Private Universities in Vietnam: Reflection and Proposition

Abstract

This paper discusses the progression of non-public universities in Vietnam through 30 years of national policy development. Since the first time that other forms of educational provision, rather than public, appeared on the scene, the private sector of Vietnam's higher education has changed intensively and contributed significantly to the overall development of the country. Nonetheless, this sector continues to lag in all aspects, including learning and teaching facilities, student enrollment, as well as academic staff. The quality of a private-university education also remains a concern. Meanwhile, the lack of favourable policies and mechanisms deters investment in private universities and affects a healthy competition mechanism between public and private institutions. Based on the analysis of private universities’ achievements and challenges, three critical issues, namely admission, quality, and autonomy, are thoroughly discussed. These are the issues that currently hinder the growth of this sector. However, when appropriately dealt, they will open up new development opportunities. In these aspects, the paper proposes several suggestions for the private sector to enhance their achievements and impact in the context of Vietnam’s higher education. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.18.12.16