The government mandates that Can Tho University restructure its organization and operations based on the Law on Higher Education and related regulations.

The university council, its chairman, and the rector of Can Tho University will continue their roles and responsibilities until the Minister of Education and Training establishes a university board.

Previously, there were 10 universities in Vietnam: eight public universities including Hanoi National University, Ho Chi Minh City National University, Thai Nguyen University, Hue University, Da Nang University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics, and National Economics University; along with two private universities, Duy Tan University and Phenika University.

According to the 2018 Law on Higher Education, "university" and "college" are distinct concepts. A college or institute focuses on training and research in multiple disciplines. A university, on the other hand, conducts training and research across various fields, comprising member colleges and faculties.

To transition from college to university status, Decree 99 of 2019 outlines three requirements: a positive quality accreditation from a legitimate accreditation body; at least three member colleges, 10 doctoral programs, and over 15,000 full-time students; and approval from the direct managing authority and investors.

Several colleges are currently aiming for university status, such as Hanoi Medical University, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Hanoi University of Industry.

Can Tho University was established in 1966 as Can Tho University Institute. After 1975, it was renamed Can Tho University, becoming a key institution for undergraduate and postgraduate training in the Mekong Delta, serving as the region's cultural, scientific, and technological hub.

Can Tho University currently has six member colleges: College of Engineering, College of Information and Communication Technology, College of Economics, College of Agriculture, College of Education, and College of Aquaculture and Fisheries. In addition, it has 10 faculties, three research institutes, a high school for pedagogical practice, and two branches.

The university has over 47,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Le Nguyen