Resolution 71, issued by the Politburo, outlines a breakthrough strategy for education and training development. A key objective is to have at least eight Vietnamese universities among the top 200 in Asia by 2030. Furthermore, Vietnam aims to have at least one university in the global top 100 in specific fields by 2030, increasing to five by 2045. Experts view these targets as ambitious and vital for raising the profile of Vietnamese higher education globally.

Nearly 20 Vietnamese universities are currently listed in prestigious global ranking systems like QS and Times Higher Education (THE). This represents a nearly tenfold increase since 2018, when only Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU, Hanoi) and Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU, HCM) participated.

THE rankings assess universities based on 18 criteria across five categories: teaching, research environment, research quality, industry, and international outlook. Research quality carries the most weight (30%), while other categories range from 4% to 30%.

QS rankings use nine criteria. Academic reputation is the most heavily weighted (30%), followed by citations (20%). Other factors, each contributing 5% to 15%, include employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, international faculty and student ratios, international research network, employment outcomes, and sustainability.

Due to these differing methodologies, Vietnamese university rankings vary between the two systems. In the 2025 QS Asia University Rankings, Duy Tan University holds the highest position at 127. In the THE Asia University Rankings, Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics ranks highest at 136.

Here's a breakdown of Vietnamese university rankings in Asia:

Globally, Duy Tan University and Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics also achieve the highest rankings among Vietnamese institutions.

Nine Vietnamese universities are ranked by subject in both the QS and THE systems, though the subject classifications differ. In the latest QS rankings (March 2025), Duy Tan University leads in engineering and technology, ranking 363rd globally. Within this field, Duy Tan University places in the 201-250 range for computer science. Duy Tan University also leads Vietnamese universities in natural sciences (377th globally). VNU, Hanoi and VNU, HCM are both ranked 501-550 in social sciences and management. Vietnam also performs well in performing arts, with Van Lang University in the top 51-100 globally. Van Lang University and Duy Tan University are ranked 101-150 in architecture/built environment and art & design, respectively.

In the THE rankings, most Vietnamese universities are ranked between 301 and 1000 by subject. Duy Tan University and Ton Duc Thang University lead in engineering and physical sciences, ranking 301-400.

According to Professor Huynh Van Chuong, Director of the Quality Management Department (Ministry of Education and Training), participating in international rankings is essential but voluntary. He believes recent resolutions, including Resolution 57 on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and Resolution 71, will create favorable conditions for Vietnamese universities. He anticipates significant improvements in quality and rankings in the near future.

Students at Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Photo: VNU

Students at Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Photo: VNU

Duong Tam