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Foreign higher education institutions seeking to establish campuses in Vietnam must rank among the world’s top 500 universities in a recognised international ranking in at least one of the three consecutive years preceding the year in which they submit their establishment licence applications.
The requirement is provided under Government Decree 361/2026/ND-CP dated September 17 on investment in, and operation conditions of, vocational and higher education institutions, and education quality accreditation.
Regarding physical facilities, foreign higher education institutions must have appropriate locations and adequate premises, facilities, technical infrastructure and equipment, while ensuring a suitable and safe educational environment for students, lecturers, managers and other personnel.
Where a foreign-invested private higher education institution does not construct new facilities but instead rents existing premises or uses facilities contributed as capital by a Vietnamese party, its physical facilities, technical infrastructure and equipment at its headquarters must be fully completed and undergo acceptance testing by the time its establishment application is appraised. Their total actual investment value, as audited or valued, must be at least VND 200 billion.
Notably, within 90 days of the issuance of an establishment licence, the investor must transfer sufficient funds to the private higher education institution to cover salaries for lecturers and support staff at its headquarters. The amount must correspond to the planned training scale and the institution’s development strategy and plan for at least five years following its establishment.
The investor must also commit to transferring the remaining investment capital required to maintain and operate the institution within two years after its operating licence is issued. Failure to fulfil these investment commitments will result in the institution being suspended from enrolling new students.
The decree also requires a foreign higher education institution to maintain an internal quality assurance system and to be legally recognised or accredited for educational quality by an education quality accreditation organisation or quality assurance agency recognised or licensed by the competent education authority in the country where its headquarters is located.
In addition, the institution must comply with approved strategies, master plans and socio-economic development requirements, while ensuring adequate resources for educational activities in line with its development plan.
- (VLLF)
