Vinh Long province has made history as the first province in Vietnam to have an affiliated university, Tra Vinh University, officially upgraded to a university system. This significant change follows a government decision issued on 12/1, marking a new chapter for higher education in the region. The upgrade positions Tra Vinh University as the 13th university system nationwide.

This upgrade highlights a key distinction under Vietnam's Higher Education Law: 'truong dai hoc' (university or college) and 'dai hoc' (university system) are distinct entities. A 'truong dai hoc' or 'hoc vien' (academy) typically focuses on training and research across multiple disciplines. In contrast, a 'dai hoc' (university system) operates on a larger scale, conducting training and research across various fields, and comprises multiple constituent universities and faculties.

The government has mandated Tra Vinh University to restructure its organization and operations based on its initial status, in accordance with the Higher Education Law and related regulations. The current rector of Tra Vinh University will continue to serve until the competent authority appoints a director for the newly established university system. Tra Vinh University will remain under the direct management of the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee.

Both the Ministry of Education and Training and the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee are tasked with guiding and supervising this transition process. Their responsibilities include ensuring transparency, preventing any losses or waste, and safeguarding the university's operations and the interests of its lecturers and students.

Tra Vinh University joins an esteemed group as the 13th university system in the country. It follows: Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City; Thai Nguyen University; Hue University; Da Nang University; Hanoi University of Science and Technology; University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City; National Economics University; Hanoi University of Industry; Can Tho University; Duy Tan University; and Phenikaa University.

To transition from a 'truong dai hoc' to a 'dai hoc', Government Decree 99 of 2019 outlines three primary conditions:

: Evaluation by a legitimate accreditation body confirming quality standards; possessing at least three constituent universities and 10 doctoral training programs, with a regular student enrollment exceeding 15,000; and approval from the direct managing agency and investors.

However, the path for universities to become university systems is set to become stricter. According to the draft decree guiding the revised Higher Education Law of 2025, the conditions for recognition as a 'dai hoc' are expected to be tightened. Future training institutions will need to have at least five constituent universities. The required number of doctoral training programs will increase to 25, and student enrollment must reach 25,000, along with other specified conditions.

Stricter path for universities to become university systems

A corner of Tra Vinh University. Photo: TVU

Tra Vinh University (TVU), under the Vinh Long Provincial People's Committee, was established in 2006. Operating as a multidisciplinary institution, TVU currently comprises four constituent universities: Economics and Law; Southern Khmer Language, Culture, Arts and Humanities; Medicine and Pharmacy; and Engineering and Technology. Additionally, the university includes a Pedagogical Practice School system and the Tra Vinh University Hospital.

With an enrollment of approximately 20,000 regular students, the university aims to provide highly skilled human resources, scientific research, and practical applications for the Mekong Delta region.

Le Nguyen