When a degree alone no longer guarantees success, choosing the right educational environment – whether a public or international university – becomes a crucial decision for parents preparing their children’s futures.
Thanh Ha from Hanoi remembers her struggle to make a decision after her daughter graduated with high marks. Though qualified for a top public university majoring in English, her daughter aspired to study in an international environment.
“For our generation, getting into a prestigious public university was a source of pride. But when my child told me university is not just about the degree, I started to see things differently,” Ha said.
Her dilemma reflects that of thousands of parents today: weighing reputation versus practical experience and deciding between public and international institutions to find the best fit for their children’s futures.
Different training philosophies
Vietnam’s public universities, especially top ones like Foreign Trade, Science and Technology, and National Economics, remain symbols of academic achievement and stable careers. Students here often have strong fundamentals and disciplined training in a strict, exam-focused environment.
However, the public model offers limited personalized learning paths and fewer practical experiences. Curricula tend to be theory-heavy with low elective credit rates. Teaching is often teacher-centered, with students passively absorbing knowledge. Large class sizes further limit individual support.
In contrast, international universities follow a liberal education philosophy, emphasizing student initiative. Teachers guide and motivate while learners take center stage.
Learning extends beyond classrooms and textbooks into group projects, presentations, enterprise simulations, and internships. Students pursue degrees in foreign languages, work with international faculty, and develop critical thinking, tech skills, and presentation abilities — skills vital in today’s job market.
Qualified international universities often target global rankings, emphasizing up-to-date teaching so graduates enter the workforce ready to contribute. Students learn theory and practice simultaneously and graduate with portfolios of real-world experience.
What employers want
A decade ago, a degree from a prestigious university nearly guaranteed a good job. Today, the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs in 2025” report highlights critical thinking, adaptability, tech savvy, communication, teamwork, and foreign languages as the key competencies for young workers.
“Candidates from international programs don’t just memorize — they express themselves confidently, manage time well, and work effectively in teams,” said Pham Thanh Huong, HR Head at a multinational tech firm.
Meanwhile, many public university graduates with excellent grades struggle to find jobs or pass interviews due to lacking soft skills and practical experience. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Nhi, former Deputy Minister of Education and Training, attributes this to “too much theory and too little practice.”
Students from international environments generally receive higher praise for practical abilities, independent thinking, and strong foreign language skills. Even degrees earned in Vietnam at international programs are widely recognized abroad, easing further study or global transfers if needed.
Public institutions remain ideal for academically focused students seeking affordable, competitive education. But for those aiming to work in international companies, global startups, or creative industries, international education offers a strategic advantage.
Experts agree the challenge is not “choosing the best institution,” but “choosing the right one for your child’s goals.”
International learning environment
Among Vietnam’s international education options, British University Vietnam (BUV) is popular among parents seeking international standards domestically. At BUV, students study 100% in English following British curricula and earn U.K. university degrees, including from the University of London.
Programs align with labor market demands, offering diverse majors in business, communication, computer science, and creativity. Faculty hold international degrees and global teaching experience, supporting students academically and with career guidance.
BUV also emphasizes soft skills, leadership, critical thinking, teamwork, and self-management through comprehensive personal development programs, skills increasingly valued over grades.
The university partners with nearly 500 enterprises, providing around 1,000 annual internships starting from the second year. Students gain hands-on experience, confidently preparing for the job market. Impressively, 100% of BUV graduates secure jobs or continue education within three months of graduation.
BUV’s partner network includes nearly 70 prestigious universities across 15+ countries on five continents.
This allows students to earn degrees from elite institutions within the U.K.’s Russell Group (top 24 universities) and the Triple Crown group (top 1% business schools), all starting from their BUV foundation.
After careful consideration, Thanh Ha decided to let her daughter pursue business studies at BUV. Though cost concerns are common among parents, viewing the investment through the lens of career opportunities, global integration, and long-term earnings transforms it into a strategic choice for their child’s entire career.
BUV is the first university in Vietnam to earn a 5-star rating from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to receive global accreditation from the U.K.’s Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The institution focuses on seamlessly blending theory with practice and guarantees 100% job placement or further study within three months post-graduation.
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