What makes international studies a rising choice for today’s youth?

A growing need for global competence

With the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, Vietnam is increasingly engaging with global economic, social, and cultural currents. This is reflected in the steady rise of foreign investment, clearer requirements for green transformation and sustainable development, and ongoing efforts to promote Vietnamese culture internationally.

As more international companies expand their presence in Vietnam and more Vietnamese organisations reach out to global markets, the demand for talent who can work effectively in multicultural environments, understand international contexts, and adapt to emerging standards is becoming more urgent.

This means that many future jobs will require more than specialised expertise. They will also call for a global mindset, strong communication and interpersonal skills across differences, and the ability to analyse and address issues within an international context. This is why disciplines related to languages, culture, and global issues – such as International Studies – are gaining more attention.

International Studies in a new context: From passion to global careers

In this landscape, International Studies is not simply a field that broadens one’s understanding of the world. It offers a way to approach global issues through the lens of language, culture, society, and people. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) refers to this as global competence – the ability to examine local, global, and intercultural issues, interact effectively with others, and act toward collective sustainable development.

This approach is increasingly aligned with the needs of organisations today, not only international agencies or non-governmental organisations, but also local enterprises and multinational corporations.

Ms Quan Thu Huyen, Strategy Consultant at Business Sweden, an organisation promoting bilateral trade between Sweden and Vietnam, said: “In an international working environment, foreign languages are just the starting point. The real requirement lies in understanding context, recognising the needs of different stakeholders, and helping them work together effectively. What matters is connecting the right opportunities with the right partners so that businesses can operate efficiently and sustainably in a new market.”

For students who are adept at languages, passionate about cultures, or interested in social and global issues, International Studies provides a flexible pathway. It allows them to not only build strong language proficiency but also deepen their cultural and social understanding, enhance analytical and research skills, and develop communication abilities suited to a wide range of professional environments.

This foundation can lead to diverse career pathways after graduation, including translating and interpreting, community project development, communications, external relations, international cooperation, and various roles within organisations and companies that operate across borders.

Bachelor of International Studies at RMIT Vietnam

In October 2026, RMIT Vietnam will officially launch the Bachelor of International Studies program. The program is built on the academic foundation of its RMIT Australia counterpart, combined with an understanding of Vietnam’s context and workforce needs.

Ms Jodie Altan, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor, Engagement at RMIT Vietnam, said: “In a world where business, technology, sustainable development, and global connections are increasingly intertwined, the talent demand is changing. Organisations need not only highly skilled professionals, but also people who can understand and adapt to the international context, work across cultures, and solve complex problems. By introducing the International Studies program in Vietnam, we are reaffirming our commitment to preparing our students for future success in life and work.”

The Bachelor of International Studies at RMIT Vietnam is designed as an interdisciplinary program that brings together languages, social sciences, and global issues within a flexible structure. The three majors include Language and International Relations, Development and Social Equity, and Translating and Interpreting. Students can further broaden their pathways through minors such as Japanese, Asian Communication and Culture, Public Relations, and more.

Dr Le Xuan Quynh, Program Manager of International Studies at RMIT Vietnam, said: “Students in this program are equipped for an international career through a strong foundation in society, culture, and global dynamics; specialised knowledge developed through their majors and minors; and a set of transferable skills for diverse work environments, including intercultural communication, problem solving, and multidimensional thinking. These are complemented by work-integrated learning experiences and early career guidance to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation.”

Another highlight of the program is its strong international orientation. It is delivered entirely in English within a multicultural learning environment of more than 40 nationalities and offers opportunities for student exchange or transfer to RMIT Australia or more than 200 partner universities worldwide.

Learn more about the Bachelor of International Studies program here.