Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

By Giang Huy, Duong Tam   October 5, 2024 | 06:00 pm PT
British University Vietnam (BUV) in Vietnam's north has become the first institution in the country to earn a 5-star rating from higher education analyst Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), recognized for its eco-friendly design, state-of-the-art facilities, and student-centered environment.
Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

Established in 2009 in Ecopark of Hung Yen Province, a neighbor of Hanoi, BUV is the first university in Vietnam to receive a 5-star certification from QS for international standards in categories such as teaching quality, employability, academic development, facilities, social and environmental impact, diversity, equity and inclusion, global engagement, and good governance.

The university now has nearly 3,000 students across 17 undergraduate programs and one MBA program. Undergraduate programs span three years, with total tuition costs ranging from VND715 million to over VND1.1 billion ((US$29,130 - 44,700) for the entire course.

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

A diamond-shaped structure is a standout feature of the BUV campus.

Despite only completing one of three planned construction phases, the university received a 5-star rating in the Facilities category from QS. The campus already boasts modern classrooms, large lecture halls, and a library.

BUV’s architecture emphasizes spaciousness and sustainability. Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the campus incorporates features that reduce energy consumption, block sunlight, and regulate air temperature naturally. BUV uses LED lighting throughout the campus, which saves 75% more energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

The university allocates about one-third of its campus to student self-study areas, which include 24/7 rooms, group study spaces, and individual study zones.

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

The practical studio for communications students.

Professor Raymond Gordon, Principal and President of BUV, said the university's committed to investing in specialized simulation practice rooms, including computer labs, restaurant service practice areas, motion capture rooms, and photography studios equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

"These facilities inspire students to engage in discussions, explore new ideas, and enhance their learning and research capabilities," he said.

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

A classroom designed to replicate a restaurant and hotel work environment, providing training for students in the tourism and hospitality field.

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

The game design and programming classrooms are outfitted with modern devices and technology, with a total investment of $2 million.

David Holloway, Head of Game Design and Programming, commented: "These state-of-the-art facilities provide students with endless opportunities to unleash their creativity and innovation, enabling them to develop groundbreaking products and ideas with long-term impact."

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

The university’s library is an open space housing thousands of foreign books and equipped with numerous modern computers. Seating areas for research and reading are scattered among the bookshelves, while various spaces around the library are designated for individual and group study. Additionally, consultation rooms are available to support academic work.

Khuat Quang Huy, a final-year student in the Marketing Management program, appreciates the library for self-study. "It's quiet, the resources are abundant, and it offers modern research tools," Huy said. "The library greatly supports my studies and research."

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

BUV’s large auditorium hosts major school events and also serves as a space where students gather for group or self-study.

The university is in the process of second-phase development, with plans to complete the entire campus by early 2028. The total investment will reach $165 million, accommodating over 10,000 students upon completion.

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

The campus provides various relaxation spaces for students, including sports facilities, a gym, and a canteen.

Inside Vietnam's first 5-star university

The school features a sports area with a regulation football field, basketball courts, badminton courts, and an indoor gym.

BUV students also have access to the swimming pool at Ecopark, located about one kilometer from the university.

 
 
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