RMIT marks 25 years in Vietnam with AU$25 million research and innovation investment

The funding announcement was made during a visit by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC at RMIT’s Saigon South campus on 12 September.

The event also saw the presence of Mr Pham Hung Tam - Vietnamese Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms Gillian Bird PSM - Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Ms Sarah Hooper - Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, and Mr Nguyen Manh Cuong - Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City’s People’s Committee.

The investment is part of RMIT’s broader AU$250 million strategic fund for Vietnam, first unveiled in 2023 during an official visit of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The new AU$25 million commitment will bolster research and innovation in Vietnam by significantly expanding RMIT PhD scholarships, supporting local candidates to live and study in their communities while gaining an internationally recognised RMIT doctorate.

“RMIT has proudly represented Australia in Vietnam for 25 years, and we have made a real impact, with nearly 25,500 local graduates ready to contribute to the prosperity of their country,” said RMIT Chancellor Peggy O’Neal AO.

“This investment underscores our commitment to building strong international partnerships and enhancing research ties within Vietnam.”

The postgraduate research program will be led and delivered by RMIT Vietnam, alongside local industry partners, with a focus on research outcomes that support Vietnam’s ambitious targets across education, science, technology and innovation. Specifically, it supports Resolution 57, which aims to increase the number of science, technology, and innovation researchers to 12 per 10,000 people by 2030. 

“Education and research are integral to Australia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam,” said RMIT Vietnam Pro-Vice Chancellor and General Director Professor Scott Thompson-Whiteside. “This investment not only strengthens in-country research efforts but also connects Vietnamese expertise with leading experts in Australia, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and innovation.”

Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC said: “Education is at the heart of the Australia-Vietnam relationship, and it’s great to see that collaboration come to life on campus today. Australian education providers that have on-the-ground presence in both countries like RMIT University can help build greater two-way connections.”

RMIT is a leading provider of transnational education, enhancing bilateral relations and regional collaboration through its presence in Vietnam, Singapore, and India that spans almost four decades. 

With over 12,000 students, 1,300 staff, and nearly 25,500 alumni, RMIT Vietnam is Australia’s largest offshore university presence. The 25th anniversary marks a turning point for the institution, which is expanding its research footprint and deepening its role in Vietnam’s development.