Transnational education unlocks 'bottleneck' of studying abroad

'Bottleneck' to studying abroad

A recent survey by education group Navitas, covering 1,082 study abroad agencies globally, found that Southeast Asian students are most influenced by tuition costs, access to post-graduation work rights, and opportunities for employment while studying. However, many popular study destinations are tightening these avenues.

For example, Australia has limited the number of international students for 2025 and removed priority visa processing. Canada has increased restrictions on post-graduation work rights, and the U.K. has raised financial requirements and imposed limitations on dependents and work visas before graduation. This shift makes studying abroad more challenging for students and their families.

BUV students enjoying the campus park. Photo courtesy of BUV

Given these changes, international universities in Vietnam, such as British University Vietnam (BUV), have positioned the TNE model as a solution to these hurdles. Offering education at about one-third to one-half the cost of studying overseas, BUV supports internships, employment opportunities, and exchanges with nearly 50 countries, enabling students to achieve global success without leaving Vietnam.

Many BUV alumni, with impressive career accomplishments, demonstrate the value of TNE, proving that quality education at home can lay the foundation for success anywhere.

A pathway to success

TNE students gain a unique advantage with a deep understanding of both the job market and business environment in Vietnam. BUV's Purpose-Based Impact Learning (PIL) approach helps students build critical thinking and resilience, preparing them to excel, whether they pursue entrepreneurship or positions with multinational companies.

Many BUV alumni have made significant impacts in Vietnam, such as Luong Thi Dieu Linh, Global Marketing Director at VinFast, Vu Ba Huy Hoang, Branch Director and Head of International Expansion at EV Search, and Doan Van Tuan, Co-Founder of the May Vegan restaurant chain, formerly Investment Director at Nexttech Group and Managing Director of Next100 Ventures fund.These alumni often return to BUV to share their experiences and inspire future students.

Doan Van Tuan, BUV alumnus and co-founder of May Vegan. Photo courtesy of Tuan

"The knowledge and skills I gained at BUV have always guided me in recognizing opportunities and pursuing them effectively," said Tuan, an International Business Management (IBM) program alumnus. "From specialized knowledge to analytical and management skills, the program prepared me for a global business environment."

Global impact

BUV alumni have established themselves internationally. For instance, Ninh Quang Khoi is now Brand Manager at Helen of Troy in Canada, Nguyen Vu Minh Anh works as a Consulting Manager for PwC New Zealand, and Le Yen Linh oversees International Talent Management at Generali in Italy.

Generations of BUV graduates demonstrate that studying in Vietnam can provide benefits far beyond national borders. With a multinational environment, lifelong learning ethos, and a vast network of partnerships across five continents, BUV supports student exchanges, scholarships, and job opportunities worldwide.

Various graduates even pursue academic passions abroad. Tran Bich Phuong, a former IBM student, is now a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Economics at the University of Oxford's Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences. Phuong credits BUV's international environment with helping her adapt quickly to research and life in the U.K.

Tran Bich Phuong (4th from L) pursues her academic career in the U.K. Photo courtesy of Phuong

Among BUV's success stories are sisters Duyen Ngan and Ha Van.

Ngan, a 2017 scholarship winner at BUV, earned Academic Merit Awards and graduated with honors in IBM. She continued her education with a First Class Master's degree from the University of Sydney and is now Student Recruitment Regional Manager (International) at BIZZ Education Australia, earning a substantial income.

Her sister Van recently graduated from BUV and has received a scholarship to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Technology Sydney.

Duyen Ngan and Ha Van with Professor Raymond Gordon, Vice-Chancellor and President of BUV. Photo courtesy of BUV

Trang Le, Founder and Chairwoman of Vietnam International Fashion Week and a BUV parent, said she has observed her daughter's growth in critical thinking and professionalism at BUV. "Students gain not only theoretical knowledge but practical experience and industry connections, laying a strong foundation for their futures," Trang said.

"Most importantly, I can stay close to my child while she experiences an education that meets British standards."

A BUV representative emphasized that BUV's alumni exemplify the legacy of British education and the TNE model. "With a cost-effective alternative to studying abroad, BUV equips students with lifelong skills and knowledge, helping parents and students overcome the ‘bottleneck' of studying overseas and focus on their futures."