THE 2026 University Rankings: Many Vietnamese Schools Decline

The release of the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2026 presents a sobering picture for Vietnam's higher education sector. While the nation boasts an increased representation with 11 institutions making the list, a significant number have experienced a decline in their rankings, highlighting the intensifying academic competition across the region.

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) once again leads the pack among Vietnamese universities, securing the 184th position. However, this is a notable drop from its 136th ranking in 2025, a decrease of 48 places. This decline, even for the top-ranked institution, underscores the fierce rivalry and the challenges Vietnamese universities face in maintaining their standing amidst rapid advancements elsewhere in Asia.

“

Đối với UEH, các bảng xếp hạng là công cụ quan trọng để định hướng và cải tiến liên tục chiến lược và thực thi của nhà trường, các vị trí trên bảng xếp hạng là một con số định lượng cho quá trình nỗ lực đó và là điều kiện cần để nhà trường lựa chọn đối tác kết nối đào tạo và nghiên cứu quốc tế.

UEH leadership acknowledged the short-term ranking fluctuations as a challenge but also as a crucial benchmark for internal improvement. Associate Professor Dr. Bui Quang Hung, Deputy Director in charge of UEH, stated that rankings serve as vital tools for strategic direction and continuous improvement, providing quantitative data that aids in selecting international partners for training and research. The university is actively working on enhancing all assessment criteria through concrete actions, with hopes for mid- to long-term results.

The trend of declining rankings is not isolated to UEH. Several other prominent Vietnamese universities, including Ton Duc Thang University, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnam National University Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City University of Open, and Hue University, have all seen their positions slip. While Duy Tan University, Hanoi Medical University, and Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City have maintained their positions, the overall pattern suggests a systemic challenge rather than isolated incidents. The addition of two new institutions, Nguyen Tat Thanh University and the University of Da Nang, primarily in the lower tiers, further emphasizes that while Vietnam is increasing its presence, the struggle to climb higher in these prestigious rankings remains a significant hurdle.

“

Chúng tôi đang nỗ lực cải thiện đều các nhóm tiêu chí từ các hoạt động, chương trình rất cụ thể. Kết quả kỳ vọng sẽ đến trong trung và dài hạn.