Ho Chi Minh City has achieved an important milestone in vocational education, with eight training programmes reaching internationally recognised quality standards.
Four technical programmes at Cao Thang Technical College have been accredited by ABET (USA), while four programmes at Kent International College in business, multimedia, e-commerce and hospitality have received international recognition through NCFE (UK). The article also highlights the Shared College Model, a collaborative approach that enables institutions to share resources, expertise and programmes to strengthen quality and international alignment.
Why this is important for Vietnam’s education system
This development is important for Vietnam’s education system because it signals a strategic shift towards quality-driven, internationally benchmarked vocational education. International accreditation frameworks such as ABET and NCFE emphasise learning outcomes, practical competencies and continuous improvement, supporting a move away from purely input-based models of education.
By aligning selected programmes with recognised global standards, Vietnam strengthens the transparency, credibility and comparability of vocational qualifications. This not only benefits learners and employers, but also supports policymakers and institutions in establishing clearer quality reference points for curriculum development, assessment and teaching practices.
Furthermore, the promotion of collaborative approaches such as the Shared College Model encourages stronger institutional cooperation, more efficient use of infrastructure and teaching expertise, and more professional governance structures. Over time, this contributes to raising the overall status of vocational education and positioning it as a high-quality, future-oriented pathway alongside academic education.
Why this matters for Vietnam’s economy
For the Vietnamese economy, internationally aligned vocational education is a key enabler of sustainable growth and competitiveness. Programmes developed and delivered in line with global standards help ensure that graduates possess skills that are directly relevant to industry needs, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, services, logistics and hospitality.
A workforce trained to internationally recognised standards enhances Vietnam’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment and international partnerships, as companies can rely on the quality and consistency of local talent. This is especially important as Vietnam continues to integrate more deeply into regional and global value chains.
In the longer term, high-quality vocational education supports productivity gains, technological adaptation and innovation, while also contributing to social stability through better employment opportunities. Strengthening vocational education therefore plays a central role in connecting education reform with Vietnam’s broader economic and development ambitions.