Media
University of London degrees come to Vietnam.
Press Release: March 2008
Apollo in Vietnam has been awarded a license to become the first private European University in Vietnam, which enables it to teach study programmes from UK Universities.
The license was presented to Khalid Muhmood, Chairman of Apollo, by the Vietnamese Prime Minister, Nguyen Tan Dung, during his visit to the University of London. (Wednesday 5 March).
The granting of the license marks a major breakthrough in the provision of higher education in Vietnam, which up until now has been provided by the State. Under the new license Appollo University will provide Vietnamese students with an opportunity to obtain full UK degrees without leaving Vietnam. This will include University of London degrees through its External System in the areas of business, accounting, finance and banking. All Vietnamese students who successfully complete their chosen programme will receive a University of London qualification.
Sir Graeme Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, said he was delighted to be working with Apollo in its capacity as a new University and the Vietnamese government in order to help fill the growing demand for higher education in Vietnam. He said: “This move is in keeping with our tradition of working with organisations across the world. I would like to thank the Prime Minister for visiting the University of London and I now look forward to a long and successful relationship with both Vietnam and Apollo University.”
The University of London External System has 41,000 students studying in 180 countries on more than 100 study programmes. Its former students and alumni include five Nobel Prize winners; the most renowned of all is President Nelson Mandela.
Established in 1994, Apollo has fully established centres in Hanoi, Haiphong, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City and is recognised in Vietnam for its quality training in English Language and Professional Development. Apollo has won several awards, including two medals for the Cause of Education:
- Most famous brand in education from AC Nielson
- Best in Vietnam Award from the Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Vietnam Net.
Mr. Khalid Muhmood explained how he saw Apollo’s move into higher education as a natural progression. He said: “By working closely with a select number of key UK Universities, including the University of London, Apollo will offer courses leading to internationally recognised qualifications. This means that students can study in Vietnam and obtain exactly the same degree level qualifications that they would have obtained by studying in the UK. This way they can do it at a fraction of the cost.”
All study programmes at Apollo University are expected to start within the next six months and will be taught by fully qualified lecturers in the English language. The University arm of Apollo is currently operating from rented premises in Hanoi but will be constructing a new campus building in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
To contribute to Vietnam's development, Apollo University has established a scholarship fund of $50,000 US Dollars. Mr Khalid Muhmood, Chairman of both Apollo University and the British Business Group in Vietnam said: "Receiving this license for Apollo University will help us to do more to contribute towards Vietnam's development. Bringing the degrees of top UK Universities to Vietnam supports Apollo’s vision to be the leading private organisation bringing world class education and training to Vietnam. This will help Vietnamese individuals and the Vietnamese economy."
The British Ambassador to Vietnam, Mark Kent commented: "I'm delighted that we now have the first private University to be licensed in Vietnam to deliver British courses. The British Embassy and UK Trade and Investment welcome the efforts of Apollo University to make British qualifications available to students in Vietnam. It is a key development in building educational links between Vietnam and the UK."
Editors notes:
The University of London
Contacts:
Binda Rai +44 (0)20 7862 8545
Peter Quinn +44 (0)20 7664 5584
- The University of London was established in 1836 and is one of the oldest, largest and most diverse universities in the United Kingdom.
- The University’s founding principle is to provide education for all, irrespective of race, creed or political belief.
- In 1858, the University of London was granted its fourth charter, which paved the way for the establishment of the University of London External System.
- The University of London External System is a unique global network of 41,000 students in 180 countries, on more than 100 study programmes ranging from social sciences to law to health.
- The External System has been instrumental in the formation of British higher education – all English and Welsh universities founded between 1849-1949 offered University of London degrees before obtaining charters to award their own.
- Between 1946-1970, the External System played a significant role in establishing many Commonwealth universities under a unique scheme of ‘special relations’.
- Through the External System higher education was made available to a much wider range of social classes; it pre-empted 20th Century developments in open, flexible and distance learning by more than 100 years.
- Famous former students and alumni of the External System include five Nobel Prize Winners: Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins, Ronald Coase, Wole Soyinka, Derek Walcott and Nelson Mandela.
The top 20 countries the External System operates in:
| 1. Singapore | 6. Pakistan | 11. Mauritius | 16. Russia |
| 2. Hong Kong | 7. Bangladesh | 12. UAE | 17. Kenya |
| 3. UK | 8. USA | 13. Jamaica | 18. Malta |
| 4. Trinidad | 9. Sri Lanka | 14. Nigeria | 19. Germany |
| 5. Malaysia | 10. Canada | 15. India | 20. Japan |