Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau has signed Decision No. 1810/QD-TTg approving the Higher Education Development Strategy for 2026-2035, with a vision to 2045.
The strategy aims to strengthen higher education's role in developing highly skilled human resources, promoting research and innovation, and better aligning university training with labour market needs and national development priorities.
It calls for a more open and interconnected higher education system adapted to the digital era, with greater integration of artificial intelligence and a stronger focus on learning outcomes and the economic and social impact of education and research.
By 2035, all higher education institutions are targeted to meet national standards, while the higher education participation rate among people aged 18-22 is expected to reach 45 per cent.
Postgraduate students are targeted to account for 15 per cent of enrolment, while students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are expected to make up 40 per cent of enrolment at each level.
The strategy also targets suitable employment within 12 months of graduation for 90 per cent of graduates, while revenue from science, technology, innovation and knowledge transfer is expected to account for 15 per cent of higher education institutions' total revenue.
Vietnam also aims to have 10 higher education institutions ranked among Asia's top 200 and two among the world's top 100 in specific fields by 2035.
By 2045, the strategy seeks to bring Vietnam's higher education system to an advanced level in Asia, with some universities reaching international standards and some science and technology fields becoming internationally competitive.
The strategy outlines six priorities, including governance and financing reforms, targeted investment, faculty development, AI adoption, high-quality workforce training, research and international cooperation.
