Vietnam leads in number of international students in Republic of Korea
WVR - Vietnam currently ranks first in the number of international students among 70,000 studying at educational institutions in Republic of Korea (RoK).
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This noteworthy information was presented at the Global Conference 2025 themed “Beyond Borders: Enhancing Global Competitiveness of Korean Universities” organized by The Korea Times on September 17 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
The event gathered over 500 delegates from various countries and leaders of higher education institutions in RoK. Vietnamese Ambassador to RoK Vu Ho attended and spoke at the conference.
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| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Social Affairs of RoK Choi Kyo-jin delivering a welcome speech at the conference. (Source: Korea Times) |
In his welcome speech, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Social Affairs of RoK Choi Kyo-jin stated that the South Korean government aims to be among the top 10 global destinations for education. To achieve this, the government will create a favorable environment for international students to pursue both their studies and stable lives in RoK.
Deputy Prime Minister Choi Kyo-jin emphasized, “The RoK government prioritizes attracting and supporting skilled labor in advanced fields, thus focusing on attracting outstanding international students in science and technology.”
He also added that the government is developing programs to support international students in their academic efforts and stable living in RoK.
In his remarks, Ambassador Vu Ho noted that with over 70,000 students, Vietnam leads among countries with international students studying at educational institutions in RoK.
Vietnamese students are known for their diligence, adaptability, and academic capability, evidenced by many receiving scholarships, achieving research accomplishments, and successfully launching innovative startups.
Ambassador Vu Ho believes that these students are a crucial bridge for friendship and cooperation, reflecting the increasingly developing partnership between Vietnam and RoK.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to RoK Vu Ho speaking at the conference. (Source: Korea Times) |
However, Ambassador Vu Ho also pointed out that Vietnamese students in RoK face numerous challenges. Prominent among these are language and cultural integration barriers, financial pressures, and post-graduation career concerns; these challenges cause many students to abandon their studies, affecting their health, future, and even the community's image.
Based on this, Ambassador Vu Ho suggested that the governments of both countries, relevant agencies, and RoK educational institutions coordinate to develop short, medium, and long-term plans on this matter.
This includes providing guidance, legal advice, and specialized Korean language training from the outset, establishing a rapid response support network from the Embassy, student associations, and universities, and expanding scholarship programs and joint Vietnam-Korea educational initiatives.
Additionally, parties should promote mutual recognition of degrees and professional qualifications, develop a sustainable Vietnam-RoK human resource ecosystem, and link education with strategic industries.
To build implementation resources, Ambassador Vu Ho proposed that relevant parties explore the possibility of establishing and developing a Vietnam-Korea Research and Innovation Fund, thereby supporting the learning process and laying the groundwork for student entrepreneurship.
Affirming that Vietnamese students are not only a source of pride for their families and nation but also a strategic asset for regional and global cooperation, Ambassador Vu Ho called on parties to nurture strengths, address weaknesses, and create favorable policies.
If successful, Vietnamese students will become leaders of innovation, ambassadors for Vietnam-RoK friendship, and builders of sustainable development.
