Twelve years ago today (July 21, 2014), VNU Vietnam Japan University (VJU) was established from the shared vision of the Governments of Vietnam and Japan to build an international-standard research university that would cultivate high-quality human resources and strengthen bilateral cooperation. Today, after more than a decade of development, VJU has steadily established itself as an academic bridge between the two countries while creating international opportunities for learning, research, and career development for its students.
Building the foundation of an international-standard university
Established on July 21, 2014 under a decision of the Prime Minister of Vietnam, VJU is the seventh member university of Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) and a flagship cooperation project between the Governments of Vietnam and Japan. From its inception, VJU has pursued a research-oriented model that combines the academic strengths of both countries to address regional and global challenges in sustainable development.
Over the past 12 years, VJU has continuously expanded its academic portfolio, now serving approximately 1,800 students across 9 Bachelor’s programs, 9 Master’s programs, and 2 PhD programs. VJU has also fostered an international learning environment where students study alongside faculty members and experts from Vietnam and Japan while actively engaging in scientific research, international collaboration, and cultural exchange.
One of the key pillars of VJU’s development has been the continued support of the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Under the Technical Cooperation Project for Enhancement of Education, Research and University Management Capacity (TC Project), VJU has steadily expanded its academic programs, strengthened research capacity, invested in modern facilities, and developed its faculty. In 2026, the project entered its third phase, placing greater emphasis on research excellence and international collaboration. As part of this transition, the Japanese partner universities adopted a new cooperation framework through the Vietnam Japan University Consortium (VJU Consortium), paving the way for long-term collaboration with leading universities in Japan.
Throughout its development, VJU has achieved a number of significant milestones. In 2025, VJU became the first higher education institution in Vietnam to receive the International Joint Accreditation Standards (iJAS) granted by the Japan University Accreditation Association (JUAA). The accreditation reflects VJU’s educational quality, governance capacity, and commitment to international standards, while creating broader opportunities for academic collaboration for both faculty members and students.
In research, VJU continues to advance its vision of becoming a leading research university in interdisciplinary social sciences and advanced science and engineering. Supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, JICA’s continued assistance, and an extensive network of Japanese scholars, VJU has produced nearly 530 scientific publications, including more than 360 papers indexed in ISI/Scopus, alongside numerous registered intellectual property assets.
Meanwhile, VJU’s international partnership network has continued to expand. By the end of 2025, VJU had established partnerships with 50 universities and research institutes and 38 corporate partners in Vietnam, Japan, and other countries, providing a strong foundation for education, research, and professional development for faculty members, researchers, and students.
Writing the next chapter on the 12-year foundation
Entering a new stage of development, VJU aims to become one of Asia’s leading research universities in advanced engineering, technology, and interdisciplinary sciences that contribute to sustainable development by leveraging the complementary strengths of Vietnam and Japan.
To achieve this vision, VJU continues to expand its academic offerings in fields with strong workforce demand, including Engineer’s program in Semiconductor Chip Technology (ESCT), Bachelor’s program in Intelligent Control and Automation (BICA), Bachelor’s program in Global Development and Innovation (BGDI), and the PhD program in Sustainable Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE). These programs are designed to address emerging global challenges while supporting the science, technology, and innovation strategies of both Vietnam and Japan.
Looking ahead, VJU will continue investing in advanced laboratories, strengthening its research groups, expanding partnerships with Japanese universities, research institutes, and industry through the VJU Consortium, and accelerating digital transformation in education, research, and university governance.
With a target of approximately 6,000 students by 2030, around 30 academic programs, and a diverse educational ecosystem, VJU is committed to developing highly qualified graduates equipped with interdisciplinary thinking, innovative capabilities, and the competence to thrive in an international environment.
Building on the enduring partnership between Vietnam and Japan and driven by a spirit of continuous innovation, VNU Vietnam Japan University will continue its journey toward becoming a leading academic destination in the region for education, research, and innovation, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam, Japan, and the global community.
