Vietnam ranks among the World’s Top 8 “Alternative study abroad destinations”

Global student mobility is undergoing a notable shift, with Vietnam emerging as an increasingly attractive destination for international students. 

According to the latest rankings by EduOpinions, a globally recognised education review platform, Vietnam has been named among the top emerging study abroad destinations worldwide, alongside countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland and Lithuania. 

With nearly 1.3 million visits annually, 45% of which come from Europe, EduOpinions is considered one of the most trusted reference platforms for students and parents exploring international education options. The rankings are based on authentic student reviews collected during 2024–2025, with all featured countries achieving an average satisfaction score above 4 out of 5 stars. 

EDUopinions students give Vietnam a significantly high overall rating – over 4.5 out of 5, more than the average for institutions in the UK in 2024/2025 (4.38/5).  This milestone reflects a broader turning point in the global education landscape, where less traditional destinations are gaining increasing recognition. 

International students participating in British University Vietnam’s Culture Immersion Programme

The rise of less traditional study abroad markets 

EduOpinions’ analysis highlights a clear reversal in global study abroad flows. In 2022, nearly half of all international students worldwide were concentrated in just ten traditional destinations such as the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, France and Germany. Today, however, this concentration is gradually giving way to emerging education hubs like Vietnam, where value for money and quality of experience are becoming decisive factors. 

EduOpinions experts explain that rising tuition fees, living costs and intensifying competition in traditional study hubs are prompting students to seek more balanced alternatives. Vietnam stands out by offering a “dual advantage”: access to internationally recognised learning environments combined with living costs that are three to four times lower than in cities such as London or New York.  

Karunaratne Chaanakya Rahel, a second-year student from Sri Lanka enrolled in the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme at British University Vietnam (BUV), shared his unexpected change of plans: 

“At first, I was actually thinking about going to Germany, and Vietnam was not my first choice. Like many international students, I was quite skeptical. However, after researching more about Vietnam, my perspective changed. Compared to Europe, studying and living here is far more affordable, while the quality of education and the overall student experience have met and even exceeded my expectations. I’ve also really enjoyed the local culture and food. My experience at BUV has shown me that Vietnam can offer quality education and a comfortable student life.” 

EduOpinions also emphasises Vietnam’s political and economic stability, as well as its strategic position in Southeast Asia, which collectively position the country as a promising long-term study destination. International students benefit not only from high-quality academic programmes, but also from a distinctive living experience, ranging from world natural heritage sites to a vibrant, culturally rich urban lifestyle. 

International students are increasingly attracted by Vietnam’s local cultural experiences

These insights align with broader trends in Vietnam’s higher education sector, where approximately 22,000 international students are currently studying. The report “Vietnam – Towards Becoming a New International Education Destination in Southeast Asia: Lessons and Evidence” further underscores Vietnam’s potential to develop into a new regional education hub. 

Echoing this view, Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of BUV, highlighted the country’s strong combination of safety, cultural identity and economic momentum: 

“These are precisely the foundations that allow Vietnam to offer international students an ideal balance between academic excellence and long-term career potential.” 

Rising through global standards 

EduOpinions notes that Vietnam’s growing reputation is closely linked to the efforts of higher education institutions in delivering genuine international learning experiences, with British University Vietnam (BUV) cited as a leading example. 

According to EduOpinions, studying at BUV offers international students another dual value proposition: a high-tech learning environment aligned with QS 5-Star standards, alongside seamless access to the dynamic lifestyle of Vietnam’s capital city. 

Affordability remains a key advantage. EduOpinions estimates that with an average undergraduate tuition fee of approximately €7,000 per year, and annual living costs in Hanoi ranging from €5,600 to €7,300, the total cost of studying at BUV is significantly lower than pursuing an equivalent degree in the UK or the US. 

Importantly, academic quality at BUV is underpinned by a Triple Quality Assurance model. BUV is the first university in Vietnam to achieve QS 5-Star status for six consecutive years (2022–2028), and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to receive institutional accreditation from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). 

To meet diverse student needs, BUV offers flexible pathways ranging from full-time degrees to short-term exchange programmes, complemented by its Culture Immersion and Work Experience Programmes. A tailored student support system, from administrative assistance to personalised guidance, ensures students can maintain a healthy balance between academic study and life experience. 

“I’ve had a wonderful experience. For me, BUV is not just about academics it’s also a vibrant community where I feel supported and engaged,” shared a Chinese student currently enrolled in the Digital and Social Media Marketing programme at BUV, as cited by EduOpinions. 

Vietnam’s inclusion among the world’s “new-generation study abroad destinations” demonstrates that when educational quality is validated by internationally recognised organisations and student experience is placed at the centre, the country is well positioned to become a top choice for global learners.