Vietnam Plans to Reduce Public Higher Education Sector by 20% Through Mergers

Vietnam aims to shrink its public higher education sector by 20% by April 2027 through institutional mergers, according to a report published and updated on August 4, 2026. Experts warn that while the plan seeks to reduce fragmentation, concentrate research resources, and enhance quality to develop 'world-class' universities, the outcomes may be mixed. The reforms are intended to support Vietnam's ambition to establish three to five globally renowned elite universities for teaching and research.