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According to the report: "Understanding the Education Landscape and Growth Opportunities in Vietnam" by the British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham), the British Embassy in Hanoi, British University Vietnam (BUV), and Decision Lab, 49% of parents aspire to provide their children with transnational and international education experiences. Conversely, 48% place a higher value on traditional Vietnamese higher education as offered by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). This data illustrates a significant divergence in the perspectives of Vietnamese families, where a range of reasons influences the decision to pursue international education versus traditional programs. Motivating factors include the opportunity for exposure to multicultural perspectives and access to high-quality education while demotivating factors encompass financial considerations and barriers related to English proficiency.
Download the full report here.
The motivation
The desire among Vietnamese students to earn an international degree driven by several key motivators. According to the report, a significant motivation is the need to improve English proficiency, with 41% of respondents identifying this as a primary reason for considering international programs. Additionally, 40% emphasized the importance of adapting to different cultures, enhancing intercultural communication skills, and developing the confidence to express themselves effectively. This trend reflects a broader aspiration among Vietnamese people to not only excel academically but also to be more confident and culturally aware , making studying abroad a vital pathway to personal growth and global readiness.
When asking parents across all educational stages about the reasons why they opt for bilingual/ integrated/ international programmes, the motivations remain consistent, with most parents emphasising the need for improved English proficiency, mainly when their children are about to enter Nursery, Kindergarten, or Preschool programs (74%). Vietnamese parents aspire for their children to become global citizens by equipping them with the skills to adapt and communicate across cultures. This desire spans across demographics, with 73% of parents of preschoolers and over half (56%) of parents with high school children expressing this expectation. Additionally, many parents cite the development of soft skills and personal talents as a key motivation for enrolling their children in international programs.
The barriers
While many recognize the advantages of international education, a considerable percentage (68%) feel discouraged by its high costs. Pursuing globally accredited degrees often demands a substantial investment, not just from the individual student but also from the entire family. Another significant barrier is the lack of confidence in English skills, which is the primary concern of most Vietnamese students (49%). These factors combined make studying abroad inaccessible for many, which helps explain why traditional education programmes offered by Vietnam's MOET continue to be the most popular choice by the wider population across all educational stages, amid the surge in students going overseas.
Emerging opportunities for international education providers
While studying abroad remains the top choice for higher education, with 17% of students favouring it among programs that offer international or transnational degrees, the differences between overseas education and domestic, international education are minimal. In this context, international universities in Vietnam rank as the second most popular option, accounting for 14%. This suggests that these globally accredited institutions in Vietnam are effectively bridging the gap between opportunities and challenges by providing relatively affordable options and fostering internationally standardized environments that meet the needs of Vietnamese students.
As Vietnam’s education system continues to evolve, offering inclusive, affordable, and globally competitive programs will increase educational opportunities for Vietnamese students. It will be crucial to educate parents and students about the different pathways available, highlighting the advantages of both local and international options, to empower them in making informed decisions regarding their educational futures.
Decision Lab is the regional expert in consulting education providers in Southeast Asia about commercial opportunities and understanding the local markets. Reach out to us to start the conversation.
