RMIT Vietnam puts strong focus on serving communities
As Australia’s biggest service investment in Vietnam and largest university campus overseas, RMIT University in Vietnam has continuously reinforced its leading position in higher education in the country and the region through its commitments in education landscape, innovation ecosystems, and broader communities.
Strong commitment to upholding international standards of best practice
Being the first fully foreign-owned international university in Vietnam issuing Australian awards and starting with just over 30 students, RMIT Vietnam has grown significantly over the past 23 years since securing an investment license in 2000.
The university commenced teaching English and degree programs in Ho Chi Minh City in 2001, in Hanoi in 2004, and English programs only in Da Nang in 2018, and now boasts a dynamic student body of more than 12,000 and alumni of more than 17,000.
RMIT Vietnam Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director, Professor Claire Macken, said that the university has made a commitment to upholding international standards of best practice both in the academic space and beyond the classroom walls, through a range of quality and industry-responsive programs relevant to the national and global marketplace it provides, qualified and experienced academic staff, the quality of graduates the university has produced, its state-of-the-art facilities, and an exemplary student experience.
The university is now offering 17 undergraduate programs in business, communications and design, science, engineering, and technology, six postgraduate programs in business administration, international business, artificial intelligence, and cyber security, and eight pathways and English programs for students who intend to study at an international university or simply want to excel in English. RMIT Vietnam has adopted a different approach to teaching and learning, where traditional exams have been replaced by industry-relevant projects and contemporary, multimedia resources.
Its programs have been delivered by a remarkable group of qualified and experienced academic staff who work hard in and beyond the learning environment to empower our students. They provide contemporary theoretical and experiential learning opportunities. They anchor the partnerships with the private sector. They actively collaborate with local universities, communities, and government agencies. And last but not least, they act as a bridge to Australian and international expertise: the hallmark of an international education.
The university has a wide range of modern classrooms, purpose-built lecture theaters, studios, laboratories, and other specialist spaces such as a financial trading lab, an engineering hub, and media suites and more, that provide a perfect setting for its students to thrive. RMIT library is the largest English language library in Vietnam, providing access to over 300,000 books, periodicals, e-books, and e-journals. Students and alumni also have online access to RMIT’s extensive library in Australia.
Professor Macken emphasized that the benefits of an RMIT education have become clear not just when students leave the university but during their time at RMIT as well. Through placements, internships, cross-disciplinary cooperation, and sectoral showcases, students gain confidence and skills, deepen their awareness of the business environment, and build the valuable networks they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. “Our students have left the RMIT legacy in national and international competitions, including but not limited to CFA Research Challenge, Social Innovation Challenge, Vietnam Young Logistics Talent, Vietnam Young Lions, Young Stars AD Competition, and Circular Campus Programme,” she added.
RMIT graduates are readily employable and go out into the world with their enriched experience, qualifications, and confidence. They deploy their knowledge and experience in major industries locally, including media and communications, IT, telecoms and consulting services, finance, tourism, hospitality, and more. Some work overseas and enhance the grid of global connections. Many hold senior and management positions and are the change makers in business, not-for-profit sector, government, education and industry.
Expanding the university’s presence and impact in Vietnam
“Our obligation as a higher education institution is to the communities we serve,” said Professor Macken. “Universities are here to contribute to solving the biggest global challenges and we have such a big role to play in achieving the outcomes and finding solutions to those challenges.”
“As RMIT looks to its future, we are committed to setting a direction for RMIT in Vietnam to embrace a greater regional focus, extending thought leadership, educational offerings, and partnerships into Southeast Asia to drive regional impact around shared challenges and themes.”
She added that the university’s first action is to position RMIT as Vietnam’s leading international university for Southeast Asia, which means it will be a prominent leader in technology, design and enterprise, digital transformation, sustainable development, and partnering with industry.
RMIT Vietnam will act as a front door for Australia to understand and engage with Southeast Asia. “Our role is to attract ideas, experts, and talent, and to foster strong connections in relation to Australia, Vietnam, and the region,” she said.
In addition, RMIT Vietnam looks to accelerate sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific through inclusive partnerships that aim at delivering a positive impact on inclusive trade, women’s economic empowerment, smart and sustainable cities, and regional stability, creating enduring and aligned social impact in local communities where RMIT operates. “Right now, we are addressing RMIT’s scale into the future, including new investments into physical locations to enable the university to serve the growing needs of Vietnam.”
Recognition for its significant contributions
This year will mark 19 consecutive times RMIT Vietnam has been recognized at the Golden Dragon Awards, organized by VnEconomy / Vietnam Economic Times. It will further cement the university’s strong reputation in the country for more than two decades.
As the first, largest, and leading international university, RMIT has helped lift the quality of education and the expectation of high-quality education in Vietnam. “We have done that by setting an example through our own learning and teaching, as well as constantly sharing our knowledge.” Professor Macken said. “Today, RMIT is proud to be a trusted part of Vietnam’s society, creating benefits for people of all backgrounds, government, and industry. As Vietnam has changed and developed, RMIT has remained responsive to the emerging needs of the country and Southeast Asia more broadly.”
