Training Session On Programme Self-Evaluation According To FIBAA International Standards In 2025

Throughout three decades, Van Lang University (VLU) has remained steadfast in the philosophy of placing quality as the core value in higher education. This commitment has been clearly reflected in the University’s quality assurance policies and strategies from the very beginning and has been consistently implemented across all operational aspects. VLU’s continuous efforts to enhance the educational quality not only reflects the University’s responsibilities towards learners but also contributes to the promotion of internationalization and sustainable development of higher education system.

In alignment with this mission, the Department of Quality Assurance (QAD) organized a training session on programme accreditation according to FIBAA standards on March 31, 2025 at Lecture Hall J02.07 (2nd Floor, Building J) - Main campus: 69/68 Dang Thuy Tram Street, Ward 13, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

The training session brought together faculty leaders and lecturers from programme scheduled for FIBAA self-evaluation in the 2024 – 2025 academic year, including Faculty of Foreign Languages (Undergraduate and Master's programmes in English Language), Faculty of Commerce (programmes in International Business and E-commerce), Faculty of Public Relations and Communications (Multimedia Communications programme), the Faculty of Business Administration, and the Postgraduate Institute. In addition, representatives from VLU’s functional departments such as Research Development Department, Accounting Department, Partnership and Engagement Department, Academic Affairs Department, Admissions and Communication Department, Administration and Human Resource Management Department, the QAD, Student Success Center, Library, and the Center for Testing and Assessment also actively participated and contributed to the discussions.

Over the course of 150 minutes, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Cuong – Director of QAD, directly led the session, shared valuable insights and provided comprehensive, detailed information across four main topics:

1. Introduction to FIBAA.
2. FIBAA programme accreditation procedure.
3. Key updates in the FIBAA Assessment Guide 2025, compared to the 2023 version.
4. Detailed analysis of the new FIBAA standards and guidelines on how to write the Self-Evaluation Report.

During the session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Cuong emphasized that the newly released FIBAA standards incorporate significant updates to align with modern educational trends and ensure that learners are fully equipped with the competencies needed to work in an international environment. Accordingly, the updated version consists of 5 Chapters (Objectives, Admissions, Implementation of Study Programme, Academic Environment and Framework Conditions, and Quality Assurance) with 46 criteria. The updated version now integrate content related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) developments (criteria 3.1.4, 4.1.3, and 4.2.2) and focus on inclusive and equitable education (align with SDG 4 – criteria 4.1.2, 4.1.3, and 4.2.4).

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Cuong also noted that although the number of criteria has been streamlined, the evaluation requirements have become stricter, requiring Faculties/departments to provide clear and convincing evidence.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Cuong pointed out that FIBAA aims to see distinctive features of each programme through the Self-Evaluation Report, with particular attention related to the development of scientific research activities, as well as the presence of clearly documented, well-communicated regulations, policies, and procedures.

The training session facilitated the active participation of more than 70 individuals from VLU. Participants actively listened, engaged in lively discussions and shared insights about challenges and opportunities of implementing programme accreditation according to international standards. All questions and concerns raised by individuals and departments were acknowledged, addressed and recorded by QAD for further improvement.

Throughout this session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Cuong also provided participants with a clear understanding of the New FIBAA Assessment Guide, detailed guidance on evaluation criteria, evidence collection, and how to write the evaluation report. This marks an important step to ensure that VLU’s programmes meet the international accreditation standards.

Educational Quality has always been a moral compass in VLU's strategic direction and operations to provide the highest value and learning outcomes for learners. Along with the FIBAA institutional accreditation, FIBAA programme accreditation not only supports the University’s efforts to review and enhance its quality but also affirms the commitment to promoting international integration and aiming for sustainable development in the global educational landscape.

With thorough preparation, VLU hopes that the Faculties and Departments undergoing self-evaluation and external evaluation according to FIBAA standards will achieve positive results in the near future, delivering greater value to students and the community, while enhancing the VLU's position in the training and education system in Vietnam, the region, and all around the world.

On March 6, 2024, VLU officially achieved the FIBAA Institutional accreditation for the period 2024-2030, with 100% of the criteria meeting the quality requirements, of which nearly 50% of the criteria exceeded the quality requirements. The University had 02 criteria rated as exceptional ( this is the highest quality level that no university had been recognized by the FIBAA Accreditation and Certification Committee until now). This was an important milestone in the 30-years journey of the University that affirmed VLU's strong commitment to enhance the quality of education.

FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) is a prestigious organization for quality assurance of the Swiss government with two representative offices in Bonn (Germany) and Zurich (Switzerland). The organization was established with the goal of promoting the quality and transparency of study programmes worldwide. The mission of FIBAA is to accredit, evaluate, and develop study programmes and educational organizations worldwide. FIBAA programme accreditation at undergraduate and postgraduate levels are meticulously and rigorously developed, also regularly updated to meet the requirements of modern education.

News: Quality Assurance Department