BUV Named an International Partner of the University of London

After more than 15 years of partnership, British University Vietnam holds a designation given to only a very small number of institutions worldwide.

Hanoi, 28 April 2025 – In April 2025, British University Vietnam (BUV) was officially designated an International Partner of the University of London, a status held by only a very small number of institutions in the University’s global network.

The designation was confirmed at BUV’s Ecopark campus during the first visit to Vietnam by Professor Wendy Thomson, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, and her senior delegation. Professor Thomson and Professor Raymond Gordon, Vice-Chancellor of BUV, signed a cooperation agreement witnessed by H.E. Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam, and Mr James Shipton, Director of the British Council in Vietnam.

Prof. Raymond Gordon (left) – Vice Chancellor of BUV, and Prof. Wendy Thomson (right) – Vice Chancellor of UoL, sign a cooperation agreement, witnessed by H.E. Iain Frew – British Ambassador (left) and Mr. James Shipton – Director of the British Council (right)

“It is fantastic to see the University of London’s continued commitment to acknowledge a truly remarkable achievement,” Ambassador Frew said. “This prestigious recognition speaks volumes about the quality and reputation of BUV, further cementing its position as a leading provider of British higher education in Vietnam.”

The new status lifts BUV from Recognised Teaching Centre to International Partner, moving the relationship beyond programme delivery and into long-term strategic collaboration. It also marks a milestone in a partnership now more than 15 years old. BUV is still the only institution in Vietnam authorised to deliver University of London undergraduate degrees and the International Foundation Programme, under the academic direction of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), ranked among the world’s top 10 for Economics and Econometrics in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025.

“We are proud to be one of the few International Partners in the University of London’s global network,” said Professor Raymond Gordon. “The new status has proven our academic excellence and potential growth while bringing us closer to our goal of being viewed as the top international university in Vietnam and the surrounding regions.”

The recognition came as BUV inaugurated Phase 2 of its Ecopark campus, part of a development plan with total investment of up to USD 165 million and capacity for 5,500 Vietnamese and international students. The same visit saw the opening of the Student Lounge, a dedicated academic space for students on University of London and postgraduate programmes. BUV was the first university in Vietnam to receive a QS 5-star rating, and the first in Vietnam and ASEAN to be accredited by the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency.

Professor Thomson, visiting the campus for the first time, said the facilities were world-class. “I get to visit universities all around the world and what you find here is outstanding. If you are a student who has an opportunity to come to BUV, I think it would be well worth your while,” she said.

Academic results have followed a similar line for years. Examination papers are set by LSE, sat by hand under British Council invigilation and marked in the UK, the same framework used for University of London students everywhere. Within a global cohort of around 15,000 students, those at BUV have consistently ranked among the strongest performers over the past four years.

Over 15 years the programme has produced hundreds of high-calibre graduates. Students and alumni now work at the Big Four accounting firms, at international finance and technology companies, and at leading banks in Vietnam. On graduation they also joined a University of London alumni network of more than 750,000 people worldwide.