Vietnam’s booming tourism industry, a key driver of economic and social progress, is experiencing explosive growth, creating a significant demand for skilled professionals. Recognizing this, the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture (VAA) is launching a new Tourism program in 2025, aiming to cultivate a new generation of hospitality experts equipped for the global stage. This innovative program emphasizes practical experience, career development, and adaptability within the international tourism landscape.
A Practical Approach to Tourism Education
The VAA’s Tourism program distinguishes itself through a curriculum designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. A representative from the Academy’s Tourism and Foreign Languages Department explained to Vietnam Education e-Magazine that students will receive a robust foundation in theory, complemented by practical skills training.
“Our program is designed to meet the current demands of the tourism labor market,” the representative stated. “Students will be taught by a team of highly qualified lecturers with extensive practical experience who are committed to staying abreast of the latest industry trends, both domestically and globally.” The curriculum isn’t limited to classroom learning. From year three onwards, students will embark on field trips to renowned tourist destinations and participate in internships with established businesses. This hands-on experience is intended to foster a strong professional mindset and enhance individual capabilities.
Cultivating Essential Soft Skills and International Exposure
Beyond technical skills, the VAA program places a strong emphasis on developing crucial soft skills. These include vital competencies such as communication, presentation skills, event management, tour design, and crisis management—all essential attributes for success in the service-oriented tourism sector. Students will gain practical experience in these areas through workshops, simulations, and real-world projects.
The program also provides opportunities for international collaboration and exposure. Students can participate in international exchange programs, internships abroad, and engage with the student Tourism Club, an initiative designed to foster organizational, creative, and networking skills. Participation in nationwide tourism competitions further enhances students’ professional expertise and confidence.
The Academy has cultivated strong partnerships with reputable companies in the hospitality industry, securing paid internships for students and boosting their job prospects after graduation. “With a dynamic learning environment, a practical curriculum, and the continuous support of the Academy, our tourism students are well-positioned to thrive in this promising field,” the department representative added.
Diverse Career Pathways for Graduates
Graduates of the VAA’s Tourism program will be prepared for a broad range of roles within the tourism and hospitality sectors. Potential career paths include tour guides, tour operators, event planners, hotel and resort managers, restaurant managers, marketing specialists, tourism product developers, and researchers and lecturers in tourism-related fields.
Ensuring Employment Success and Financial Support
The Academy’s commitment to practical training is reflected in the 100% internship participation rate for students from their third year onwards. This hands-on experience contributes significantly to the program’s impressive 95% employment rate among graduates.
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by some students, the VAA offers various scholarships and financial aid to high-achieving and deserving students. This initiative aims to encourage academic excellence and provide equal opportunities for all students to reach their full potential.
2025 Admissions: A Wide Range of Options
The VAA is offering 50 places for its inaugural 2025 Tourism intake. The program offers a diverse range of admission pathways, catering to a broad spectrum of student backgrounds and academic achievements. Nine different subject combinations are accepted, demonstrating flexibility in admission requirements:
- Literature – History – Geography
- Literature – History – English
- Literature – Geography – English
- Literature – Mathematics – English
- Literature – Mathematics – History
- Literature – Mathematics – Geography
- Literature – Mathematics – Physics
- Literature – Mathematics – Chinese
- Literature – Mathematics – Economics and Law
Significantly, English is weighted twice, reflecting the program’s international focus and the high demand for proficiency in English within the global tourism industry.
Multiple Admission Pathways for Aspiring Tourism Professionals
The VAA employs a multifaceted admissions process for the 2025 intake, incorporating several pathways to accommodate diverse academic backgrounds and achievements:
(1a) Direct Admission: Students meeting the criteria established by the Ministry of Education and Training will be granted direct admission.
(1b) Direct Admission for High Achievers: Outstanding high school students with exceptional academic records will also qualify for direct admission.
(2) Examination-Based Admission: Admission will be based on the results of the 2025 national high school graduation examinations.
(3) Academic Transcript-Based Admission: Applicants will be assessed based on their high school academic transcripts.
(4) Combined Admission Criteria: This pathway considers high school academic performance alongside one of the following criteria:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores.
- Results from the VNUA 2025 Technology and Creative Startup Knowledge Examination.
- ACT/SAT examination results.
This diverse range of admissions pathways ensures that students from varied academic backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their aspirations within the flourishing field of tourism.
The VAA’s new Tourism program represents a significant step in aligning education with the demands of Vietnam’s rapidly expanding tourism industry. By combining theoretical knowledge with extensive practical experience and a focus on essential soft skills, the program aims to produce highly skilled and adaptable graduates ready to excel in the global tourism market. The program’s diverse admission criteria and support for students further underscore the Academy’s commitment to providing opportunities for all aspiring tourism professionals.
