Van Lang University rises to Top 601 - 800 globally in THE Impact Rankings 2025

On June 18, 2025, Times Higher Education (THE) released its annual Impact Rankings, which recognize universities around the world for their positive influences and contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Van Lang University makes its second appearance in the 2025 rankings, rising to the 601 - 800 globally.

This year, the 2025 Impact Rankings evaluated more than 2,300 education institutions worldwide. Van Lang University is one of 16 universities in Vietnam honored for making a meaningful impact on global sustainable development efforts in alignment with the United Nations’ SDGs. Compared to its placement in the Top 801 - 1000 bracket in 2024, the University has shown significant progress by making a leap to the Top 601 - 800 range in 2025.

Among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, Van Lang University was recognized by THE in 15 categories, with global rankings ranging from Top 101-200 to Top 601-800. Especially, the University earned a place in the Top 101-200 worldwide for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Recognition also includes positions in the Top 201-300 for SDG 4 (Quality Education) and Top 301-400 for SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). In addition, Van Lang University achieved rankings in the Top 401-600 globally across five other goals: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
 

In 2025, Van Lang University reaffirmed its positive influence on global sustainable development, with 16 out of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) either maintaining or improving their rankings - including advancements in 9 SDGs compared to 2024. Notably, a key area of progress lies in the University’s scientific research performance, which has shown remarkable improvement across the board. These results were objectively measured by Times Higher Education using trusted international databases. The number of research publications indexed in Web of Science (WoS)/Scopus has continued to grow steadily and sustainably year after year. Moreover, the quality of research output has also improved, with a consistently rising proportion of publications featured in Q1 and Q2 journals. Between 2020 and 2025, Van Lang University scholars produced 2,530 publications indexed by WoS/Scopus, collaborating with 1,489 universities, research institutes, and organizations across 92 countries and territories. These publications addressed real-world issues, offering meaningful contributions to the advancement of the SDGs.

Sustainable development has been implemented as a core strategy in Van Lang University’s overall growth orientation, translated into actions across training management, campus operations, policy implementation, and support for students and the wider community. For the 2023-2028 period, Van Lang University’s sustainability strategy is centered on cultivating individuals who make positive social impact, developing solutions that respond to real-world needs, becoming a global connector, and leading in digital transformation through the adoption of smart technologies. The University also aims to guide and empower communities toward more efficient resource consumption and emission reduction.

Across the key Sustainable Development Goals recognized by THE Impact Rankings, Van Lang University has reinforced its role as a higher education institution closely aligned with the advancement of both the economy and society. In addition to its growing body of scientific research - some of which provide proposals and insights for national development - Van Lang University is committed to training high-quality human resources. The University enhances students’ readiness to enter the workforce through academically rigorous programs benchmarked against international standards, while also fostering a learning and working environment that encourages holistic development.

The significant leap in Van Lang University’s SDG 4 ranking (Quality Education) - from the 801–1000 band in 2024 to the 201–300 band in 2025 - reflects the results of the University’s persistent efforts to enhance its academic programs. Alongside regular reviews and improvements of academic programs and teaching methods, Van Lang continues to expand its curriculum each year with a growing number of diverse programs focused on building advanced professional knowledge and skills. The University places strong emphasis on soft skills development - not only for students, but also for faculty, staff, and the community. All students at Van Lang, regardless of their major, are offered distinctive courses designed to enhance their adaptability in the face of globalization and shared global challenges. These include: Global Citizenship Skills, Design Thinking and Innovation, Critical Thinking and Reasoning, Sustainable Development, and more. In particular, digital competency has been added across all disciplines, with newly integrated modules such as AI for Everyone, Data Analysis, Big Data, and Machine Learning, ensuring that learners are equipped with the digital literacy essential for today’s world.

In alignment with the mission to make education more accessible to the wider community, Van Lang University implements a variety of meaningful initiatives each year. These include practical service and financial support for learners, the development of open educational resources (OER), free courses for high school and university students, and community-oriented academic events and training programs that foster a culture of lifelong learning. At the heart of these efforts is a unifying message: “Where impact matters”. This is not merely a slogan, but a guiding philosophy that runs through Van Lang University’s vision, strategy, goals, and personal contributions made by the community of Van Lang - driving a shared commitment to creating positive and lasting change.

In addition to its advancement in the THE Impact Rankings, Van Lang University was named among the top 500 best universities in Asia (QS Asia University Rankings 2025) and recognized by reputable international accreditation for its academic quality - earning the FIBAA Quality Seal (2025) and maintaining a 4-star rating from QS Stars (2021). At the program level, Van Lang University’s Performing Arts majors were ranked in the global top 51-100, while Art & Design was placed in the top 101-150 worldwide, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. With these prestigious accreditations and international rankings, Van Lang University stands confident and resolute in its journey toward becoming one of Asia’s most admired young universities by 2030.

In addition to its advancement in the THE Impact Rankings, Van Lang University was named among the top 500 best universities in Asia (QS Asia University Rankings 2025) and recognized by reputable international accreditation for its academic quality - earning the FIBAA Quality Seal (2025) and maintaining a 4-star rating from QS Stars (2021). At the program level, Van Lang University’s Performing Arts majors were ranked in the global top 51-100, while Art & Design was placed in the top 101-150 worldwide, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. With these prestigious accreditations and international rankings, Van Lang University stands confident and resolute in its journey toward becoming one of Asia’s most admired young universities by 2030. 

Established in 1995, Van Lang University is one of the largest private universities in Vietnam, offering over 100 domestic programs and more than 30 international programs. Van Lang University's educational philosophy centers on "A Holistic, Lifelong, Ethical and Impactful Learning Experience". Over the years, Van Lang University has made significant progress in becoming a globally recognized institution, with a strong emphasis on high-quality education and in-depth scientific research. These efforts have steadily elevated the University’s reputation within the international academic community. Alongside its domestic student community, Van Lang fosters an open global learning environment. Within the past five years, the University has welcomed nearly 3,000 international students from 30 countries and supported close to 700 Van Lang students in pursuing academic experiences abroad. Van Lang also maintains partnerships with more than 400 international institutions, including many prestigious strategic partners ranked among the top universities in Asia and worldwide. Van Lang University makes significant investments in infrastructure, upholding its commitment to providing a holistic learning environment. Across its three modern campuses, world-class facilities support students in achieving an international-standard educational experience. Inside these dynamic classroom buildings, over 800 annual events - ranging from academic forums to cultural, artistic, and athletic activities - foster a vibrant campus life for a thriving student community of more than 45,000 learners.