15 years of University of London education in Vietnam

In 2025, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) was ranked first in the U.K. in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, ahead of Oxford and Cambridge. The institution also ranked sixth globally for social sciences and management in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.

LSE is one of 17 member institutions of the University of London, a federation of higher education institutions established in 1836. The university system has educated numerous political leaders, economists and public figures and today delivers academic programs both in the U.K. and internationally.

The University of London comprises institutions including University College London (UCL), King's College London and LSE. Each member institution contributes academic expertise while operating within the broader University of London framework.

Among notable figures associated with the University of London system are former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Indian independence leader Mahatma Gandhi. LSE has also counted more than 40 heads of state and government among its alumni and faculty. Its alumni and academic staff have received Nobel Prizes across disciplines including economics, literature and peace.

The university has offered international programs for more than a century, extending British higher education beyond the U.K.

In Vietnam, British University Vietnam (BUV) has partnered with the University of London for more than 15 years. According to BUV, it is currently the only institution in Vietnam authorized to deliver University of London undergraduate programs, with degrees awarded by the University of London and academic direction provided by LSE.

In 2025, BUV was designated an International Partner of the University of London.

Professor Mary Stiasny OBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor Emerita of the University of London, said the partnership is based on shared academic standards and educational objectives.

"The two institutions work with mutual respect and shared values, with a fundamental commitment to quality and rigor in the programmes we together offer the students at BUV," she said.

The partnership reflects broader educational cooperation between Vietnam and the United Kingdom.

According to British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, Vietnam is one of six priority countries under the U.K.'s International Education Strategy.

"Partnerships such as those between BUV and the University of London show how long-term collaboration can bring access to high-quality British education while also supporting Vietnam's own ambitions in higher education and innovation," he said.

University of London programs offered at BUV focus on fields including finance, economics, management, accounting, data science and business analytics.

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, said the partnership combines internationally recognized academic standards with local teaching and student support services.

According to the university, students are taught in smaller classes than those commonly found in large U.K. lecture settings and receive additional academic support throughout their studies.

Mark Harris, Discipline Lead – Business (University of London) at BUV, said assessments are set and marked through the University of London system.

"All examination papers are set by LSE, and students' scripts in Vietnam are sent to the U.K. for marking by LSE," he said.

Under this model, students are assessed according to the same academic framework used across University of London programs globally.

According to BUV, students in University of London programs have achieved strong results in recent years. In 2025, nearly 40 students from the International Foundation Programme and undergraduate programs received recognition for academic performance.

Among them, three Vietnamese students ranked among the top performers worldwide in the International Foundation Programme. Truong Duc Anh Tuan ranked first globally, while Pham Phan Anh and Van Tuan Nam ranked seventh and joint tenth respectively.

Dr. James Abdey, Associate Professorial Lecturer at LSE, said Vietnamese students have demonstrated both strong academic foundations and the ability to apply knowledge in new contexts.

Over the past 15 years, the programs have produced graduates working in sectors including finance, consulting, banking and technology.

According to BUV, alumni have gone on to work at organizations such as Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG, Standard Chartered Bank, Techcombank, Boston Consulting Group, FPT Software and VinBigData.

One graduate, Luu Khanh Ngoc, completed the International Foundation Programme before earning a University of London finance degree at BUV. She later received first-class honours and an LSE Summer School scholarship before pursuing postgraduate studies in the United States.

Another alumna, Nguyen Vu Minh Anh, has worked in consulting and financial services across Southeast Asia and New Zealand and currently advises Vietnamese banks on digital transformation and governance.

Her experience shows how students can earn an international degree while building a practical understanding of Vietnam's business environment.

According to the university, students can complete the full degree program in Vietnam while accessing scholarship opportunities and international exchange programs.

Three years of study in the U.K. can involve substantially higher costs than completing the same degree through a local delivery model, according to figures cited by the university.

BUV students also have access to exchange opportunities through a network of more than 70 partner universities in 17 countries. In addition, LSE awards two summer school scholarships annually to selected students enrolled in University of London programs at BUV.

Graduates become part of the University of London alumni network, which includes more than 750,000 members worldwide. In 2025, alumni gatherings were held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with support from the British Embassy, the University of London and BUV.

Ambassador Frew said the value of international education extends beyond academic qualifications.

Content by Thy An

Designed by BUV

British University Vietnam

is a higher education institution operating in Vietnam. The university holds a

QS five-star rating and has received accreditation from the U.K.'s Quality

Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). According to the university, its

programs combine academic study with practical learning and industry

engagement. Learn more about University of London programmes at BUV here.