BUV Expands Russell Group Partnerships through New Agreements with the University of Southampton

With the hallmark of British academic excellence and a growing network of international collaborations, British University Vietnam (BUV) continues to affirm its role as a gateway to world-class education. Its latest partnership with the University of Southampton marks a new milestone in expanding access to globally recognised learning experiences for Vietnamese students. 

Making Top-Tier UK Education More Accessible 

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, expanding access to international education has become a defining priority for forward-thinking universities. At British University Vietnam (BUV), this commitment is reflected through strategic partnerships that bridge students to global academic environments and elevate their learning experiences.  

Most recently, BUV has taken another significant step in this direction by establishing both student exchange and academic progression agreements with the University of Southampton. This partnership opens new study abroad pathways and affirms BUV’s role as a gateway to world-class education for Vietnamese students. 

The University of Southampton is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, representing 24 leading UK research universities recognised for academic excellence and strong links with industry, government, and society. Southampton ranked 80th in the QS World University Rankings (2025) and was listed 17th in the UK in The Complete University Guide 2024. 

The University of Southampton – a global top 100 university and one of the UK’s leading research institutions.

Over the years, BUV has steadily built a strong academic network with several members of the Russell Group. These include its strategic partnership with the University of London (its alliance members belong to this group); a progression-to-master’s agreement with the University of Liverpool; and collaborations with the University of Bristol. These partnerships have laid a strong foundation for academic quality, global recognition, and expanded postgraduate opportunities for BUV students. The recent collaboration with the University of Southampton – another distinguished Russell Group member – further demonstrates BUV’s ongoing commitment to educational excellence and international integration. 

Deepening Global Opportunities for Students 

The newly signed student exchange agreement will allow students from BUV and the University of Southampton to spend one or two semesters abroad, gaining valuable academic and cultural experiences while fostering mutual understanding between Vietnam and the UK. 

Specifically, under the student exchange agreement, eligible BUV students from the School of Communications and Creative Industries will have the opportunity to study at the University of Southampton’s Winchester School of Art for one or two semesters. Simultaneously, students from the University of Southampton will be welcomed at BUV to explore Southeast Asia’s dynamic, creative and academic landscape. 

Meanwhile, the progression agreement offers a direct route for eligible students from BUV’s Business School, School of Computing & Innovative Technologies, and School of Communications & Creative Industries to articulate into designated undergraduate programmes at the University of Southampton – enabling them to complete their degree in a globally respected academic setting. 

This partnership holds significant meaning for both BUV and the University of Southampton, as it reflects a shared commitment to advancing international education and providing students with globally relevant experiences. For BUV, the collaboration affirms its academic quality and expands pathways to world-class universities, while reinforcing its position as a regional leader in British-accredited education. For University of Southampton offers deeper engagement in Asia and access to a growing pool of high-potential students from Vietnam. Students from both institutions will benefit from academic exchange, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to develop the global mindset and adaptability needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world. 

Beyond the opportunity to study at prestigious institutions like the University of Southampton, BUV students benefit from access to a broad international network comprising over 55 partner universities across 16 countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland, South Korea, and more. This diversity of experience strengthens their adaptability, broadens their worldview, and enhances their readiness for international careers or further studies abroad. 

Furthermore, the collaboration opens up opportunities for academic dialogue, joint initiatives, and mutual learning between faculty and staff from both institutions, contributing to broader goals of internationalisation, innovation, and shared educational excellence.