Vietnam faces a shortage of professionals in science and technology. According to the Ministry of Education and Training, in 2024, only 9% of university applicants chose technology and engineering fields, while computer science and information technology accounted for about 12%.

In this context, the Vietnam-UK Institute for Research and Executive Education (VNUK), a member of Da Nang University, has been tasked with expanding training in key areas starting in 2025, aiming to develop a high-quality workforce. The new specializations focus on microchip industry, artificial intelligence, biomedical technology, and high-quality tourism – all priority areas in the national strategy.

VNUK lecturers consult lecture materials. Photo: VNUK

VNUK lecturers consult lecture materials. Photo: VNUK

VNUK currently focuses on developing four main groups of programs. The Economics and Business Administration group includes International Business with four specializations and Hospitality Management. The Engineering and Technology group develops Computer Science with specializations such as Applied Artificial Intelligence; and Computer Engineering with Microchip Design, Embedded Systems, and IoT.

The Life Sciences and Healthcare group includes Biomedical Sciences, Materials Technology (Nanotechnology specialization), and Biotechnology (Biomedical Technology specialization).

Global Culture Showcase activities – a "specialty" of first-year students at VNUK. Photo: VNUK

Global Culture Showcase activities – a "specialty" of first-year students at VNUK. Photo: VNUK

All programs at VNUK are taught in English, emphasizing practical application and global integration competencies. Students are equipped with specialized knowledge, critical thinking, soft skills, and adaptability in a multicultural environment.

The institute integrates practical activities, research, teamwork, internships at businesses, and international exchange semesters. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects with international lecturers and transfer to partner universities in the UK, US, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and other countries.

In addition to training, VNUK also promotes scholarship policies for excellent students, learners from remote areas or disadvantaged backgrounds, contributing to realizing the philosophy of equal and integrated education.

Leaders of Da Nang University present flowers and certificates of merit to the valedictorians at the 2024 graduation ceremony. Photo: VNUK

Leaders of Da Nang University present flowers and certificates of merit to the valedictorians at the 2024 graduation ceremony. Photo: VNUK

Established in 2014 as a collaborative initiative between the Vietnamese and UK governments, VNUK is one of the first units to operate a public university model according to international standards. After 10 years of development, the institute offers 14 specializations with over 1,200 undergraduate students, 50 postgraduate students, and nearly 100 staff members, including two associate professors, 15 doctors, and 38 masters. The school also collaborates with over 50 domestic and international universities and research institutes.

Speaking at the recent 10th-anniversary celebration, Associate Professor Doctor Nguyen Ngoc Vu, Director of Da Nang University, said that the university has set the motto "One person does many tasks, one task is done by many people." VNUK has gradually stabilized and developed, leaving a strong mark.

3D rendering of the Vietnam-UK University project, expected to be operational in 2027. Photo: VNUK

3D rendering of the Vietnam-UK University project, expected to be operational in 2027. Photo: VNUK

With the action message "innovation - empathy - perseverance," VNUK aims to improve training quality, expand its scale, and invest in cutting-edge technology fields such as artificial intelligence, financial technology, and semiconductor materials. In the future, the unit expects to develop into the Vietnam-UK International University, the first public university following international standards in central Vietnam.

Thai Anh