Public universities are stepping up efforts to market themselves to high-school students many of whom will take national admission tests in July.

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education (UTE) has spent almost VND1 billion (US$48,400) on counseling for candidates.

In mid-January it held “Open Day,” a counseling program that attracted more than 4,000 students from the southern metro and surrounding provinces.

It also paid the expenses for 100 teachers in charge of student career orientation at 80 provincial high schools to attend “Open Day.”

They were provided information about the university, its curricula, faculties, and teaching facilities to enable them to counsel their students.

Like a business, a university also needs branding to attract good candidates, Assoc Prof Dr Do Van Dung, UTE’s vice president, said.

Another Ho Chi Minh City-based institution, Nong Lam University, has received almost 20 delegations of students from high schools in the southern hub and surrounding areas.

It has placed a strong emphasis on marketing, asking its lecturers and alumni to keep high schools posted on its admission exams and curricula, Tran Dinh Ly, head of its student affairs office, said.

The International University is organizing 14 counseling sessions in February-March on the upcoming admission tests, establishing a committee for the purpose and earmarking VND1 billion ($48,400).

It wants to provide students all the information they need to make good choices, Assoc Prof Dr Ho Thanh Phong, IU’s president, said.

The University also funded visits to its campus by high-school teachers and students from the City and surrounds, he said.

It has set up 12 telephone lines to answer inquiries by candidates and a website dedicated to the national entrance exams, he added.

The Hanoi-based University of Fire Prevention and Firefighting has promised to take part in an annual counseling program organized by Tuoi Tre in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Danang, and Hanoi.

Very few have heard about the University, Tran Van Dong, an official admitted, adding it will take the chance to make itself better known.

Phu Yen University has been busy organizing counseling sessions in the Central Highlands and other central provinces, including at 30 high schools in Phu Yen Province.

Dr Nguyen Huy Vi, vice president, said the sessions are part of long-term marketing plan to raise its profile.

The University has spent around VND100 million ($4,800) for them.

Source: Tuoi Tre