Van Lang University: Advancing sustainable educational collaboration with the European Union
In an article published in the World and Vietnam Report marking the 35th anniversary of educational cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union, Van Lang University (VLU) was highlighted as a representative example of international educational integration.
Throughout the 35-year history of cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, education has consistently been one of the most sustainable pillars—a field where knowledge transcends borders to connect people, cultures, and the future. On this journey, Van Lang University has steadily expanded its global presence through substantive cooperation models that place people and social impact at their core.
Originally founded on a spirit of innovation, Van Lang University has transformed into an Innovation & Impact University, where knowledge is not merely imparted but translated into meaningful value for society. To date, the University has established a network of more than 300 partners across 30 countries and four continents. VLU has welcomed over 6,000 international students for study and exchange programs, supported more than 1,200 students in studying and transferring abroad, and ranks 129th in Asia for international student ratio, alongside a team of 300 international lecturers engaged in teaching, research, and academic activities.
In our ongoing efforts to expand international cooperation, Van Lang University has participated in numerous networking activities with overseas partner institutions. In September 2025, the University attended the EAIE Conference & Exhibition 2025 in Gothenburg, Sweden—one of Europe’s leading international education events. Participation in EAIE enabled the University to strengthen connections with European partners in education and scientific research, while creating additional opportunities for academic exchange within the European Union.
Alongside network expansion, student exchange programs with Europe have fostered vibrant academic engagement at Van Lang University. Over the past three decades, nearly 700 European students have visited VLU for study visits, cultural exchange, and academic experiences, contributing to the cultural diversity of the University's educational environment. Among them, nearly 200 international students participated in intensive academic programs such as Navigating Change, Sustainable Supply & Innovation, and Global Connectivity, exploring topics related to environmental sustainability, business and management, and sustainable development. These students came from 23 countries, including Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden, helping create a multicultural learning environment in Vietnam.
In 2025, in addition to its international student community, Van Lang University also welcomed hundreds of lecturers and experts from European universities to participate in academic activities on campus. A notable example was their involvement in teaching interdisciplinary courses within the Honors Program, enabling VLU students to access emerging knowledge, international learning methodologies, interdisciplinary thinking, and global academic standards while studying in Vietnam.
Beyond academic exchange activities, Vietnam–Europe cooperation at Van Lang University has been promoted primarily through transnational research projects aimed at addressing global challenges while responding to local needs. One notable initiative is a research project conducted in partnership with the British Council in Vietnam on “urban resilience in agriculture through automated vertical farming models.” The project seeks to address urgent issues such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development in both Vietnam and the United Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the ENTIRE environmental project, implemented by Van Lang University in collaboration with Wageningen University (the Netherlands), focuses on solutions for industrial water reuse and recycling in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, a region significantly affected by climate change and water resource depletion. Through this research partnership, both institutions aim to develop sustainable industrial models that contribute to Vietnam’s water resource management goals while aligning with Europe’s priorities in green transition and the circular economy.
In addition, international short-term study programs and projects under the European Union’s Erasmus+ framework continue to expand learning and exchange opportunities for VLU students and faculty members across Europe, linking education with green transition, innovation, and sustainable development.
From connections established through EAIE to exchange programs and collaborative projects with Europe and the United Kingdom, Van Lang University is steadily expanding its international integration through substantive initiatives. These efforts reflect the University’s journey of reaching beyond borders—a journey built on knowledge, cooperation, and social responsibility. Within the broader context of 35 years of Vietnam–EU relations, education continues to serve as an important bridge fostering connection and mutual development.
Van Lang University’s internationalization strategy is grounded in our “Liberal Sandbox” philosophy, which promotes an open learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and social responsibility. Centered on the core values of Morality – Will – Creativity, the University strives to develop well-rounded learners who are adaptable and capable of making meaningful contributions to society in an increasingly globalized world.
Founded in 1995, Van Lang University is one of Vietnam’s largest private universities, offering more than 100 domestic academic programs and over 30 international partnership programs. The University’s educational philosophy is: “Through experiential learning, we nuture well-rounded individuals who are lifelong learners, ethical, influential, and capable of briging positive change to the community.” In recent years, Van Lang University has continued to strengthen its position as an internationally recognized institution, advancing the quality of education and research while enhancing its reputation within the global academic community. Alongside its domestic student population, the University has cultivated an increasingly international learning environment. Over the past five years, nearly 3,000 students from 30 countries have studied at Van Lang University, while nearly 1,000 VLU students have pursued academic opportunities abroad. The University also maintains partnerships with more than 300 international institutions, including prestigious strategic partners among Asia’s and the world’s leading universities. As a result, over the past decade, Van Lang University has established a strong presence on the global higher education landscape through prestigious rankings. According to QS (United Kingdom), the University ranked among the Top 291 universities in Asia in 2025 and the Top 1001–1200 universities worldwide in 2026. It was also ranked among the Top 51–100 globally for Performing Arts and the Top 101–150 globally for Art & Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. In addition, Van Lang became the first private university in Vietnam to be recognized as a Microsoft Showcase School for the 2025–2026 academic year, affirming its leadership in educational technology innovation. |
Read the original article in the World and Vietnam Report (pages 42–43): Van Lang University in the Process of Sustainable Educational Cooperation with the European Union.
Source: The World and Vietnam Report
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