Bridging the Gap in Higher Education:
Innovations from Vietnam and Abroad
Vietnamese culture places immense value on higher education. As Vietnam’s economy grows, so does parental interest in securing a world-class education for their children. This ambition is already making a global impact: Vietnamese students studying abroad are leaving their mark. Vietnam leads Southeast Asia in sending international students to American universities, with over 22,000 enrolled during the 2023–2024 academic year. Similarly, Vietnamese students rank among the top international groups in Japan, Australia, and Taiwan.
Having studied abroad myself, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of an overseas education. It broadens perspectives through interactions both inside and outside the classroom. Yet, as a developing nation, Vietnam faces a challenge—not every family can afford to send their children abroad. Recognizing this, Vietnamese universities are innovating to bring international experiences home, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City.
In this article, I’ll explore how the University of Economics and Finance (UEF) is fostering global education in Vietnam’s financial hub, making it more affordable and accessible for everyday Vietnamese families. As a UEF lecturer, I’ve witnessed the impact an international education can have on students. With a range of programs tailored to diverse needs, UEF empowers students to choose the path that best suits them.
UEF: A Hub of International Education
The University of Economics and Finance (UEF) is a private institution in Ho Chi Minh City, with campuses strategically located near the city’s bustling core. Its curriculum is designed with a global outlook, requiring all students to achieve English proficiency as part of their studies. Courses are taught in both Vietnamese and English, and students learn from international instructors from countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
To prepare students for the workforce, UEF requires a professional internship for degree completion. Through strong private-sector partnerships, the university guarantees placements in fields relevant to each student’s major. This hands-on experience ensures graduates are job-ready and equipped to thrive in a competitive market. While students have the option to secure their own internships, many undergraduates in Ho Chi Minh City struggle to find placements—giving UEF students a clear advantage.
UEF Faculty of International Relations students with special guest speaker Jeff Chue, sharing insights on international negotiations
Keuka College: An American Education in Vietnam
For many students worldwide, an American education is the ultimate dream—but it often comes with steep barriers: high tuition, visa challenges, and the emotional toll of leaving family behind. UEF has tackled this issue head-on by partnering with Keuka College, a private institution in Keuka Park, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Keuka’s annual tuition exceeds $39,000—an unattainable sum for many Vietnamese families.
Through this strategic partnership, Keuka College now operates a second campus at UEF in Ho Chi Minh City. Students can earn a Keuka degree entirely in Vietnam, with programs and faculty standards regulated by Keuka to ensure an authentically American education. The cost? Just $4,000 per year—roughly 10% of the price of studying in New York—with scholarships available for high-achieving students. Class sizes are capped at 25 to provide an interactive, private-school experience. Upon graduation, students receive the same degree as their U.S. counterparts, unlocking global opportunities at a fraction of the cost.
Keuka College on a sunny day, as featured on the college's official LinkedIn page.
Transfer Degrees: A Flexible Path to Studying Abroad
While many Vietnamese students and parents aspire to study overseas, not everyone is ready to make the leap at 18. Moving across the globe right after high school can be daunting, and the financial burden often feels insurmountable. UEF addresses this challenge through its transfer degree programs, offering a flexible bridge between local and international education.
Through partnerships with universities in countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and France, UEF enables students to begin their studies in Vietnam and transfer to a partner institution after two or three years. Upon completion, they earn a degree from the partner university. To ensure a seamless transition, UEF aligns its credits with partner requirements, allowing students to graduate within four years—just like their peers who started abroad.
The financial savings are significant. UEF’s standard programs cost around $3,500 per year, with scholarships widely available. Consider Marquette University, a UEF transfer partner ranked 86th in the U.S. by USA Today. With tuition exceeding $52,000 annually, studying at Marquette is out of reach for many. By starting at UEF and transferring later, families can save over $145,000 while still securing the same prestigious degree. This hybrid approach balances affordability with the dream of studying abroad.
Students at Marquette University, captured in a photo from the university’s official website.
Conclusion
Higher education in Vietnam is entering an exciting era. As the nation develops, competition among fresh graduates is intensifying, making a world-class education a key advantage in the job market. While many Vietnamese students dream of studying entirely in the United States or other top destinations, financial realities often pose significant barriers. Parents must make strategic choices to maximize opportunities without overextending their finances. As the World Bank has highlighted, Vietnamese higher education must continue evolving to ensure graduates meet the demands of the labor market.
That’s where UEF stands out. By offering innovative programs—ranging from affordable American degrees in Vietnam to flexible transfer options—UEF addresses the evolving needs of students and families. These initiatives not only expand access to global education but also empower Vietnam’s next generation to compete on the world stage. As globalization reshapes career opportunities, UEF is proving that a world-class education can be both accessible and financially sustainable.
from Vietnam and Abroad
Alexander Parini is an academic, writer, and international relations specialist in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He works as an international relations lecturer and global engagement liaison for the University of Economics and Finance. Alexander is an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and the Council of Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City Branch). He currently serves as a vice chair on AmCham Vietnam’s Education and Training Committee.
Alexander holds master's degrees from SOAS University of London and Peking University. Before moving to Asia, he worked in U.S. politics and studied political science at Portland State University.
He is active on both LinkedIn and X (Twitter).