University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City Signed Cooperation Agreement with the University of Adelaide, Australia

15 Aug, 2025

On the afternoon of August 11, 2025, the strategic cooperation signing ceremony between the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the University of Adelaide, Australia, was successfully held at UEH Campus A, marking the beginning of a long-term and sustainable partnership between the two universities in the years ahead.

University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and University of Adelaide Sign Cooperation Agreement

The signing session included distinguished attendees, from the University of Adelaide: Prof. Jessica Gallagher – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement); Prof. Noel Lindsay – Dean of Business, School of Business, Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics (ABLE), and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Entrepreneurship); Prof. Melissa Nursey-Bray – Deputy Director, Institute for Sustainability, Energy and Resources (ISER), ABLE; Prof. Minh Hoai Nguyen – Deputy Director, Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML), Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology (SET); and Prof. David Giles – Director, Institute for the Future Industries (FII).

From UEH: Dr. Dinh Cong Khai – Vice President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Duong Phuong Thao – Deputy Head, Department of Research – Development and Global Engagement; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan – Rector, UEH-ISB Honours College; and Dr. Tran Anh Hoa – Vice Rector, UEH College of Business. Also in attendance were other representatives of the leadership teams of the University of Adelaide, UEH, and UEH-ISB Honours College.

Representatives of the two universities at the signing ceremony.

Expanding Collaboration Across Multiple Fields

In his opening remarks, Dr. Dinh Cong Khai expressed great enthusiasm for this collaboration with the University of Adelaide following its merger with the University of South Australia. He emphasized that internationalization is a core strategy for UEH to become a leading and sustainable university, and that cooperation with prestigious universities worldwide, especially in Australia, has always been a priority.

“The agreement signed today with the University of Adelaide will strengthen engagement in high-quality areas, focusing on sustainable development and economics. We believe this event will lay the foundation for deeper cooperation in the future, particularly in student exchanges, joint research, and innovative initiatives,” Dr. Dinh Cong Khai stated.

Dr. Dinh Cong Khai speaking at the signing ceremony.

Agreeing with this view, Prof. Jessica Gallagher underlined the importance of expanding international cooperation to achieve the development goals of the university, the city, South Australia, and the world.

“As the University of Adelaide, we will advance this relationship with UEH through today’s agreement, establishing transition partnerships in key areas and formalizing our commitment to strengthening cooperation in the coming years,” Prof. Gallagher affirmed.

She also shared that the upcoming merger between the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, under the new name Adelaide University, will offer more opportunities and benefits for international students.

“This merger will transform us into a world-class research hub, enabling students to enhance their learning experience through innovation and direct access to this research environment,” she added.

Professor Jessica Gallagher speaking at the ceremony.

Opening Multidisciplinary Pathways for Global Pathways Students

The signing ceremony also marked an agreement to broaden study opportunities for Vietnamese students through the Global Pathways program. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan noted that with the current 1+2 Global Pathways model, students complete a solid first-year foundation in business, which can be expanded to other business-related and interdisciplinary fields.

“Our students can choose and transfer into different majors—the more options, the better,” he said.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Ha Minh Quan – Rector of UEH-ISB Honours College – speaking at the ceremony.

In the coming years, Global Pathways students may select from a diverse range of fields, including economics, tourism, information technology, sustainable development, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and various education-related disciplines.

As one of Australia’s top universities, the University of Adelaide is renowned for its excellent teaching quality and dynamic international learning environment. The university offers diverse, cutting-edge programs, excelling particularly in its specialist areas. With its strong track record and top national and international ranking, the University not only equips students with solid expertise but also opens opportunities for research, internships, and global careers.

Under the Global Pathways program, students spend 1–2 years in Vietnam building foundational knowledge and skills before transferring to Australia. This phase also develops essential soft skills such as teamwork, public speaking, and critical thinking. Additionally, top 1% global universities offer merit scholarships ranging from 20%, 25%, 50% to 75% for students. With these advantages, coupled with a fully English-medium curriculum and learning environment, Global Pathways students are well-prepared to continue their studies in Australia, New Zealand, or the USA from their second year onward.

By joining the Global Pathways program, students spend 1–2 years in Vietnam building foundational disciplinary knowledge and honing their skills. This knowledge serves as the basis for advanced learning when they transfer to Australia. During this stage, students also develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, public speaking, and critical thinking. In addition, top 1% global universities offer valuable scholarships of 20%, 25%, 50%, and 75% to eligible students. Combined with these advantages and a fully English-medium learning environment and curriculum, Global Pathways students are well-prepared to transfer for further studies in Australia, New Zealand, or the United States in their second year. Parents and students can learn more about Global Pathways via the KFO website.

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News and photos: UEH-ISB Honours College