British University Vietnam named as an International Partner of the University of London

British University Vietnam (BUV) has been officially designated as an International Partner of the University of London, making it one of only a very small number worldwide to receive this prestigious designation.  

Prof. Raymond Gordon (left) – Vice Chancellor of BUV, and Prof. Wendy Thomson (right) – Vice Chancellor of UoL, sign a cooperation agreement, witnessed by H.E. Iain Frew – British Ambassador (left) and Mr. James Shipton – Director of the British Council (right)  

International designation for academic standing  

During the visit of Prof. Wendy Thomson, Vice Chancellor of the University of London (UoL), and her delegation, the partnership between BUV and UoL reached a new milestone. BUV has been recognised as an International Partner of UoL, acknowledging its ongoing contribution to educational excellence and deepening the strategic relationship between the two institutions. This reflects BUV’s exceptional academic quality and prestige, especially given its upcoming Ho Chi Minh City expansion. 

From left: Mr Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan – Chairman of Taylor’s Education Group, Prof. Wendy Thomson – Vice Chancellor of UoL, Prof. Raymond Gordon – Vice Chancellor of BUV, and Prof. Michael Driscoll – Chancellor and Chair of the Board at BUV  

Prof. Wendy Thomson shared, “This designation reflects the long-term commitment we have to working closely with our colleagues at BUV, continuing to develop our partnership and our collective focus of excellence in education.”   

This recognition signifies a strategic shift from programme-level engagement to a strategic and long-term collaboration.   

Prof. Raymond Gordon, President and Vice-Chancellor of BUV, said: “We are proud to be one of the few International Partners in the University of London’s global network. The new status has proven our academic excellence and potential growth while bringing us closer to our goal of being viewed as the top international university in Vietnam and the surrounding regions. BUV remains committed to working closely with the University of London to develop new programmes, expand learning opportunities, and strengthen educational cooperation between the UK and Vietnam.”  

On this basis, BUV and UoL have signed a cooperation agreement for education development under the witness of H.E. Iain Frew, British Ambassador, Mr James Shipton, Director of the British Council; and representatives from both institutions.  

“It is fantastic to see the University of London’s continued commitment to acknowledge a truly remarkable achievement – BUV has become one of the International Partners of the University of London. This prestigious recognition speaks volumes about the quality and reputation of BUV, further cementing its position as a leading provider of British higher education in Vietnam,” – shared Ambassador Iain Frew. 

The comprehensive strategic partnership   

The new designation from UoL becomes more meaningful, as BUV has officially inaugurated Phase 2 of its campus in Ecopark as part of its long-term strategy to develop quality accredited British education and 5-star campus environment. With a total investment of up to USD 165 million, the new facility features modern infrastructure and a world-class learning environment for 5,500 students from Vietnam and abroad.  

During the event, BUV also inaugurated the Student Lounge, an exclusive academic space for students enrolled in the UoL and BUV postgraduate programmes. The lounge aims to promote educational exchange and international connectivity.  

Prof. Wendy Thomson (left) and Prof. Raymond Gordon (right) cut the ribbon launching for the new Student Lounge.  

During her first visit to BUV, Prof. Wendy Thomson expressed her strong impression of the university’s facilities and learning environment. She remarked: “The facilities that are here at BUV are outstanding and, while I know they have plans for even more growth, what they have already with phase 1 and phase 2 at BUV is world-class. I get to visit universities all around the world and what you find here is outstanding.  If you are a student who has an opportunity to come to BUV, I think it would be well worth your while.”  

The University of London is the official awarding body for the programmes delivered at BUV, under the academic direction of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, LSE is ranked among the Top 10 universities worldwide for Economics and Econometrics, alongside Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.  

Many of the UoL’s member institutions are listed in the Russell Group, the leading research institution in the UK. Dubbed the Ivy League of the UK, these institutions are known for their research excellence and global academic reputation.   

All programmes are designed and assessed by academic faculty in the UK, ensuring that students studying in Vietnam receive qualifications with the same value as in London. This offers significant advantages to students in Vietnam and Southeast Asia by providing access to a prestigious British degree with globally recognised value without the need to study abroad.  

As of now, BUV is the only institution in Vietnam that offers UoL’s International Foundation Programme and internationally standardised undergraduate programmes. The International Partner status affirms BUV’s academic standing and opens broader collaboration opportunities toward education excellence.