As of late 12/2025, data on training scale revealed that Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM) is the nation's largest higher education system. It boasts 100,450 regular students and nearly 10,000 postgraduate learners.

Over 90,000 of its students come from provinces and cities in the Central and Southern regions. Ho Chi Minh City leads this group with over 35,000 students, representing 35% of the total. Dong Nai follows with nearly 11,900 students, and Gia Lai with 6,800 students.

These localities also produce the most candidates for the competency assessment exam, a method through which 56% of VNUHCM's admitted students gain entry.

Provinces and cities in the North Central Coast region, including Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Hue, contribute over 2,800 students to VNUHCM. Among the 20 localities with the highest number of VNUHCM students, Ninh Binh is the sole representative from this region, with 124 students.

In 2025, VNUHCM, comprising 8 member schools, admitted 24,550 students, achieving 97,57% of its target. Conversely, over 17,800 students graduated, with on-time graduation rates ranging from 40-90%, depending on the specific school.

Students of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Khac Hieu

Looking ahead, VNUHCM aims to increase its undergraduate and postgraduate enrollment by 30% by 2030. It also targets raising the on-time graduation rate to 70% and recruiting an additional 1,500 lecturers with doctoral degrees.

Le Nguyen