Vietnam, Western Australia foster sustainable education ties: Consulate General in Perth
WVR - The Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth, in collaboration with the Western Australia International Student Council, organized a thematic seminar titled “Enhancing Vietnam–WA Education Collaboration” at Canning College.
Latest
 |
| Consul General of Vietnam in Perth Nguyen Thanh Ha speaks at the seminar. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth) |
The event gathered numerous education managers and representatives from training institutions, reflecting deep interest in international cooperation in education and the aspiration to build a sustainable bridge between Vietnamese-Australian educational systems.
In her remarks, Consul General Nguyen Thanh Ha shared about Vietnam’s strong efforts in education reform, highlighting the goal of having at least 10 Vietnamese universities ranked among Asia’s top 500 by 2030, comprehensively overhauling the vocational education system, and promoting international collaboration in higher education.
She emphasized: “With over 300,000 Vietnamese alumni who have studied in Australia and more than 37,000 students currently enrolled here, education serves as a sustainable bridge between the peoples of our two countries.
The Consulate General stands ready to act as a bridge in policy, institutions, and people-to-people connections to implement practical educational initiatives centered on learners, for the long-term and sustainable benefits of both sides”.
During the seminar, Derryn Belford – CEO of StudyPerth – provided insights into the needs and challenges faced by Vietnamese students, such as tuition costs, visas and housing. She noted that factors like post-graduation employment opportunities, a safe living environment, and affordable living costs are increasingly top priorities for Vietnamese students when choosing a study destination.
 |
| The seminar welcomed many practical contributions from students and education managers. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth) |
She affirmed: “Perth offers outstanding advantages in safety, affordability and a close-knit Vietnamese community. As Western Australia’s international education hub, we are committed to creating a friendly, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment for Vietnamese students”.
The CEO of StudyPerth proposed several specific measures to enhance attraction and support for Vietnamese students, including strengthening the capacity of education consultants through regular training programs; increasing outreach on social media platforms in Vietnamese; developing short-term learning models (micro-credentials) tailored to the Vietnamese market; and expanding joint training programs, dual-degree pathways, and in-country courses with transfer options.
Within the framework of the seminar, Hannah Vu – Director of Global Engagement at the University of Western Australia (UWA) – proposed establishing a statewide Vietnamese Student Club in Western Australia to connect existing independent Vietnamese student groups at universities and colleges across the region.
This initiative aims to create a cohesive network, foster exchanges, provide mutual support, and organize community-oriented activities.
One key proposal she raised was organizing an annual Vietnamese Spring Festival in Perth to introduce Vietnam’s rich cultural traditions to international friends and promote Western Australia’s image as an open, multicultural study destination.
Speaking at the event, Celia Cornwell – Chair of the Western Australia International Student Council – expressed her honour to co-host the seminar with the Consulate General and affirmed the Council’s commitment to continue promoting initiatives that help Vietnamese students successfully integrate into Western Australia’s academic and social environment.
The seminar concluded with an open and lively discussion, featuring many practical suggestions from students and education managers alike.
The event not only provided updated information on policies and opportunities for educational cooperation but also demonstrated the strong determination of Vietnam and Western Australia to enhance people-to-people links, foster academic exchanges, and develop high-quality human resources — an essential foundation for the sustainable growth of the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
(Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Perth)
