Vietnam is taking steps to make its higher education sector more globally competitive by proposing a new policy that will allow international students to work part-time during their studies.
Under the proposed regulation, foreign students studying in Vietnam may soon be permitted to work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled in school. This marks a major shift from the current system, where work rights for international students are not clearly defined.
A Step Toward Global Standards
The move is part of a broader effort by the Vietnamese government to attract more international students and align with international best practices. Many popular study destinations such as the UK, Canada, and Australia already allow students to work limited hours during the academic term, and Vietnam’s proposed 20-hour cap follows that global trend.
Officials say the plan will help foreign students gain valuable work experience, support themselves financially, and integrate better into local communities, while also encouraging stronger links between universities and local industries.
Expected Impact
If approved, the new policy could significantly enhance Vietnam’s reputation as an affordable and welcoming study destination in Asia. It would also provide universities with an added incentive to recruit globally, as international students often consider work opportunities a key factor in choosing where to study.
Currently, Vietnam hosts over 20,000 international students, and the government hopes to increase that number in the coming years. Granting work rights is seen as an important step toward achieving that goal.
Next Steps
The proposal is still under review and awaiting final approval by lawmakers. Once it becomes law, specific guidelines will be introduced to define eligible job types, working conditions, and monitoring procedures.
For now, this development signals Vietnam’s growing commitment to internationalising its education system and making the country more attractive to students from across the world.