According to the latest rankings by EduOpinions, an international education review platform, Vietnam has been named among the world’s top emerging study abroad destinations, alongside countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland, and Lithuania.

EduOpinions attracts nearly 1.3 million visits annually, around 45% of them from Europe, and bases its rankings on verified student reviews collected during 2024-2025. All countries included in the list achieved an average satisfaction score of above four out of five stars. Vietnam received an overall rating of more than 4.5 out of five, exceeding the average score for institutions in the UK during the same period (4.38).

Rise of less traditional study abroad markets

EduOpinions’ analysis points to a gradual redistribution of global student flows. In 2022, nearly half of the world’s international students were concentrated in ten traditional destinations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany. More recently, emerging education hubs such as Vietnam have gained attention as students place greater emphasis on affordability and overall experience.

According to EduOpinions, rising tuition fees, higher living costs, and increased competition in established study destinations are encouraging students to consider alternative options. Vietnam is highlighted for combining internationally oriented academic programmes with living costs that are estimated to be three to four times lower than those in major cities such as London or New York.

Karunaratne Chaanakya Rahel, a second-year student from Sri Lanka enrolled in the Data Science and Artificial Intelligence programme at British University Vietnam (BUV), said his initial plans had focused on Europe.

“At first, I was thinking about studying in Germany, and Vietnam was not my first choice,” Rahel said. “However, after learning more about the country, I found that studying and living here is far more affordable, while the quality of education and student experience has met, and in some cases exceeded, my expectations.”

EduOpinions also notes Vietnam’s political and economic stability, as well as its strategic location in Southeast Asia, as factors contributing to its appeal as a long-term study destination. International students are attracted not only by academic opportunities but also by the country’s cultural environment and lifestyle, ranging from heritage sites to large urban centers.

International students learning how to play T’rung bamboo xylophone. Photo courtesy of BUV

These observations align with broader trends in Vietnam’s higher education sector, which currently hosts an estimated 22,000 international students. The report Vietnam – Towards Becoming a New International Education Destination in Southeast Asia: Lessons and Evidence similarly identifies the country’s potential to develop into a regional education hub.

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of BUV, said Vietnam offers a combination of safety, cultural identity, and economic growth that supports both academic development and career prospects for international students.

Rising through global standards

EduOpinions attributes Vietnam’s growing reputation partly to the efforts of higher education institutions to deliver internationally benchmarked programmes. British University Vietnam is cited as an example of this approach.

According to the platform, BUV offers a learning environment aligned with QS 5-Star standards while providing access to Hanoi’s urban lifestyle. Affordability remains a key factor: average undergraduate tuition fees at BUV are estimated at around €7,000 (US$8,212) per year, with annual living costs in Hanoi ranging from approximately €5,600 to €7,300. This places the overall cost of study significantly below that of comparable programmes in the U.K. or the U.S.

BUV’s QS 5-Star campus. Photo courtesy of BUV

BUV’s academic quality is supported by what it describes as a Triple Quality Assurance model. The university is the first in Vietnam to achieve QS 5-Star status for six consecutive years (2022-2028) and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to receive institutional accreditation from the U.K.’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

The university offers a range of study options, including full-time degree programmes, short-term exchanges, and work-integrated learning opportunities, supported by student services designed to assist with both academic and daily life needs.

International exchange students dicussing in class. Photo courtesy of BUV

“I’ve had a very positive experience,” said a Chinese student enrolled in BUV’s Digital and Social Media Marketing programme, as cited by EduOpinions. “It is not only about academics, but also about being part of a supportive and engaged community.”

Vietnam’s inclusion among the world’s emerging study abroad destinations reflects broader changes in global education preferences, as students increasingly prioritize value, quality assurance, and overall learning experience alongside traditional academic reputations.