By David Mihalyi, AACRAO Associate Director, International
Vietnam has emerged as one of the most dynamic and promising markets for international student recruitment. Over the past decade, the number of Vietnamese students choosing to study abroad has surged, driven by a growing middle class, robust economic growth, and increasing English proficiency. For the United States, Vietnam consistently ranks among the top six countries of origin for international students, sending more than 25,000 students to U.S. colleges and universities during the 2024-2025 academic year, an all-time high. According to the latest Open Doors figures, Vietnam ranks 5th among the top sending countries worldwide.
For U.S. higher education institutions, Vietnamese students represent an attractive segment to diversify beyond traditional markets. Vietnamese families value education highly and are willing to invest significantly in overseas studies. Many Vietnamese students are drawn to four-year undergraduate programs and graduate studies in the U.S., with a particularly strong interest in STEM and Business fields.
F-1 visa approvals for Vietnam have grown significantly, with the most recent final data for 2024 showing 18,600 approvals. In contrast, denials based on total applications from all countries have increased, reaching 35% in 2025.
Exploring the Market on the Ground
To help study abroad advisors and international admissions staff navigate this complex and expanding market, the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers and the Association of International Enrollment Management have partnered to organize a Professional Exchange Program to Vietnam. In coordination with tour operator Cultural Vistas, this familiarization tour is designed to introduce higher education professionals to the realities of international enrollment management in Vietnam.
The delegation, currently organizing for March 13-18, 2027, will provide an immersive experience with key objectives that include:
- Stakeholder Engagement: Providing hands-on experience by meeting with various on-the-ground stakeholders, including U.S. education officials, tour and fair operators, and recruitment agencies.
- Partnership Exploration: Visiting successful international student mobility partners, such as Vietnamese institutions with existing enrollment partnerships at U.S. universities.
- Credential Alignment: Documenting credential evaluation standards and contributing to the understanding of Vietnam’s national qualification framework.
Participants will attend technical sessions, complete documentation activities, and conduct site visits to primary and secondary schools, technical education centers, professional training facilities, university registrar offices, and the Ministry of Education.
Looking Ahead
As traditional recruitment markets experience turbulence, proactive institutions must track mobility trends and adapt. Expanding recruitment strategies in Vietnam requires aligning programs with labor market needs, offering flexible pathways, and clearly understanding the local educational framework. Initiatives like the AACRAO-AIRC exchange program are vital for admissions professionals seeking to build successful, long-term enrollment collaborations in this high-potential market.
How to Apply
You can apply today, and detailed program information, including planning, travel, accommodations, and pricing, is available on the Citizen Ambassador Cultural Vistas Program website.
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