British University Vietnam achieves top-tier International Partner status with University of London

Prof. Raymond Gordon (L), Vice Chancellor of BUV, and Prof. Wendy Thomson (R), Vice Chancellor of the University of London, sign a cooperation agreement, witnessed by H.E. Iain Frew, British Ambassador (2nd, L), and James Shipton (2nd, R), Director of the British Council. Photo courtesy of BUV

The recognition was made official during a visit by Prof. Wendy Thomson, Vice Chancellor of the University of London (UoL), and her delegation.

Thomson noted that this designation reflects a long-term commitment to working closely with BUV and deepening the partnership to focus on excellence in education. The recognition signifies a strategic shift from program-level engagement to a broader, long-term collaboration.

Prof. Raymond Gordon, President and Vice-Chancellor of BUV, expressed that the new status validates the university's academic excellence and growth potential, bringing them closer to their goal of becoming the top international university in Vietnam and the region.

"BUV remains committed to working closely with the University of London to develop new programs, expand learning opportunities, and strengthen educational cooperation between the U.K. and Vietnam," said Gordon.

(From L) Dato Loy Teik Ngan, Chairman of Taylor's Education Group; Prof. Wendy Thomson, Vice Chancellor of UoL; Prof. Raymond Gordon, Vice Chancellor of BUV; and Prof. Michael Driscoll, Chancellor and Chair of the Board at BUV. Photo courtesy of BUV

As part of the partnership, BUV and UoL signed a cooperation agreement under the witness of H.E. Iain Frew, British Ambassador, James Shipton, Director of the British Council, and representatives from both institutions.

"It is fantastic to see the University of London's continued commitment to recognizing BUV's remarkable achievements. Being named one of UoL's international partners speaks volumes about BUV's quality and reputation, cementing its position as a leading provider of British higher education in Vietnam," said Frew.

BUV has officially launched Phase 2 of its $165-million campus in Ecopark, aligning with its long-term strategy to deliver quality, accredited British education with state-of-the-art infrastructure for 5,500 students from both Vietnam and abroad.

During the event, BUV also inaugurated the Student Lounge, an exclusive academic space for students enrolled in UoL and BUV postgraduate programs. The lounge aims to foster educational exchange and international connectivity.

Prof. Wendy Thomson (L) and Prof. Raymond Gordon (R) cut the ribbon for the launch of the new Student Lounge. Photo courtesy of BUV

Thomson, during her visit to BUV, expressed her strong admiration for the university's facilities. She remarked that the infrastructure at BUV is exceptional, and despite future plans for expansion, the existing facilities, including Phase 1 and Phase 2, are already world-class.

"I get to visit universities all around the world, and what I've found here is outstanding. If you are a student with the opportunity to come to BUV, it would be well worth your while," she added.

The University of London is the official awarding body for the programs delivered at BUV, under the academic direction of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, LSE is ranked among the top 10 universities globally for economics and econometrics, alongside prestigious institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.

Many of UoL's member institutions are part of the Russell Group, the U.K.'s leading research universities, known for their academic excellence and global reputation.

All programs are designed and assessed by academic faculty in the U.K., ensuring that students studying in Vietnam receive qualifications of equal value to those awarded in London. This offers significant benefits to students in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, providing access to a prestigious British degree with globally recognized value without the need to study abroad.

Currently, BUV is the only institution in Vietnam offering UoL's International Foundation Programme and internationally standardized undergraduate programs. The international partner status further affirms BUV's academic standing and opens up new opportunities for collaboration in pursuit of educational excellence.