Overview
Education and training are top priorities for the government, which aims to equip the labor force with essential scientific, technological, and management skills. As new industries expand, a university degree is becoming increasingly important for young Vietnamese workers seeking higher-paying jobs in emerging sectors, particularly in the high-tech industry.
Additionally, the domestic education market in Vietnam continues to strengthen due to a significant increase in per capita income, robust growth in both the manufacturing and services sectors, and the strong emphasis that Vietnamese families traditionally place on providing a solid education for their children. Consequently, domestic educational offerings are improving. However, a large percentage of university graduates require further training to secure jobs in their fields, highlighting the need for more practical and effective education. Recognizing this gap, many Vietnamese families and students are seeking educational opportunities abroad. In addition, English language training has emerged as a growing opportunity given the government’s focus on implementing English as a second language throughout Vietnam.
According to data from the Department of International Cooperation under the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training (MoET), there is a strong interest among Vietnamese students in studying overseas, with the total number of students pursuing education abroad exceeding 250,000 in 2025. The most popular destinations for Vietnamese students include South Korea, Japan, Australia, United States, Taiwan, China, and Canada.
(Source: KEID, JASSO, Austrade, ICE, MOE Taiwan, MOE China, IRCC)
Sub-sectors
Higher Education
An Open Doors report of the American Institute of International Education (IIE) released on November 14, 2024, stated that the United States has 1,126,690 international students from over 200 countries and territories studying at U.S. institutions of higher education in the academic year 2023–2024. This is an increase of about 7% from the previous school year.
According to the report, the number of Vietnamese students studying in the U.S. in 2023–2024 is 22,066, accounting for 2% of the total number of international students studying in the U.S. and contributing over $1 billion to the U.S. economy.
Of the 22,066 Vietnamese students enrolled in higher education in the United States, 62.8% (13,848) were undergraduates, 18.2% (4,014) focused on the graduate study level, 16% (3,533) enrolled in Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the remaining 3% (671) were pursuing non-degree programs. Vietnam is currently ranked 6th by IIE in terms of the number of international students at the higher education level in the United States.
(Source: Open Doors Report – IIE)
| academic year | 2021–2022 | 2022–2023 | 2023–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL STUDENTS | 20,713 | 21,900 | 22,066 |
| STEM* | 47.1% | 47.6% | 48.5% |
| Business/ Management | 25.6% | 24.7% | 24.2% |
| Math/ Computer Science* | 19.3% | 21.5% | 22.4% |
| Education | 1.1% | 1.1% | 1% |
| Engineering* | 11.7% | 11.8% | 11.8% |
| Physical/ Life Sciences* | 10.7% | 9.6% | 9.3% |
| Health Professions* | 5.4% | 4.7% | 5% |
| Social Sciences | 5.7% | 5.9% | 6% |
| Fine/ Applied Arts | 4% | 4.1% | 4% |
| Humanities | 1.5% | 2.2% | 1.3% |
| Intensive English | 0.7% | 1.6% | 1.3% |
| Other | 11.3% | 10.3% | 11.1% |
| Undeclared | 3.1% | 2.8% |
2.6% |
Source: Open Doors Report – IIE)
*Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field
Note: Percent distribution may not total 100 due to rounding.
Among community college enrollees in the United States, Vietnamese students continue to constitute the second largest group of foreign students, accounting for approximately 7.6% of all international enrollments in 2022–2023, according to data from the IIE.
Secondary Education
There were 54,558 international student records for K-12 education during calendar year 2023. The chart below notes the top five countries with the most significant number of international K-12 students in the United States in the calendar year 2023.
- China: 26.3% (14,329)
- South Korea: 7.4% (4,059)
- Mexico: 6.8% (3,732)
- Spain: 5.9% (3,195)
- Vietnam: 5.8% (3,187)
Table: Vietnamese students in the United States for K-12 education
| School year | Number of Vietnamese students |
| 2021 | 3,323 |
| 2022 | 2,933 |
| 2023 | 3,187 |
Online Programs
Vietnam’s online learning development is progressing positively due to several factors: (1) the Vietnamese government’s commitment to enhancing IT applications and digital transformation in education and training, (2) improvements in internet infrastructure, and (3) an increase in the number of smartphone and mobile device users. However, there are significant barriers that hinder the potential of online learning programs.
1. Quality Concerns: Despite the growth in online education, there are ongoing issues regarding the quality of online courses compared to traditional classroom settings. Many countries implementing online learning face similar challenges.
2. Time Zone Differences: For international online programs, time zone differences can impact students’ experiences. For example, lectures held in certain parts of the U.S. can take place in the early morning, which is late at night in Vietnam.
3. Perception Issues: In Vietnam, as in some other countries, the e-learning market faces challenges due to stereotypes surrounding online education. Degrees obtained through online programs are often referred to as “distance learning,” a term that is typically associated by the Vietnamese with inferior or informal educational alternatives, particularly for learners who may have faced academic struggles or financial barriers. Furthermore, online qualifications are often less recognized by employers in Vietnam.
4. Social Interaction: The lack of interaction between teachers and students, as well as among students themselves, is a significant barrier. Online learning can limit face-to-face engagement, resulting in restricted feedback and a less enriching educational experience.
5. Learner Motivation: Maintaining motivation in an online learning environment is challenging for many Vietnamese students.
Education Technology
Vietnam’s education technology (EdTech) sector is undergoing rapid growth and transformation, driven by increasing digital adoption, adoption of AI tools, and robust government support. The market is projected to reach $364.7 million by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.5% through 2032.
Key aspects of Vietnam’s EdTech landscape include:
- Market Growth: Vietnam has become one of the fastest-growing online education markets in the world, boasting an impressive CAGR of 44.3%.
- Digital Adoption: High internet and smartphone penetration, along with improved internet infrastructure, are fueling the expansion of EdTech.
- Diverse Segments: The market includes various segments, such as K-12 education, language learning, STEM/STEAM education, and higher education.
- Government Support: The Vietnamese government has implemented policies to promote technology in education, including making English compulsory for primary-level students.
- Investment Attraction: The sector has attracted significant foreign investment, with approximately $200 million invested in EdTech startups in 2023.
- Industry Players: Over 750 EdTech companies operate in Vietnam, providing hardware, software, and services
- Online Learning Growth: The number of online education users is expected to reach 11.8 million by 2029.
- Pandemic Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning, shifting attitudes toward digital education.
Despite these advancements, the sector faces challenges, including digital inequality and limited social interaction in online learning environments. However, the Vietnamese education system is adapting to leverage the potential of EdTech, focusing on enhancing learning motivation, student engagement, and digital competence.
Opportunities
The United States is the preferred destination for Vietnamese students and their families when considering study abroad opportunities. When assessing schools, Vietnamese students prioritize factors such as available majors, campus environment, scholarships, academic requirements, and internship and job opportunities. In contrast, parents tend to focus on the school’s location, campus safety, overall costs (including tuition and living expenses), connections with other universities and colleges, and the emphasis on skills that enhance employability.
However, Northern and Southern Vietnamese families have distinct priorities when selecting U.S. schools for their children, reflecting regional differences in educational approaches:
Southern Vietnamese Families Prioritize:
- Location: The geographical setting of the university is a key factor in their decision-making
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: Financial packages are crucial considerations when choosing a school.
- Total Cost: Overall costs including both tuition and living expenses.
Northern Vietnamese Families Focus On:
- School Rankings: The prestige and ranking of educational institutions.
- Key Performance Statistics: Metrics such as standardized test scores.
- Graduate Outcomes: Number of graduates who successfully transfer to 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities.
Despite these regional differences, both Northern and Southern Vietnamese families share some common considerations:
- Campus Safety: Ensuring a safe environment for their children is a primary concern.
- Employment Prospects: Families in both regions value the importance of focusing on employment skills and future career opportunities.
- Cultural Adaptation: Families across Vietnam are interested in how well their children will adjust to life abroad.
It is important to note that while these regional trends exist, individual family preferences may vary. The overarching goal for Vietnamese families is to provide their children with a quality education and improved career prospects through studying abroad.
Four-year University/Graduate Degree
Many Vietnamese students are primarily interested in four-year undergraduate programs at U.S. universities, although a significant number also pursue graduate studies in the U.S. The most popular fields of study among these students are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), followed by Business and Management, as well as Physical and Life Sciences.
High Schools/Boarding Schools
There is growing interest among Vietnamese families in sending their children to the United States to enroll in high school and boarding schools. Attending high school in the United States is often viewed as beneficial for students seeking to attend a U.S. university or college and adapt to student life in the United States. This experience is thought to enhance students’ cultural, academic, and social adaptability, ultimately improving their chances of success in pursuing a higher education degree.
It is important to note that Vietnamese parents prioritize providing a safe and comfortable environment for their children when selecting boarding schools. Other factors that influence their decision-making include financial aid and scholarship packages, as well as the relationships schools have with community colleges and universities. These connections can facilitate a smooth transition for students to U.S. higher education institutions.
Joint-Degree Programs
The Government of Vietnam has prioritized the enhancement of domestic education, including efforts to increase domestic university enrollment, and the development a higher education system more aligned with global standards. As a result, the Vietnamese government has increased budget allocations, liberalized private sector involvement, and encouraged foreign participation in the development of education and training services. For example, Decision 1600/QĐ-TTg issued by the Prime Minister in December 2024 calls for over 20% of joint training programs in Vietnam to be offered by overseas partners by 2030. As the Government of Vietnam grants institutions greater autonomy in managing their operations, local educational institutions are increasingly interested in expanding partnership opportunities with foreign institutions, particularly those in the United States. There are opportunities to partner with local institutions to offer joint-degree programs, such as 1+3, 2+2, 3+1, or 3+1+X.
Digital Marketing Strategies
Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are the most popular social media platforms among Vietnamese students. Vietnamese parents are also highly active on Facebook. Users aged 18 to 35 represent 75% of Facebook’s user base in the country. Additionally, Facebook is widely used for streaming videos.
Google is the leading search engine among Vietnamese users, guiding them to various educational opportunities, including the official websites of educational institutions. Therefore, investing in and regularly updating your website is an effective strategy for promoting your institution.
LinkedIn is the preferred platform for students seeking job opportunities. Users can receive job advertisements and alerts about free training programs.
While popular social media channels and search engines provide access to a large Vietnamese audience, it is more effective to focus on target customers. Schools should consider partnering with local education agents to promote their offerings on these agents’ websites. Those who visit the local education agents’ websites are typically interested in studying abroad and seek information that can aid in their decision-making process.
Resources
Information about studying in the United States is available through Education USA, a global network of more than 400 advisory centers supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. The U.S. Mission has Educational Advisors in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City that organize annual education fairs and other events to promote U.S. schools to Vietnamese students and parents.
For more information about the Vietnamese Education sector, please contact:
Ms. Huong Nguyen, Commercial Assistant
U.S. Commercial Service – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
E-mail: Huong.Nguyen@trade.gov
Phone Number: +84-28-3520-4680
Ms. Ngan Thai, Commercial Assistant
U.S. Commercial Service - Hanoi, Vietnam
E-mail: Ngan.Thai@trade.gov
Phone Number: +84-24-3580-5199