Vietnam and EU examine Erasmus+ cooperation opportunities in Hanoi

The two-day seminar, part of the European Education Week 2024 organized by the EU Delegation to Vietnam in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, has attracted the participation of representatives from nearly 50 higher education institutions of EU member states and more than 100 higher education institutions of Vietnam.

Discussions focus on the main components of Erasmus+, including the Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE), International Credit Mobility (ICM), and the Jean Monnet Action (JMA).

Speaking at the event, European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas noted that Erasmus+ has long been a symbol of excellence in education and cultural exchange in Europe. However, the program has extended beyond the EU, promoting global partnerships and enhancing mutual understanding.

The expansion of Erasmus+ not only opens up more educational opportunities but also strengthens cooperative relations with countries around the world, including Vietnam, he said.

Taking the floor, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc affirmed that education and training is Vietnam’s top policy, and that education development is considered one of the three strategic breakthroughs to implement the country socio-economic development strategy.

Vietnam recognizes the need to proactively integrate with the world and to encourage foreign investment in the education sector to enhance the quality of education domestically, he stressed.

According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam currently has approximately 200,000 students studying abroad. By the end of 2024, the country aims to attract US$4.5 billion in education and training, including 430 training programs in partnership with foreign institutions implemented at 65 domestic educational facilities, half of which are with European universities.

Phuc spoke highly of the positive development of the Vietnam – EU partnership, with higher education cooperation being a major focus. Education cooperation between the two sides has yielded significant results since the Erasmus+ program officially began its first phase in Vietnam in 2015, aimed at supporting capacity building, expanding connectivity, and fostering research collaboration between their higher education institutions.

Through the program, 3,400 students, faculty, and higher education managers have participated in long-term and short-term courses in Europe. Vietnam has repeatedly ranked among the top 20 countries globally, with over 600 students receiving awards. In 2024 alone, 54 Vietnamese candidates have received scholarships from the program for postgraduate studies.

The program also creates opportunities to enhance cooperation between European and Vietnamese higher education institutions in scientific research, the development of training programs, and joint research projects. With 96 projects approved in this phase, Vietnam currently has the highest approval rate.

Notably, with a budget of US$26 billion earmarked for the 2021-2027 period, focusing on key areas such as green transformation, digital transformation, climate change, enhancing human resource quality, and increasing employment, the program is addressing urgent labour market needs and environmental goals, promoting a green, clean environment and climate change response, laying the foundation for both sides to work towards effective cooperation in training and scientific research over the next 50 years.

Phuc stated that the seminar is an opportunity for the parties to discuss and share challenges and put forward optimal solutions for enhancing higher education development and national economic growth. He also introduced a recently approved Government decree on foreign investment cooperation in the education sector, and expected that European higher education institutions would consider and seize this opportunity to invest more in Vietnam.