SNU Boosts Vietnamese Scientific Talent with Tuition Aid

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Expanding Educational Ties Between South Korea and Vietnam

Seoul National University’s College of Natural Sciences has taken a significant step in strengthening its academic collaboration with Vietnam by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnam National University, Hanoi. As part of this agreement, the university will annually exempt tuition fees for two outstanding students from each institution and offer them as exchange students. To finalize the selection procedures, eight professors from Seoul National University traveled to Vietnam to meet with faculty and students at Hanoi University. Yoo Jae-jun, dean of the College of Natural Sciences, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond just exchange programs. He stated that the university plans to increase the number of Vietnamese undergraduate and graduate students enrolling at Seoul National University, providing financial support for living expenses and tuition for up to five years.

Expanding Recruitment Efforts in Vietnam

The College of Engineering at Seoul National University has also been actively engaging with Vietnamese institutions. Since 2024, the college has held annual admissions information sessions at Ho Chi Minh City National University and Hanoi University of Science and Technology. In addition, engineering professors have visited prestigious Vietnamese high schools to identify potential candidates for undergraduate programs. Kim Young-o, dean of the College of Engineering, noted that many students who were initially concerned about the high cost of living in Seoul became more optimistic upon learning about the financial assistance available.

A Growing Focus on Vietnamese Talent

South Korean universities are increasingly looking toward Vietnam to address a growing shortage of scientific and engineering talent. This trend comes amid declining school-age populations in South Korea and a concentration of students in medical fields. As a result, leading institutions are turning their attention to Southeast Asia, where there is a rising interest in science and technology. The shared Confucian cultural background between South Korea and Vietnam makes it easier for Vietnamese students to adapt to Korean academic and social environments.

A source from Seoul National University highlighted the long-term goal of identifying top Vietnamese talents at the undergraduate level and developing them into skilled research and development professionals familiar with Korean culture. This strategy aligns with the increasing demand for engineering and technology expertise in Vietnam, driven by investments from major Korean companies such as Samsung and SK Hynix.

Rising Popularity of STEM Fields in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the competition for university placements is intense, with over 1.16 million students taking the national college entrance exam each year. Among the most sought-after majors are electrical and electronic engineering, computer engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence. These fields consistently attract the highest admission scores, reflecting the strong interest in science and engineering among Vietnamese students.

According to a professor from Seoul National University’s College of Engineering, Vietnam has an abundance of young talent in these areas, which contrasts with the declining interest in similar fields in South Korea. Additionally, Vietnamese students are perceived as less likely to leak sensitive technology and more willing to remain in South Korea long-term compared to their Chinese counterparts.

Increasing Numbers of Vietnamese Students in South Korea

The number of Vietnamese students in South Korea has been steadily increasing. According to Ministry of Justice data, as of August 2023, there were 107,800 Vietnamese students in South Korea, surpassing the number of Chinese students (86,100) for the first time. While South Korea’s appeal as a study destination declined after 2020 due to China’s focus on cultivating elite scientific talent, Vietnam has seen a surge in interest in studying abroad, driven by the Korean Wave and more affordable education costs compared to English-speaking countries.

At Seoul National University, the number of Southeast Asian students in the College of Engineering increased from 47 in 2021 to 90 in 2025. Within this group, the number of Vietnamese students rose from 11 in 2023 to 26 in 2025.

Challenges for Vietnamese Undergraduates

Despite the growing opportunities, transferring to Seoul National University remains a challenge for outstanding Vietnamese undergraduates. Although the College of Engineering and College of Natural Sciences considered allowing transfers, concerns about fairness with domestic students led to the decision to require Vietnamese students to re-enroll as freshmen through the Global Talent Admissions Program. This program is designed for foreigners or overseas Koreans who completed their primary and secondary education abroad, with selection based on high school grades, language proficiency, and interviews.

Strengthening International Collaboration

To further enhance its global outreach, Seoul National University recently established the ‘Office of International Affairs.’ This new department aims to expand joint research initiatives with foreign universities, increase student exchange programs, and improve administrative support for hiring international faculty. It will also work to strengthen daily life support for international students, including visa processing and banking services.