According to HIU, the trend of shortening bachelor's degree programs to three years is becoming increasingly common in many European countries. This trend aims to streamline academic coursework, strengthen practical skills, and enhance applied competencies to meet labor market demands. In Vietnam, many students have proactively shortened their study path by registering for extra credits, summer semesters, online courses, and focusing on soft skills and foreign language development to enter the job market sooner.

Starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, Hong Bang International University (HIU) will also implement a three-year bachelor's degree program with three semesters per year. The total number of credits remains at 120 as regulated by the Ministry of Education and Training, but the curriculum has been restructured to be more streamlined. The focus is on key subjects, increased interdisciplinary integration, and practical application.

Students discuss in a classroom at the university. Photo: HIU

Students discuss in a classroom at the university. Photo: HIU

The academic calendar is divided into 12-week cycles, interspersed with 1-2 week breaks to help students maintain consistent academic performance. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, arts, and volunteer work for well-rounded development.

Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Huu Huy Nhut, Vice President of HIU, stated that employers now prioritize skills and practical abilities over degrees alone. Therefore, the university integrates applied learning methods, such as internships, apprenticeships, Co-op semesters, and project-based learning into the curriculum to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Student welcoming activities in 2024. Photo: HIU

Student welcoming activities in 2024. Photo: HIU

In addition, online learning, simulations, and blended learning are also being promoted to reduce classroom time while ensuring effective learning. The university encourages students to actively pursue self-directed learning, supported by in-depth materials and faculty guidance throughout their studies.

HIU's three-year bachelor's program offers several practical benefits for students. Firstly, shortening the study period by one year allows students to graduate earlier, quickly enter the job market, gain experience, and enhance their professional skills, creating a significant competitive advantage. Reduced study time also means saving on living expenses and related costs, easing the financial burden on families.

With a practice-oriented approach, the program focuses on professional skills and practical experience, enabling students to easily adapt to the professional work environment after graduation. The faster learning path also requires students to maintain a steady pace of study, thus improving time management skills, concentration, and learning effectiveness.

Graduating early allows students more time to explore different paths such as employment, starting a business, or pursuing further education domestically or internationally. After three years of undergraduate study, students are also eligible to apply for postgraduate programs one year earlier than the traditional route, shortening the time for academic and professional development.

Students take commemorative photos at the graduation ceremony. Photo: HIU

Students take commemorative photos at the graduation ceremony. Photo: HIU

With a network of over 500 partner businesses, HIU implements the program "Bringing students to businesses - Inviting entrepreneurs to the lecture hall". From their first year, students participate in practical activities like internships, apprenticeships, Co-op semesters, and enterprise classes. Early exposure to the real-world work environment helps students understand their chosen professions, acquire professional skills early on, and increase their chances of securing employment upon graduation.

HIU's three-year training program applies to 23 majors in Economics - Management, Social Sciences, Languages and International Culture, along with some new majors starting enrollment in 2025. In addition, HIU continues to offer training in many majors with flexible durations: 3.5 years for bachelor's programs, 4.5 years for engineering programs, and 5-6 years for medical and pharmaceutical programs.

Thai Anh

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See the list of 23 three-year bachelor's degree programs here.