DTU Provost Dr Le Nguyen Bao beats the ceremonial drum to open the new academic year. Photo: T.Ngoc
On the morning of September 24, 2025, DTU solemnly opened the 2025–2026 academic year and welcomed the freshmen of class K31.
In his speech at the ceremony, Distinguished Teacher and Hero of Labor Le Cong Co, founder of DTU, emphasized that the 2025–2026 academic year will be a very special one. The country is in the midst of many transformations, the nation is being redrawn, and many major events have taken place. Politburo resolution 71-NQ/TW (August 22, 2025) identified education & training as a decisive factor in the destiny of the nation, and stated that investing in education is a top national policy and an investment in future prosperity.
Distinguished Teacher and Hero of Labor Le Cong Co, founder of DTU, delivers a speech
In that context, the government has also issued directives to “restructure public universities”. Streamlining the organization, investing in the creation of national elite universities (1). These are major issues that impact higher education in Vietnam.
DTU was originally established as Duy Tan Private University. After an administrative change in 2015, it was renamed Duy Tan University. In October 2024, the government issued decision nr. 1115/QÐ-TTg approving the administrative upgrade of DTU, making it one of only eight universities in Vietnam to obtain this and the first - and so far the only - non-public higher education institution in Vietnam to be elevated to this model (2).
In 2024, DTU celebrated its 30-year journey of growth and development
Today, after 31 years of development, DTU has assembled a team of 1,645 employees. Among them are 1,142 lecturers, with 348 or 30.5% holding doctoral degrees or professorial titles. The university currently offers 10 PhD-level programs, 16 master’s programs, and 54 bachelor’s degree programs with over a hundred minors. Programs include standard curricula, talent programs, advanced programs, and on-site study-abroad programs with bachelor's degrees conferred by universities in the US. The university also offers transfer training and 7 majors with distance learning. Total enrollment is near thirty thousand students.
DTU ranked 482nd worldwide and number one in Vietnam in the QS World University Rankings 2026, published by the British education organization Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) on June 19, 2025. Earlier, on June 2, 2025, the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) released its 2025 global academic ranking of higher education institutions, in which DTU proudly placed in the top 4.6% worldwide, ranking 969th out of 21,462 universities; it also came 309th in Asia, and number one in Vietnam.
Distinguished Teacher and Hero of Labor Le Cong Co offered advice to the new students: In the era of technology and AI, the traditional method of teachers lecturing while students take notes is no longer sufficient. The approach to learning must evolve: students should learn with confidence, embrace AI as a tool, and engage in self-directed study. A great student is one who masters AI, uses it as an assistant, and incorporates it into their learning process. From there, they can boldly embark on innovative ventures, contributing to the country's transition into a new era.
Dr. Le Nguyen Bao, DTU Provost, delivers a speech at the Ceremony
Dr. Le Nguyen Bao, DTU Provost, proudly introduced top scientists from universities in Vietnam, including 10 DTU outstanding scientists, namely: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Dang Nam and Dr. Le Van Thuan (Enabling & Strategic Technologies); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Gia Nhu (Information & Communication Technologies); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Hieu and Dr. Do Minh Hoat (Physics and Astronomy); Dr. Tran Nguyen Hai and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Quoc Tinh (Engineering); Dr. Hoang Nhat Duc (Built Environment & Design). Particularly, two foreign scientists currently teaching at DTU are Dr. Anand Nayyar (Information & Communication Technologies) and Dr. Tolupope Joshua Ashaolu (Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry). They are part of what makes DTU renowned.
"However, a prestigious and reputable university is not only about having excellent teachers, but the students must also be excellent," Dr. Le Nguyen Bao remarked.
At the opening ceremony, the university awarded full scholarships to high-scoring students: Nguyen Ngoc Diem Quynh (Multimedia Communications) with the highest entrance score of 28.55/30, Phan Thi My Hau (Tourism & Hospitality Management in collaboration with Troy University) with the second highest entrance score of 27.43/30, and Phan Thao Vi (Multimedia Communications) with the third highest entrance score of 27.34/30.
"Choosing to study Communication was also the moment I went against my mother’s wishes - she always hoped I would choose a 'stable' profession. But instead of reacting negatively, I chose to prove myself. I researched the field thoroughly, self-taught on platforms like TikTok, joined communication clubs, and now I have found myself.
Nguyen Ngoc Diem Quynh majoring in Multimedia Communications (on the right)
“What’s even more significant is that I was awarded a full scholarship by DTU. I chose DTU because it is a place that fosters intellect, creativity, and a global vision. This university not only imparts knowledge but also empowers dreams to take flight. I am proud to be part of this community, where every student has the opportunity to shine in their own unique way."
I believe that all freshmen of class K31 will find their future career paths at DTU, the birthplace of great and beautiful things," said valedictorian Nguyen Ngoc Diem Quynh, majoring in Multimedia Communication.
Trinh Thanh Ly, a final- year student majoring in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at the DTU SouthStar Management Institute, is not only one of the top students with an outstanding GPA of 3.93/4, but also stands out with numerous prestigious awards in both domestic and international academic competitions, inspiring generations of DTU students."
In the 2025 admissions season, DTU has awarded over 5.76 billion VND in full, partial, and other scholarships, providing support for the students admitted this year."
(Media Center)