Vietnam National University, Hanoi

As the first modern university established and one of the two national universities in Vietnam, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) has undergone various stages of development: the University of Indochina established on 16 May, 1906; Vietnam National University (November, 1945); the University of Hanoi (June, 1956). In December 1993, VNU was reorganized on the basis of amalgamating the University of Hanoi and some other leading universities in Hanoi.

VNU is the largest comprehensive higher education and research center in Vietnam. VNU is entrusted with the task of producing highly qualified human resources and talents for the industrialization and modernization of the country. VNU holds a special position in Vietnam’s higher education system, operating according to a special regulation promulgated by the Prime Minister. VNU reports directly to the Prime Minister and has high autonomy in personnel organization, academic programs, scientific research and technological development, planning and finance, international relations and other fields. VNU is entitled to work directly with ministries, ministerial level organizations, governmental bodies, people’s committees of central cities and provinces on affairs related to VNU. VNU's universities, schools, and institutes maintain their juridical entity status as higher education and scientific research institutions regulated by the Law on Education and the Law on Science-Technology.

VNU has the mission of:

- Producing high quality human resources and cultivate talents;

- Promoting advanced science, technology, renovation and knowledge transference;

- and Playing the role of a pioneer in the reforming of Vietnam’s higher education system.

VNU is expected to be one of the leading interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary research universities in the world, which can contribute significantly to the national industrialization and modernization.

Excellence through Knowledge.

One of VNU strategic tasks is to establish and develop undergraduate and graduate programs to meet international standards, which ultimately transforms VNU into a research university center, reaching international standards. This will help to improve Vietnam’s scientific, technological and socio-economic basis.

VNU has 8 member universities, 4 affiliated schools and 7 research institutes.