Education has long been a cornerstone of the relationship between Australia and Viet Nam, with Minister Clare’s program highlighting the depth and diversity of cooperation that spans transnational education, research partnerships and school-level engagement.
In Ha Noi, Minister Clare met Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister, his Excellency Le Thanh Long, and Minister for Education and Training, his Excellency Nguyen Kim Son. They discussed shared priorities in education and research, and opportunities for further Australian investment in foreign branch campuses and transnational education programs.
The Ministry of Education and Training signed new agreements with Australian universities to enhance research collaboration and strengthen academic networks. These agreements will streamline access for Vietnamese scholars to research training in Australia at top ranked global universities, including the Australian National University, Adelaide University, Deakin University, Macquarie University, the University of Queensland, and the University of Southern Queensland.
During the visit, Minister Clare celebrated 25 years of RMIT University in Ha Noi and in Ho Chi Minh City - a flagship of Australian education and Australia’s largest foreign branch campus globally. RMIT Viet Nam has educated more than 25,000 alumni, with expansion plans underscoring Australia’s long-term investment in Viet Nam’s future workforce.
The minister also met students enrolled in Western Sydney University programs delivered in partnership with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, hearing firsthand how Australian qualifications are equipping graduates for careers in a rapidly evolving economy.
The visit also showcased Australia’s contribution to school-level education through a tour of Ha Noi Adelaide School, where students are studying the South Australian Certificate of Education. These school partnerships support Viet Nam’s aspiration to make English a second language of instruction.
Australia remains a steadfast partner in Viet Nam’s human resource development, with 36,000 Vietnamese students currently studying in Australia, 17,000 enrolled in Australian qualifications in Viet Nam, and a network of over 160,000 alumni shaping Viet Nam’s future. Through initiatives such as the Aus4Skills program and cutting-edge research collaborations, Australia is supporting Viet Nam’s education reform goals and innovation-driven growth.
“The ties between Australia and Viet Nam are strong - and education is a big part of that.” Minister Clare said. “By working closely together, we are creating more opportunity for people in both countries.”
The minister’s visit to Viet Nam forms part of a broader regional engagement program, underscoring Australia’s commitment to deepening education ties across Asia.
