Why British education is considered global benchmark for Vietnamese students

The United Kingdom consistently ranks among the foremost destinations for international study and is recognized for its advanced educational systems.

According to the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report, U.K. universities excel in fostering collaboration between academia and industry, thereby ensuring that graduates are well-aligned with employer expectations.

Additionally, the U.K. stands as a global leader in research, holding the second highest number of Nobel Prizes awarded since 1901, with a cumulative total of 139.

The U.K. is the historical cradle of prestigious universities with legacies extending nearly 800 years.

Institutions such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and the University of London are not only globally renowned but also frequently cited in authoritative academic references and English language dictionaries.

U.K. education consistently occupies a leading position in both quality rankings and student preference surveys. Photo courtesy of BUV

A common characteristic shared by the aforementioned prestigious universities is their consistently high rankings in both global and UK-specific university assessments.

Prominent accrediting bodies and ranking organizations in the U.K. include the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), the Complete University Guide (CUG), the British Accreditation Council (BAC), and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), with the QS World University Ranking garnering considerable attention within the academic sphere.

Additionally, these renowned institutions are evaluated according to some of the most stringent standards and criteria in the world, reflecting their longstanding reputations and the rigorous expectations imposed by these accrediting agencies.

In Vietnam, students aspiring to pursue the U.K. education model may consider institutions accredited by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

The QAA is a UK government-designated body responsible for overseeing the quality and standards of higher education.

In Vietnam, the QAA is the first U.K. accrediting organization to receive approval from the Ministry of Education and Training and the Vietnam Education Quality Management Agency.

However, universities that meet the U.K. model standards or are recognized by the QAA are still relatively scarce.

Attaining such U.K. certifications is a complex process due to the rigorous criteria established by these bodies, which emphasize academic quality and a student-centred approach, essential attributes of the U.K. education system.

For example, QAA certification requires institutions to satisfy ten criteria based on the Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area.

Similarly, the QS Stars rating system, managed by Quacquarelli Symonds, imposes stringent standards, including criteria such as learning experience, student employability, sustainability, research and development, and internationalisation.

The stringent and reputable standards upheld by these global accrediting bodies ensure that universities recognized by the QAA or awarded QS Stars certification maintain high educational quality.

For instance, the British University Vietnam (BUV), located in Hanoi, is the first university in Vietnam to achieve a comprehensive 5-star rating from QS Stars and is the sole university in the ASEAN region to receive QAA accreditation.

BUV places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, as evidenced by its 5-star rating from QS Stars for both teaching and academic development.

The university boasts 100% of its faculty holding international qualifications, with 55% holding doctoral degrees and 42% actively engaged in research with numerous published studies.

Offering degree programs accredited directly by prestigious British universities such as the University of London, the University of Stirling, Staffordshire University, and Arts University Bournemouth, BUV facilitates opportunities for students to exchange and transfer to international partner institutions in advanced countries.

Additionally, the university is home to the Centre for Research and Innovation (CRI), which fosters scientific research and provides a platform for students pursuing academic careers.

A practical lesson for BUV students in the International Hospitality Management (IHM) programme with a guest culinary expert from Argentina. Photo courtesy of BUV

BUV has also garnered significant acclaim from the QAA in three principal areas: its engagement with employers and the community, its support for students in securing employment and internships, and its commitment to personal development, ensuring that all graduates either secure employment or pursue further studies within three months of graduation.

This recognition is in full alignment with BUV's core principle of maintaining a student-centred approach and emphasizing practical application.

BUV also offers an exclusive personal and social growth program, uniquely available in Vietnam, which affords students opportunities to participate in a variety of meaningful, practical, and innovative activities beyond the classroom.

This program provides a comprehensive range of knowledge, practical experience, and emotional and networking skills, effectively preparing students for their professional careers.

The university's state-of-the-art campus and internationally standardized student support services further contribute to the holistic development of each individual.

With quality recognized by esteemed accrediting bodies, students at BUV are able to engage with educational philosophies and an academic environment that adheres to U.K. standards. Photo courtesy of BUV

With quality assurance from leading U.K. accrediting organizations, parents and students can have confidence in the educational process and outcomes at universities like BUV.

These long-established U.K. criteria and certifications can serve as a reliable benchmark when selecting a university, especially during the current peak student recruitment period.

From the gateway of a reputable and high-quality university, young people will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to build a secure and promising future for themselves.