Vietnam’s National Economics University Makes English Its Second Language: A Bold Leap Toward Globalization

Vietnam’s National Economics University Makes English Its Second Language: A Bold Leap Toward Globalization

In a landmark move that signals Vietnam’s growing integration into the global economy, the National Economics University (NEU) in Hanoi has announced an ambitious plan to make English the institution’s second language by the end of the decade. This initiative, the first of its kind among Vietnamese universities, aims to raise the bar for English proficiency, expand English-medium instruction, and foster a bilingual academic environment. The policy is not only a reflection of Vietnam’s economic aspirations but also a strategic response to the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly interconnected world.

What Does NEU’s English Policy Entail?

NEU’s new language policy is comprehensive and transformative. By 2030, all graduates will be required to achieve at least a B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.0. This is a significant increase from the current requirement of IELTS 5.5 for Vietnamese-taught programs. The university also plans to teach at least 30% of all courses in English by 2028, up from the current system where English instruction is mainly limited to advanced and international joint programs.

To support this transition, NEU will:

• Increase the number of English-taught programs from over a third of its 25 programs to 35 within five years.
• Raise the proportion of English-taught content in these programs from 50% to 65%.
• Introduce bilingual administrative documents and create English zones in student spaces.
• Host academic events in English and designate set hours where faculty and students are encouraged to communicate in English.

Since 2017, NEU has accepted international English certificates for admissions, and by 2020, began considering SAT and ACT scores. The number of applicants with such credentials has surged from just 50 in 2017 to 25,000 in 2024, underscoring the growing demand for English-medium education.

Why Is NEU Making This Move Now?

The decision to elevate English to the status of a second language is rooted in both domestic and international realities. Vietnam’s economy is deeply intertwined with global markets, particularly the United States, which accounts for about one-third of the country’s GDP through trade. As Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU, noted at a recent policy dialogue seminar, “Exports from Vietnam to the United States currently account for 30 percent of the country’s total export turnover, while the trade surplus with the US represents over 20 percent of Vietnam’s GDP.”

This heavy reliance on international trade, especially with English-speaking partners, has made English proficiency a critical skill for Vietnamese graduates. The ability to operate in English is increasingly seen as essential for accessing global knowledge, attracting foreign investment, and participating in international policy discussions.

Responding to Economic Shocks and Globalization

Vietnam’s economic resilience is being tested by external shocks such as global trade tensions and shifting US tariff policies. Experts at NEU and beyond have emphasized the need for economic restructuring, diversification of export markets, and strengthening of regional and global cooperation. English proficiency is a key enabler in these areas, allowing Vietnamese professionals to negotiate, collaborate, and innovate on the world stage.

As Associate Prof. Dr. Phan Huu Nghi of NEU explained, “To mitigate the adverse effects of retaliatory tariffs, Vietnam’s approach should focus on minimizing disruptions to export-oriented businesses, maintaining domestic market stability and supply chains, preserving investor confidence and international partnerships, and turning crisis into a catalyst for reform and competitiveness enhancement.” English, in this context, is not just a language but a tool for economic survival and advancement.

How Does NEU’s Policy Compare Internationally?

NEU’s English policy aligns with global trends in higher education, where English-medium instruction is increasingly common in non-English-speaking countries. Leading institutions such as Sciences Po in France and Kyiv National Economic University (KNEU) in Ukraine have adopted similar strategies to attract international students and prepare graduates for global careers.

Sciences Po: A Model for Internationalization

Sciences Po, for example, offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs taught entirely in English, attracting students from over 150 countries. The university’s approach includes intensive language support and dual degree programs with top global partners. This model has helped Sciences Po become a magnet for international talent and a hub for global policy dialogue.

KNEU: English-Taught Programs in Eastern Europe

KNEU in Ukraine also offers English-taught programs across various faculties, including International Economics and Management, Finance, and Law. The university supports academic mobility, research collaboration, and international partnerships, demonstrating the value of English proficiency in expanding academic and professional horizons.

Lessons from India’s National Education Policy

India’s National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) provides another point of comparison. While NEP 2020 emphasizes multilingualism and the use of mother tongues in early education, it also recognizes the importance of English for global citizenship and employment. The policy aims to make education more inclusive and relevant to the needs of a rapidly changing world, echoing NEU’s rationale for its English initiative.

What Are the Broader Implications for Vietnam?

NEU’s English policy is more than an academic reform; it is a strategic investment in Vietnam’s future. By raising English proficiency standards and expanding English-medium instruction, NEU is positioning its graduates to compete in the global labor market, attract international employers, and contribute to national economic development.

Economic Impact of English Proficiency

Data from the United States illustrates the economic value of English language programs. According to NAFSA, international students studying at US colleges and universities contributed $43.8 billion and supported 378,175 jobs during the 2023-2024 academic year. English language programs alone accounted for $371.3 million and supported 2,691 jobs. While Vietnam’s context is different, the underlying principle holds: English proficiency enhances employability, attracts investment, and drives economic growth.

Supporting National Policy and Economic Reform

NEU’s move is also in line with Vietnam’s broader economic reform agenda. The government has established high-level advisory councils, including NEU’s president, to provide strategic recommendations on policy planning and governance. These bodies are tasked with crafting timely solutions to address unexpected socio-economic changes, both domestically and internationally. English proficiency among policymakers, academics, and professionals is essential for effective engagement with global partners and for shaping Vietnam’s role in the international community.

Challenges and Criticisms: Is There a Downside?

While the benefits of English adoption are clear, the policy is not without challenges. Language reforms can be contentious, as seen in debates over national identity and language policy in countries like India. Critics argue that prioritizing English may undermine local languages and cultures, create inequalities between urban and rural students, and place additional pressure on faculty and students who may lack adequate language skills.

However, NEU’s approach appears to be measured and inclusive. The university is not replacing Vietnamese but rather promoting bilingualism. By providing language support, creating English zones, and gradually increasing English-medium instruction, NEU aims to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in a bilingual environment.

Lessons from Other Countries

The experience of other countries suggests that language policy must be carefully managed to avoid social and political backlash. In India, for example, debates over the status of Hindi and English have highlighted the importance of respecting linguistic diversity and ensuring that language reforms do not become instruments of exclusion or division. As one commentator noted, “Language is a social necessity because its use is the easiest way for an individual to communicate with his or her neighbour… Language, therefore, is formed as a link between individuals as a matter of practicality, and usually it is a matter of convenience and common sense.”

What Does This Mean for Students and Faculty?

For students, the new policy means higher English proficiency requirements for graduation and greater exposure to English in the classroom and on campus. This will likely enhance their employability, both in Vietnam and abroad, and open up new opportunities for academic and professional development.

For faculty, the shift presents both opportunities and challenges. Teaching in English may require additional training and support, but it also enables faculty to engage with international research, collaborate with global peers, and contribute to the university’s internationalization efforts.

Building a Bilingual Academic Community

NEU’s vision is to create a vibrant, bilingual academic community where students and faculty can thrive in both Vietnamese and English. This includes not only formal instruction but also informal interactions, administrative processes, and extracurricular activities. By fostering an environment where English is a natural part of daily life, NEU hopes to prepare its graduates for success in a globalized world.

In Summary

• The National Economics University in Hanoi is making English its second language, raising graduation requirements and expanding English-medium instruction.
• By 2030, all graduates will need at least a B2 CEFR level (IELTS 6.0), and 30% of courses will be taught in English by 2028.
• The policy is a response to Vietnam’s deepening integration with the global economy and the need for English proficiency in international trade, investment, and policy.
• NEU’s approach aligns with global trends in higher education and draws lessons from institutions like Sciences Po and KNEU.
• The move supports Vietnam’s broader economic reform agenda and aims to enhance the employability and competitiveness of its graduates.
• Challenges include ensuring inclusivity, managing the transition for students and faculty, and respecting linguistic diversity.
• Ultimately, NEU’s English policy represents a bold step toward building a bilingual, globally engaged academic community in Vietnam.