Australian university wins Vietnam's first foreign branch campus license
RMIT Saigon South has become the first foreign university branch campus licensed in Vietnam, clearing the way for the school to expand its campus and course offerings.
Australian university RMIT Vietnam secured Vietnam's first license for a foreign branch campus during the state visit of General Secretary and State President To Lam to the country from August 9-12, according to official announcements. RMIT Vietnam's larger campus, located in Saigon South, previously held the distinction of being the only foreign-owned fully licensed university in Vietnam since its inception in 2000.
The university's Hanoi campus, also under its jurisdiction, recently obtained an investment registration certificate, enabling it to expand its capacity threefold through new programs and disciplines.
The approval of the branch campus license hinges on the foreign university ranking among the top 500 globally in a reputable ranking in the three most recent years, coupled with a minimum investment of VND500 billion (approximately US$19 million) in the venture. Vietnam's legal framework for branch campuses, established under Decree 124 issued in October 2024, mandates this stringent criterion.
Once the prime minister gives the green light, the establishment can proceed with the necessary approvals from the education minister to commence operations.
To meet student demand and fulfill its long-term commitment to Vietnam, RMIT Vietnam's Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director, Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside, emphasized the significance of this milestone. RMIT Vietnam has consistently maintained its status as a leading international institution in the region, having graduated over 28,500 students since its establishment.
In its 2024 annual report, the university reported revenue of AUD223.5 million ($158 million), a slight decline of 1% from the previous year. Tuition fees vary depending on the program, with most bachelor's degrees costing around VND375.84 million ($14,300) annually, or approximately VND1.13 billion over three years. Engineering courses are particularly demanding, with tuition fees reaching roughly VND1.5 billion.
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