Many Vietnamese students can now achieve their dream of studying prestigious University of London programmes right in Vietnam.

Academic excellence with global appeal

With nearly 200 years of history, the University of London has been dubbed an “educational phenomenon” with global influence. Its student community exceeds 45,000 worldwide - larger than the population of Monaco.

The University of London's academic prestige is affirmed through 17 prestigious member institutions, including the London School of Economics (LSE) - ranked 6th worldwide for Social Sciences & Management (QS Ranking 2024), and other distinguished member schools such as University College London (UCL), King's College London, and Imperial College London.

For many, a University of London degree remains a dream. Access has never been easy. Member institutions such as LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) often require A-level AAA grades or equivalent, together with minimum IELTS scores of 7.0 -7.5. In highly competitive programmes like Economics, acceptance rates range from just 5-10%.

Candidates are expected to present top-tier grades or achievements equivalent to First-Class Honours in the UK. The competition extends beyond British students to outstanding applicants from more than 190 countries.

Financial barriers add to the challenge. Annual international tuition fees at member institutions range from £22,000 to £38,000, while living expenses in London typically add £15,000–£18,000. The total for a three-year programme can surpass £150,000 (nearly VND5 billion), a figure out of reach for most families.

A single academic quality standard

In Vietnam, British University Vietnam (BUV) has become a Recognised Teaching Centre of the University of London. Thanks to this partnership, many Vietnamese students now have access to the same academic programmes without leaving the country.

Under the cooperation, the University of London provides the “software” - curricula, academic standards, study materials, and assessment processes created by its member institutions. BUV provides the “hardware” - 5-star facilities, 100% globally qualified faculty, comprehensive student support, and dedicated services.

University of London Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wendy Thomson, expressed her impression with BUV’s facilities: “What BUV has already with phase 1 and phase 2 is world-class. I get to visit universities all around the world and what you find here is outstanding. If you are a student who has an opportunity to come to BUV, I think it would be well worth your while.”

The credibility of University of London degrees at BUV is safeguarded by a rigorous quality assurance system covering every aspect of university operations. Programme design, academic direction, learning materials, examinations, and grading remain entirely the responsibility of the University of London.

For example, Economics, Management, Finance and Social Science (EMFSS) programmes at BUV receive direct academic guidance from LSE. This strict oversight ensures that standards in Vietnam are fully equivalent to those in London.

“Students at BUV study the same curricula and lectures prepared by LSE, ensuring timeliness, standards, and difficulty equivalent to University of London students in the UK,” said Mr. Mark Harris, Discipline Lead, Business (University of London) at BUV.

Professor Phil Allmendinger, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, emphasised: “Each institution has met rigorous quality standards set by the University of London, ensuring they provide the structured learning environment and academic support essential for student success while maintaining the high academic standards the University of London is known for.”

The impact of this model is clear. Nelson Mandela and at least seven Nobel Prize-winning scientists studied through University of London distance-learning programmes. At BUV, students have repeatedly placed among the top ranks of University of London global examinations.

Dual benefits from two international universities

Le Hong Anh - a student in BUV's Bachelor of Finance Programme - shared that one of the secrets to achieving the highest global score in the University of London’s International Foundation Programme (IFP) - was the direct 1:1 support from BUV faculty.

Class sizes at BUV are typically much smaller than those in London, where lecture halls often seat hundreds. This allows BUV lecturers to follow each student more closely, ensuring deeper understanding and stronger study discipline.

Besides reducing study costs by more than two-thirds compared with overseas programmes, BUV also offers students better chances of securing scholarships. With vast applicant pools, scholarship success rates in London can fall below 1% for the most competitive awards. At BUV, scholarships are distributed widely, recognising talent across different categories and creating one of the largest international university scholarship funds in Vietnam.

In addition, BUV students benefit from opportunities with more than 500 domestic and international business partners. Free from the work restrictions that apply to UK student visas, graduates gain direct access to the labour market. University data show that 100% of University of London students at BUV secure employment or continue higher education within three months of graduation.

Expanding horizons

Beyond completing entire programmes in Vietnam, BUV students may also study abroad at more than 70 prestigious universities across 17 countries and five continents. These include many Russell Group members and elite business schools with the rare “triple crown” accreditation, held by only about 1% of business schools worldwide.

Each year, LSE awards two full summer school scholarships to outstanding BUV students in University of London programmes, giving them the chance to experience world-class study environments in London and build global networks.

“The University of London programme at BUV encompasses benefits from both ends - the renowned academic quality of the University of London, and BUV’s 5-star certified learning environment. This is clearly reflected in the achievements of University of London students and alumni at BUV, and in the increasingly close relationship between the two universities,” said Professor Rick Bennett, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Chairman of BUV.

Currently, BUV remains the only institution in Vietnam authorised to teach and award University of London degrees. Impressed by BUV’s capacity, the University of London in 2025 officially elevated it to Global Partner University status, a rare designation within its network.

Professor Wendy Thomson underlined: “This designation is testament to our long-term commitment to close cooperation with British University Vietnam, continuously developing the partnership and working toward our shared goal of educational excellence.”