On the morning of May 9, 2026, at the VN–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education – The University of Danang (VNUK), the “Signing Ceremony of the Strategic Memorandum of Understanding and Workshop on Developing Implementation Plans for Priority Cooperation Areas in 2026” was held between three institutions, namely the VN–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education – The University of Danang (VNUK), the International University – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (IU – VNUHCM), and the International School – Vietnam National University Hanoi (VNU-IS).
The event marks a new milestone in cooperation among three higher education institutions with a strong orientation toward internationalization, sharing a common goal of enhancing the quality of education, scientific research, innovation, and the international integration capacity of Vietnamese higher education.
Attending the event, on behalf of the University of Danang was Dr. Huynh Minh Son, Deputy Head in charge of the Department of Student Affairs, Corporate Relations, and Communications. Representing the partner institutions were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang, Rector of International University – VNUHCM; Dr. Phung Danh Thang, Acting Vice Rector of the International School – VNU; and Dr. Nguyen Hiep, Director of the VN–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education – VNUK, together with leaders of affiliated units.
Connecting three major academic hubs across Vietnam
With the message “One Vietnam – Three Destinations – Three Pillars – One Vision,” the cooperation program aims to establish an academic linkage model connecting Hanoi – Da Nang – Ho Chi Minh City, forming an integrated, modern, and highly internationalized higher education ecosystem.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Nguyen Hiep – Director of VNUK – emphasized that internationalization has become an essential operational capacity of modern universities, ranging from curriculum design aligned with international standards to the ability to prepare learners for global working environments. The collaboration among the three institutions forms a “strategic triangle” that brings together strengths in policy, innovation, and regional economic development.
Strategic cooperation directions to be implemented
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the three institutions will jointly implement key activities such as student, lecturer, and researcher exchange programs; mutual recognition of academic credits; as well as the development of joint courses, short-term programs, and summer schools.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Thang highlighted the strong potential of research teams, experts, and extensive international partner networks across the three institutions. This serves as a solid foundation for establishing inter-university research groups, promoting innovation projects, and advancing knowledge transfer in key fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and digital technology.
Promoting internationalization and “Study in Vietnam”
One of the key directions of the cooperation is the development of the “One Vietnam – Three Academic Destinations” model, enabling learners to access inter-regional academic experiences and a broader business network.
The three institutions also aim to serve as pioneering pilot units in developing the “Study in Vietnam” network, contributing to promoting Vietnam’s learning environment, academic programs, and higher education ecosystem to international learners.
In addition, collaboration in brand communication is identified as a key focus to enhance the visibility of training programs, international curricula, academic activities, research initiatives, and enterprise engagement among the parties.
Toward a practical and sustainable action plan
Reaffirming the practical orientation of the alliance, Dr. Phung Danh Thang stated: “The MOU is not the endpoint, but the starting point for concrete actions.”
Following the signing, the three parties will jointly develop an implementation roadmap with milestones at 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months; and establish specialized working groups in training, research, internationalization, communications and admissions, and university governance.
The cooperation among VNUK, International University – VNUHCM, and International School – VNU is expected to bring tangible value to students, lecturers, researchers, enterprises, and the wider community, while contributing to enhancing the quality, competitiveness, and international integration of Vietnamese higher education in the new phase.
Information
- Institution: VN–UK Institute for Research and Executive Education – The University of Danang (VNUK)
- Address: 158A Le Loi Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang
- Website: vnuk.udn.vn
- Admissions portal: tuyensinh.vnuk.udn.vn
- Hotline & Zalo: 0905 55 66 54
- Admissions consultation Zalo group 2026: https://zalo.me/g/qiasdz432
