VietNamNet Bridge – The Government has agreed, in principle, to the construction of four universities that can meet international standards, with loans worth $400 million from WB and ADB.

The construction of the four universities is one of many targets set by the Strategy on Education Development for 2008-2020.

The four universities will be built under the mode of a modern university, which allows the creation of a new impetus to the overhaul of Vietnam’s higher education, capable of settling theoretical and practical issues. The universities are also expected to help lift the higher education level to new levels in the region and in the world.

To date, some achievements have been made with the plan for the four universities. The Vietnam – Germany University has been established on the 20 ha land plot within the HCM City National University. The University of Sciences and Technologies has received approval, in principle, for the establishment, which will be located on the 60 ha land within Hoa Lac High-tech Park. Moreover, the mode of construction for the universities in the central city of Da Nang and southern city of Can Tho has been defined.

The detailed goals for the modern universities’ development are as follows. In 2009, Vietnam will have an assessment of higher education in Vietnam and in the world, which will allow for the definition of criteria and ways of development for Vietnamese universities under a new model.

The time until 2012 will be reserved for material facilities and staff development. Vietnam will invite at least 50% of international lecturers, and carry out scientific and technological activities, as well as international cooperation.

By 2016, the material facilities development will finish. There will be the centers for excellent students, which will provide university and post-university education to approximately 4,000 students, while attracting 5% international students. It is expected that 40% international lecturers will be invited, and 30% of lecturers have doctorate or equivalent degrees.

By 2020, Vietnam will have to expand relations with prestigious universities in the world. By that time, the scale of university and post-university education will be raised to 5,000 students, with the ratio of university and post-university student being 1:1. The ratio of international students will gradually increase, while 30% international lecturers will be invited, and 50% of lecturers will have to have doctorate or equivalent degrees. Every university staff will have to have at least two scientific research pieces published on prestigious journals.

Tung Linh