Delegates in Sydney formally establising the Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Monash University's Faculty of Education and Ho Chi Minh City Open University have signed an agreement to formally establish a Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), providing a transnational education pathway for Vietnamese students.
Monash University is the only Go8 university offering this program in Vietnam. Graduates will earn a globally recognised Monash qualification, gaining the advanced knowledge, practical teaching expertise and international perspective needed to advance their careers in English language education across diverse educational settings.
Students will have the opportunity to engage with the world-leading Monash academics, build international professional networks, and experience innovative approaches to education, giving them a competitive edge as demand for highly qualified English language educators continues to grow across the region.
The agreement was exchanged between Professor Mary Ryan, Dean, Faculty of Education and Professor Nguyen Minh Ha, President, Ho Chi Minh City Open University, in Sydney at the Viet Nam–Australia: Tech Connect Forum.
This collaboration directly addresses Vietnam's landmark policy shift from treating English as a foreign language to establishing it as a functional Second Language (L2) nationwide – targeting compulsory English from Grade 1 by 2030 and universal coverage by 2035.
Ranked number one in Australia for Education (ShanghaiRanking (GRAS) 2025) the Faculty of Education is a leader in innovative learning design and is committed to advancing excellence in language education across Victoria.
Professor Ryan said the partnership reflects Monash's commitment to expanding access to world class education across the Asia Pacific region.
"This collaboration creates an exciting pipeline opportunity for students in Vietnam to gain an international qualification, equipping them with the critical skills and global perspectives needed to transform education in their communities," Professor Ryan said.
"By combining our research strengths with the deep local expertise of our partners in Vietnam, we are not only opening doors for individual students, but building lasting capacity across our shared educational landscape."
Ho Chi Minh City Open University is one of Vietnam's largest single autonomous universities and is recognised among the top 13 Vietnamese universities in the THE Impact Rankings for social and educational impact. The institute operates across seven campuses in southern Vietnam and its specialty education areas include foreign languages and TESOL, business and economics.
Monash University has achieved its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings 2027, rising to 31st globally. As one of the fastest-rising universities in the global top 50, and jumping 29 places over the past decade, Monash brings rigorous academic standards directly to Vietnamese students.
Professor Craig Jeffrey, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University, said Monash has a history of research and development engagements with Vietnam.
"Monash has a number of existing initiatives that align with Vietnam's developmental ambitions. With more than 16,000 ASEAN students currently enrolled, and a talent pool of almost 60,000 ASEAN-based alumni, our ongoing engagement with Vietnam reflects Monash's deep ties to the region," Professor Jeffrey said.
The partnership will deliver immediate value to students through seamless study routes and international collaboration opportunities. Past graduates have gone on to work as language teachers, translators and TESOL leaders across national and international contexts.
