This year also marks the first time that graduates have been produced by the programmes in Biomedical Engineering Technology, Automation and Informatics, Applied Information Technology, Financial Technology and Digital Business, and Industrial Systems Engineering and Logistics — a milestone that underscores the School’s expansion into the fields of engineering and technology.

The joy of the new bachelors and masters graduates on their graduation day.

The 2026 Graduation Ceremony therefore not only recognises the academic achievements of the 1,160 graduates but also signals a turning point for the International School after 24 years of establishment and development, particularly in its strategy to broaden training into the domains of engineering, technology and interdisciplinary programmes aligned with global workforce demands.

A highlight of this year’s graduation season is the first cohort of bachelors and masters graduates from the Biomedical Engineering Technology programme, alongside the inaugural graduating classes of several other engineering and technology disciplines, including Automation and Informatics, Applied Information Technology, Financial Technology and Digital Business, and Industrial Systems Engineering and Logistics.

Dr Nguyen Quang Thuan, Vice Rector of the International School, VNU, delivering the opening address at the Graduation Ceremony.

These are all interdisciplinary programmes designed to meet the demand for highly skilled professionals in the context of Industry 4.0 and digital transformation. Throughout their studies, the first cohorts of students in these programmes actively participated in academic activities, domestic and international exchanges, and garnered awards at various levels.

According to the International School, these results demonstrate that the institution’s training orientation is expanding from the traditional fields of economics, management and languages into engineering and technology, with the aim of producing engineers and technology specialists equipped with both professional expertise and a global outlook.

Programme valedictorians honoured at the Ceremony.

The year 2026 marks the 24th anniversary of the International School’s establishment and development. Originally founded as the Vietnam–Russia International Faculty, the unit was renamed the International Faculty in 2003, restructured as the International School in 2021, and incorporated the Francophone International Faculty (IFI) through a merger in 2025.

An independent survey conducted by the Centre for Quality Assurance and Examination in 2025 revealed that 60 per cent of the School’s students secured employment prior to graduation. Notably, 98 per cent of graduates from the School’s programmes found suitable positions and began building their careers within the first year after graduation. All programmes at the International School are full-time degree programmes. For those programmes for which VNU confers the degree, the curricula are developed in accordance with the standards of reputable overseas universities, whilst also being appraised and approved by VNU.

Ms Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, representing the new bachelors, delivering her address at the Graduation Ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Nguyen Quang Thuan – Vice Rector of the International School – highlighted the special significance of this year’s graduation season, as several engineering, technology and industrial programmes saw their first cohorts complete their studies. He noted that the first students of these programmes were also pioneers who studied at the Hoa Lac campus in earlier years. During their time at the School, they earned numerous awards and actively took part in both domestic and international exchange activities. These achievements, according to the Vice Rector, demonstrate that the School’s training capacity is no longer confined to economics and languages but is expanding firmly into the realms of engineering and technology.

Speaking on behalf of the new bachelors, Ms Nguyen Thi Thu Trang shared that, after four years studying Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management at the International School, what she gained extended far beyond textbook knowledge.

It also encompassed a global mindset, the courage to step outside one’s comfort zone, the ability to solve real-world problems, effective collaboration under pressure, and adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges. On behalf of her fellow graduates, Ms Trang remarked that, after years of study, students were no longer passive note-takers in lecture halls but were ready to become young professionals who proactively create value for society.