Ho Chi Minh City Open University

Advancing Open, Digital and Impact-Driven Education in Viet Nam

Founded in 1990, Ho Chi Minh City Open University (HCMCOU) is a leading public university dedicated to advancing open, inclusive, and flexible higher education in Viet Nam. For over three decades, we have expanded access to quality education, promoted lifelong learning, and equipped learners with practical knowledge and workplace competencies through innovative delivery models.

Our vision is to become a modern multiversity distinguished by openness, digital transformation, international integration, and practice-oriented education.

Global Standing and Recognition

HCMCOU continues to strengthen its international profile through sustained academic performance and societal impact:

• Among the Top 13 Vietnamese universities in the THE Impact Rankings 2024
• Ranked 1,201–1,500 globally in the THE World University Rankings 2025
• Ranked 701–750 in QS Asia Rankings 2025
• Ranked 16th in Viet Nam in the SCImago Institutions Ranking 2024

In subject rankings, HCMCOU is among the Top 5 universities in Viet Nam in Economics, Business, Social Sciences, Computer Science, and Mathematics, and ranked 2nd nationally in Economics, Econometrics, Finance, and Education (SCImago 2024).

The University serves nearly 35,000 undergraduate students and 1,195 postgraduate students, supported by 832 academic and professional staff across 7 campuses. Institutionally accredited by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) in 2017 and successfully reaccredited in 2023, HCMCOU demonstrates sustained quality assurance and governance standards.

Academic Excellence and International Accreditation

HCMCOU offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary portfolio spanning business and economics, engineering and technology, and social sciences and humanities. Our programmes include:

• 32 Bachelor’s programmes
• 12 Advanced Bachelor’s programmes
• 18 fully Online Bachelor’s programmes
• 12 Master’s programmes
• 8 Doctoral programmes
• 12 international joint programmes

To date, 36 programmes have achieved national and international accreditation, including recognition by FIBAA, AUN-QA, and MOET.

In recognition of our innovative teaching strategy, HCMCOU was shortlisted among eight institutions for the Times Higher Education Awards Asia (Teaching and Learning Strategy of the Year).

Research Impact

Research excellence is a strategic priority. HCMCOU has been recognised among the Top 10 universities in Viet Nam for Web of Science publications. In 2024, the University ranked:

• 2nd in Viet Nam in Economics, Econometrics, Finance, and Education
• 105th in Asia in these subject areas
• 410th globally in SCImago subject rankings

Our research contributes directly to national development priorities and regional socio-economic transformation.

Digital Leadership and Open Education

HCMCOU is a pioneer in digital and distance education in Viet Nam. Since the early 2000s, we have implemented Learning Management Systems and progressively built a comprehensive online learning ecosystem covering digital infrastructure, pedagogy, and research in e-learning.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, all classes transitioned online within two weeks with minimal disruption, demonstrating institutional agility and digital readiness.

Today, nearly 9,500 learners are enrolled in 18 fully online bachelor’s programmes, and blended learning is integrated across most full-time programmes. In 2023, HCMCOU became the first institution in Viet Nam to receive the Quality Matters “Making a Difference for Students Award”, recognising excellence in course design and student-centred digital learning.

Global Partnerships

HCMCOU actively strengthens international collaboration through membership in leading networks, including ICDE, AAOU, AUN, and Quality Matters, and through participation in Erasmus+ projects (3 KA1 and 5 KA2). These partnerships enhance mobility, curriculum innovation, and global engagement.

Ho Chi Minh City Open University continues to advance inclusive, digitally enabled, and globally connected education—preparing graduates who are adaptable, responsible, and ready to contribute to a rapidly evolving world.