.

He said the cooperation reflected a shared ambition to improve the quality of teaching and research, expand international engagement and enhance the role of internationally oriented institutions within Vietnam’s major university systems.

“This partnership is expected to open up practical and meaningful opportunities for collaboration, enabling the three institutions to build on their respective strengths and further affirm their pioneering role within regional and national university systems,” Dr. Nguyen Hiep said.

He added that the cooperation should go beyond individual academic exchanges or joint programmes, and should instead contribute to improving governance, management and operational capacity in line with international standards for modern higher education institutions.

Dr. Phung Danh Thang said the three institutions shared similar visions and development aspirations. With their combined resources and international orientation, he noted, they are well positioned to become trusted academic destinations for researchers, experts, lecturers and international students from Vietnam, the region and beyond.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang highlighted the advantage of the three institutions being embedded in major academic and research ecosystems in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City. He said this could help create a strong platform for developing high-quality human resources, particularly as Vietnam continues to attract new waves of international investment.

A central feature of the partnership is the proposed model of “One Vietnam – Three Academic Destinations,” which seeks to connect Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City as complementary study and research locations for international students.

The model is designed to provide greater academic flexibility and richer cultural experiences, while also contributing to the international profile of Vietnam’s regional universities and national university systems.

Under the agreement, UD-VNUK and the two partner institutions will cooperate in resource sharing, credit recognition, joint course delivery, training programmes, short courses and summer schools.

The three sides will also promote faculty and student exchanges, strengthen research networks, and encourage interdisciplinary and inter-institutional collaboration in innovation and community-oriented projects.

Following the signing, leaders from the participating institutions joined a roundtable discussion on priority cooperation areas for 2026. Discussions focused on measures to enhance the appeal of international programmes and coordinate the development of a “Study in Vietnam” information portal.

The portal is set to introduce training, research and internship opportunities in Vietnam, as well as information on learning environments, academic services and support facilities for international lecturers and students.

UD Media