Australian Education Minister visits Vietnam to strengthen education and research
VOV.VN - Australian Education Minister Jason Clare recently visited Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to reaffirm Australia’s position as Vietnam’s most trusted partner in education and research.
His visit aims to enhance collaboration under the Australia–Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and underscore the longstanding importance of education in bilateral relations.
During his trip, Clare met with key Vietnamese leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long and Minister for Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son, to discuss mutual priorities in education and research. The discussions focused on expanding Australian investment in foreign branch campuses and transnational education programs in Vietnam.
The Ministry of Education and Training also signed new agreements with several Australian universities to boost research collaboration and strengthen academic networks. These agreements will facilitate access for Vietnamese scholars to world-class research training in Australia, including at prestigious institutions such as the Australian National University, University of Queensland, Macquarie University, and University of Southern Queensland.
In addition to his meetings, Clare celebrated the 25th anniversary of RMIT University’s presence in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. RMIT Vietnam, the largest Australian foreign campus globally, has educated over 25,000 alumni and continues to play a central role in developing Vietnam’s future workforce. The university’s expansion plans further solidify Australia’s commitment to Vietnam’s educational future.
Clare also met with students enrolled in Western Sydney University programs, delivered in partnership with the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City. He discussed how Australian qualifications are helping graduates build careers in Vietnam’s rapidly evolving economy.
The Minister’s visit also highlighted Australia’s support for school-level education. At Hanoi Adelaide School, where students are studying the South Australian Certificate of Education, Clare saw firsthand how Australian education is helping Vietnam achieve its goal of making English a second language of instruction.
With 36,000 Vietnamese students currently studying in Australia and over 160,000 alumni shaping Vietnam’s future, Australia remains a key partner in the country’s human resource development. Initiatives such as the Aus4Skills program and collaborative research efforts further align Australia with Vietnam’s education reform and innovation-driven growth.
“The ties between Australia and Vietnam are strong - and education is a big part of that,” said Clare. “By working closely together, we are creating more opportunity for people in both countries.”
The Minister’s visit to Vietnam forms part of a broader regional engagement programme, underscoring Australia’s commitment to deepening education ties across Asia.