The US and Vietnam’s bilateral relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – the highest level of government partnership – following US President Joe Biden’s official visit to Vietnam in September this year.

During his trip, the following areas were highlighted for enhanced cooperation between the two nations - technology-driven growth, educational exchanges, climate change mitigation, and regional stability. In addition to governmental agreements, the US business delegation also secured partnerships in AI, cloud computing, semiconductors, and new energy sectors in Vietnam. In the area of science and technology research, both countries aimed to expand collaborative efforts in AI, healthcare, climate science, and biotechnology.
As for education, existing programs such as the Fulbright University and the Peace Corps' English education initiative would be reinforced. New initiatives to be implemented will include the STEM Champions of Vietnam Initiative, which aims at strengthening educational ties from K-12 to post-graduate levels, and the "Upskill Vietnam and Foster Digital Growth" program, which will be supported by an initial investment of $12.75 million to modernize higher education, facilitate digital trade, and promote innovation.

Sources:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/09/10/...
https://vietnamnet.vn/en/technology-cooperation-projects-announced-durin...
https://e.vnexpress.net/news/business/economy/vietnam-us-agree-to-turn-i...

Comments from British Council
Currently, the US already has an entrenched position in Vietnam with the largest number of Vietnamese students (17,900) among English speaking countries. The US government also provides funding for a private, not-for-profit Fulbright University, which delivers US accredited higher education programmes in Viet Nam.

The sizeable increase in foreign investment from the US and the reallocation of major companies to Vietnam is expected to generate high demand for skilled talent in the country, particularly in the IT, semiconductor, science, and technology sectors. This is in turn expected to have a significant impact on education and training, with more students looking to pursue higher education in the fields mentioned above, both within the country and abroad.

We anticipate higher levels of collaboration to take place between US and Viet Nam universities following the US’ increased investment in Viet Nam’s higher education sector. While the education market in Vietnam will become more competitive from this, STEM and digitalization skills remain a priority for the country and opportunities are still available for other players. MOET has set a target to produce 260 undergraduate students and 20 postgraduates per 10,000 people, 35 percent of whom will have studied STEM programmes at Vietnamese HEIs. Currently, enrolment in TNE programmes in Science and Technology only account for 25 percent of total enrolment in TNE programmes in Vietnam – the UK, with its good standing, particularly in TNE programmes, has the potential to grow its partnerships through new TNE programmes and research collaboration with local universities in emerging fields.