Overview
Introduction
The International Trade major equips students with in-depth knowledge in business management, international trade, customs, supply chain, and global logistics.
With the region developing strongly as a trading and logistics hub toward the East Sea, this major offers broad career opportunities, meeting the demand for highly qualified human resources in the context of international economic integration.
Program Objectives
The general objective of the program is to equip students with up-to-date knowledge of international business and trade, strategic thinking, and practical skills. The program aims for comprehensive development, preparing students to adapt and meet the requirements of the global labor market in the context of economic integration.
Program Structure
Credit Distribution by Year
General Knowledge: 41
Core Major Knowledge: 49
Specialized Knowledge: 39
Internship Report: 03
Internship Project: 06
Total: 138 credits
(Applicable for the 2024–2028 cohort)
Learning Path
Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
Upon graduation, International Trade students will be able to:
PLO1: Apply concepts, theories, principles, and processes of economics, management, and business in practice.
PLO2: Evaluate the impact of macro and micro-environmental factors on organizational strategies and operations.
PLO3: Solve specific and complex problems in management and business.
PLO4: Develop essential skills for effective and professional work in the global labor market.
PLO5: Cultivate innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.
Program Highlights
In the context of global integration and the increase of international transactions, cooperation, and investment, the demand for human resources in trade and business at multinational corporations, import-export companies, international representative offices, and trade organizations has never been higher. According to the Center for Human Resource Forecasting and Labor Market Information in Ho Chi Minh City, approximately 40% of total job openings in Vietnam are related to international trade and associated fields.
Choosing to study International Trade means aligning with global economic trends, integrating with the world economy, and laying the foundation to join the global workforce.
The advanced program is regularly updated to reflect international trends and the evolving demands of the labor market.
The International Business and Trade program (bilingual) at VNUK focuses on in-depth training in business management and professional skills related to trade, customs, and both domestic and international supply chains. The program inherits a modern business approach from international curricula, with academic guidance from leading professors at Aston University, United Kingdom—VNUK’s strategic partner recommended and assigned by the UK government.
The curriculum is regularly reviewed and benchmarked against leading global business programs, with valuable input from managers working in multinational companies in Vietnam and abroad, innovative entrepreneurs, and local business owners. As a result, the International Business and Trade program is both modern and continuously updated, meeting the rigorous requirements of the global labor market.
Focuses on the comprehensive development of professional skills.
At VNUK, in addition to excellent academic quality, the learning experience emphasizes student engagement through extracurricular activities, internships throughout the four-year program, numerous international exchange opportunities, and comprehensive student support services.
Alongside developing academic competence, the program equips students with professional skills, such as working in multicultural environments, personal development planning, time management, and business communication. Practical skills are also emphasized to ensure students are fully prepared before entering the challenging business world. These skills are cultivated through integrated projects in most courses, activities connecting with enterprises, and extracurricular programs.
The Faculty of Economics and Business also organizes a range of skill-enhancement activities for students, including entrepreneurship competitions (Design Thinking for Human Challenges), the Future Leadership Programme, and workshops to update and enhance students’ knowledge and skills throughout their studies.
The training program is practice-oriented.
The strong connections between VNUK and various organizations and enterprises help ensure that students have high employment opportunities after graduation. The program focuses on practical business knowledge, developing skills in international trade, and negotiation through experiential and hands-on activities. Throughout the program, students engage in simulations, case analyses, project-based learning, and other activities that immerse them in real-world environments. Field trips to enterprises further enhance students’ understanding of theoretical knowledge.
VNUK also regularly hosts talks with guest speakers, including entrepreneurs and managers from major domestic and international companies operating in Vietnam, providing students with practical insights into the business environment.
Importantly, VNUK emphasizes maximizing work experience for students during their studies. Instead of limiting internships to the final semester, International Business and Trade students are supported to participate in internships throughout the four years via short-term, long-term, part-time, and full-time programs.
International Professional Certifications
“A powerful passport opening doors to global career opportunities”
In the context where many undergraduate programs in Vietnam still focus more on knowledge than skills, theory over practice, possessing international professional certifications alongside a Bachelor’s degree is a pathway that demonstrates both foundational knowledge and practical application skills. It opens up career opportunities not only in Vietnam but also worldwide.
What is an International Professional Certification?
An international professional certification is recognition from a reputable professional association, approved by national regulatory bodies, validating a learner’s knowledge and skills in a specific field at a defined level.
Benefits of International Professional Certifications
According to a report by the recruitment consulting firm Navigos, holding an international professional certification serves as strong evidence to employers of a candidate’s potential and clear career orientation. Depending on the type of certification, candidates may earn 20–40% higher salaries compared to equivalent positions. Graduates holding international professional certifications enjoy the following advantages:
Recognized and evaluated by reputable professional organizations;
Certification is accepted by universities, educational institutions, companies, and corporations worldwide, proving an up-to-date, internationally recognized knowledge foundation;
Confirms professional skills and the ability to apply knowledge in practice;
Provides access to the latest resources, toolkits, and knowledge from leading experts and instructors during the study process;
Offers opportunities to join global professional networks in the same field for learning and skill development.
Benefits of Obtaining International Professional Certifications at VNUK
VNUK partners with reputable international professional organizations, providing full support from enrollment to materials and guidance for preparing for competency assessments and exams;
Students can choose to study certifications alongside their regular courses, earning both a Bachelor’s degree and international professional certifications according to their interests and career goals;
Students can register and take exams in Da Nang, saving time and reducing study and travel costs.
Career Prospects
Potential Job Positions:
Import-export specialist (in trading, manufacturing, and import-export companies)
Logistics & supply chain specialist (transportation management, warehousing, goods coordination)
International business specialist (negotiation, contract signing, market development)
Customs & export-import tax specialist (in customs service companies, customs departments, or import-export businesses)
International market research specialist (strategic consulting, global business risk assessment)
Global e-commerce manager & coordinator (Amazon, Alibaba, Shopee Global, TikTok Shop)
International finance & payment specialist (banks, financial companies, foreign exchange enterprises)
Policy advisor/consultant in international trade
Potential Organizations/Employers:
Import-export enterprises
Multinational corporations, FDI companies
International logistics and transport companies
Banks & international financial institutions
E-commerce and global trading companies
Government & non-government organizations in trade and import-export
Startups in international trade, logistics, and e-commerce
5–10 Year Development Trends:
Cross-border e-commerce growth: The boom of international e-commerce demands workforce skilled in online business, smart logistics, and international payments.
Rapid logistics & supply chain development: Rising demand for sustainable supply chain management, smart transportation, and logistics automation.
Deepening economic integration: Free trade agreements (CPTPP, EVFTA, RCEP) create opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to expand exports, requiring skilled personnel in trade negotiation and international risk management.
Digital transformation in international trade: Adoption of blockchain, AI, and big data in supply chain management and electronic customs is inevitable.
Increased focus on sustainable trade & social responsibility: Companies must comply with ESG standards, green trade, and sustainable exports, creating opportunities in international trade consultancy and green business management.
