Thanh Nien Newspaper: Ton Duc Thang University – From International Partnerships to a Global Education Ecosystem

As education and the labor market become increasingly globalized, students today seek not only high-quality academic programs but also opportunities to develop foreign language proficiency, global competencies, and international career prospects.

However, pursuing a full degree abroad is not always a practical option for every family due to financial considerations, geographical distance, and the challenges of adapting to life overseas. As a result, international joint-degree and collaborative education programs have become an increasingly attractive choice for students and parents alike.

At Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU), international collaborative education has been developed since 2007 and has gradually evolved into a multidisciplinary, multi-partner international education ecosystem, providing students with access to a global learning environment from the very beginning of their university journey.

Over the past two decades, TDTU has established partnerships with more than 230 universities across 30 countries and currently offers over 18 international collaborative programs in a wide range of disciplines. A cornerstone of this international education ecosystem is the University's collaboration with prestigious institutions worldwide, including La Trobe University (Australia), The University of Waikato (New Zealand), emlyon Business School (France), Saxion University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands), the University of the West of England (United Kingdom), as well as many other reputable partners from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the Czech Republic, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Italy.

All partner institutions are accredited by internationally recognized quality assurance organizations. Notably, Waikato Management School (The University of Waikato) and emlyon Business School hold the prestigious Triple Crown accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA), placing them among the top 1% of business schools worldwide.

One of the defining strengths of TDTU's international collaborative programs is their flexible study pathways, broad selection of disciplines—including Business, Finance, Engineering and Technology, and Social Sciences—and affordable tuition with multiple study destination options. Depending on the program, students may choose among 3+0, 2+1.5, 2+2, or 3+1 study models, leading to either an internationally recognized degree or dual degrees awarded by both TDTU and its partner institution. All programs are delivered entirely in English, enabling students to develop disciplinary expertise alongside English proficiency and global competencies.

From their first year, students have opportunities to participate in academic exchanges, specialized seminars, and workshops delivered by professors and lecturers from partner universities. These activities expose students to diverse perspectives, contemporary teaching approaches, and the latest developments in their respective fields.

In addition, regular company visits, career orientation activities, job fairs, and industry-based projects help students gain a better understanding of labor market expectations while shaping their future career paths at an early stage.

Students also have opportunities to participate in academic exchange and short-term overseas study programs, allowing them to experience multicultural learning environments and expand their international networks while still pursuing their degrees.

In response to rapid digital transformation and global integration, TDTU continues to expand its portfolio of international collaborative programs in high-demand fields such as Digital Business, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology, Finance, Accounting, Civil Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductor Technology, Automation, Energy, and Sustainable Development.

The University is also strengthening its English-language programs, including TESOL, English Literature, and Creative Writing, in alignment with Vietnam's national strategy of making English the country's second language. Meanwhile, the rapid growth in enrollment in the Chinese Language program further contributes to establishing TDTU as a comprehensive international education hub that offers diverse academic disciplines aligned with emerging global workforce demands.

Alongside academic knowledge, students are equipped with highly valued employability skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and presentation skills in multicultural environments. Numerous practical modules and industry-based projects are integrated into the curriculum to enhance graduates' readiness for the workplace.

After nearly two decades of development, TDTU's international education ecosystem has become the learning environment of choice for generations of students. Today, its alumni are pursuing further study and building successful careers in businesses, organizations, and educational institutions both in Vietnam and abroad, further demonstrating the value of TDTU's internationally integrated educational model.