Vietnam's International Student Numbers Surge, Attracting Global Universities
Vietnam's international student numbers are surging, with over 150,000 students pursuing education abroad. This trend is expected to rise steadily in the coming years, making Vietnam an attractive market for global universities.
Canada has seen a 16% increase in study permit approvals for Vietnamese students from 2022 to 2024, with nearly half issued for primary and secondary education. Meanwhile, Australia welcomed Vietnam as its third-largest contributor to new international student enrolments in 2023/24.
The United Kingdom has maintained stable Vietnamese student numbers since 2008, issuing between 2,000 and 3,500 student visas annually. In the United States, Vietnam now ranks 6th as the largest source of international students and 4th in F-1 visa volume, with 63% enrolled in undergraduate programs. Approximately 40,000 Vietnamese students secured study visas to the 'Big Four' destinations in 2024, a nearly 20% increase since 2019.
Vietnam's outbound student mobility is no longer limited to major urban hubs, with more students from secondary cities and regional areas seeking international education opportunities. Education is highly valued in Vietnamese society, with families often making significant financial sacrifices to provide learning opportunities for their children, both at home and abroad. This trend indicates that Vietnam is rapidly becoming an important and sustainable contributor to the global student market.
