RMIT University to expand significantly in Vietnam after government approvals

RMIT University to expand significantly in Vietnam after government approvals

RMIT University will significantly expand its footprint in Vietnam, with plans for a new Hanoi campus and Saigon South campus redevelopment, after receiving endorsement from the Vietnamese government.

The University has received both the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) for Hanoi and the Foreign Branch Campus (FBC) licence for the Saigon South campus, reflecting the important role of international education in developing the talent, research, and innovation capability required to support Vietnam's science and technology agenda. 

The FBC licence is a significant milestone, making RMIT Vietnam the first foreign branch campus to be approved under Vietnam's landmark higher education reforms, which are supporting the internationalisation of Vietnam's higher education sector.

The announcement was made during a visit by the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency, Mr To Lam to Australia, during which RMIT University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron commended the leader on his vision and support of Australia-Vietnam collaboration.

The approvals have been finalised after significant effort from the Vietnamese and Australian governments in championing Australia’s world-class higher education sector. 

The University welcomed the federal government's joint leaders statement on efforts to deepen the Australia-Vietnam relationship and its recognition of higher education as one of the most important bridges between the nations.

The approvals will enable RMIT Vietnam to triple its capacity in Hanoi by establishing a new campus, expanding its program offerings to deliver international education to more students for decades to come.  

The existing Saigon South campus will also be expanded, with new buildings and facilities to enhance the University's teaching, learning and student experience, along with further opportunities in research and innovation to support Vietnam’s development ambitions.

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency, Mr To Lam

RMIT Vietnam was established more than 25 years ago at the invitation of the Vietnamese government as the country’s first foreign university. Since then, the University has actively contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, providing world-class qualifications to over 28,500 alumni, many of whom are leaders in areas such as business, technology, creative industries, and sustainable development. 

RMIT Vietnam now offers an international education experience tailored to local needs across 19 undergraduate programs and several postgraduate offerings. Drawing on the strengths of RMIT University, ranked equal 119th globally in the latest QS World University Rankings, RMIT Vietnam is well positioned to contribute to Vietnam's ambitions for educational excellence and talent development. 

The Vietnamese higher education reforms have established a pathway for eligible foreign universities like RMIT to open branch campuses in Vietnam, with institutions required to rank among the world's top 500 universities over the previous three years and meet minimum investment requirements of VND500 billion, among other criteria.

The IRC and FBC recognise RMIT Vietnam's pioneering in-country commitment and supports the University's ambition to deepen its presence and high-quality teaching, learning and student experiences in Vietnam. 

RMIT University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron meets General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, His Excellency, Mr To Lam.

Quotes attributable to RMIT University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Alec Cameron 

“Receiving this approval is a landmark moment for RMIT and for our continued investment in Vietnam, recognising our significant commitment to the country, spanning more than 25 years. 

“We thank both the Vietnamese and Australian governments for their effort in championing Australia’s world-class higher education sector.

“Our expanded footprint, with a new Hanoi campus, and Saigon South redevelopment, will strengthen the role of education in advancing the Australia–Vietnam relationship and support Vietnam’s next generation of leaders, innovators and professionals.”

Quotes attributable to RMIT Vietnam Pro Vice-Chancellor and General Director Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside 

“This approval from the Vietnamese government marks an important step in RMIT’s long-term commitment to Vietnam and our ambition to continue contributing to the country’s higher education and broader national goals.

“The new RMIT Vietnam campus in Hanoi and expanded Saigon South campus will ensure we continue meeting the needs of students and the local community.”

***

General media enquiries: RMIT External Affairs and Media, 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au

11 August 2026

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