On October 14, 2026, the Board of Rectors of VNU International School – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-IS) held a working session with representatives from three leading Australian universities — Federation University (FedUni), the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) — to discuss cooperation in education, scientific research, and student and faculty exchange.
An overview of the working session between the Board of Rectors of VNU-IS and a delegation from Federation University (Australia) on October 14, 2026. Photo: VNU-IS.
At the meeting, representatives from each university introduced their institutions, highlighted academic programs, notable research activities, and opportunities available for students and faculty.
Federation University presented its practice-oriented educational model, which closely integrates academic training with industry engagement, as well as its specialized skills development programs for students. The two sides discussed the possibility of launching a 2+2 joint degree program, under which students would complete their first two years at VNU-IS and their final two years at Federation University. Federation’s hallmark cooperative education model was also proposed for adoption, enabling students to acquire in-depth professional skills through workplace placements during their studies.
Potential research collaborations were also explored, including wind energy, drone technology, and space technology — areas in which Federation University holds particular expertise — along with technology transfer initiatives between the two institutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Rector of VNU-IS, exchanges views on training and research cooperation with Australian partners. Photo: VNU-IS.
With the University of Technology Sydney, the two sides explored opportunities for collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). They also discussed student exchange and student transfer programs with flexible articulation pathways between VNU-IS and its Australian partners, as well as faculty exchange initiatives aimed at strengthening teaching and research capacity for all parties involved.
The University of the Sunshine Coast and VNU-IS held detailed discussions on cooperation in engineering and technology education and research, along with faculty and student exchange programs.
An online working session between VNU-IS and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC). Photo: VNU-IS.
Federation University Australia
Federation University Australia is one of Australia’s oldest higher education institutions, with a history dating back to 1870. As the largest education provider in regional Victoria, the university currently serves over 18,500 students across its campuses in Ballarat, Berwick, Gippsland, and Wimmera, and boasts an alumni network of more than 123,000 worldwide. A multi-sector university, Federation offers programs ranging from vocational education (TAFE) to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. It is distinguished by its cooperative education model, which has been integrated into all programs since 2026. The university is ranked 501–550 globally by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027 and 33rd in Australia.
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a leading Australian technology university located in the heart of Sydney, New South Wales. A founding member of the Australian Technology Network (ATN), UTS currently offers approximately 130 undergraduate and 210 postgraduate programs through nine faculties and schools, along with more than 45 research centers and institutes. UTS is ranked 87th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, 9th in Australia; and 152nd globally and 8th in Australia according to the Times Higher Education 2027. Notably, UTS holds the No. 1 position in Australia for artificial intelligence (AI) according to the ShanghaiRanking 2026.
University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is a public university in Queensland with approximately 18,000 domestic and international students. According to the Good Universities Guide 2026, UniSC received five stars for overall student experience and five stars for teaching quality, making it the No. 1 public university in Queensland and the No. 2 in Australia for overall educational experience. UniSC is ranked 851–900 globally by the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 501–600 globally by the Times Higher Education 2026.
The delegation from Australian universities poses for a commemorative photo with the Board of Rectors and staff of VNU-IS. Photo: VNU-IS.
The working session marked an important first step for VNU-IS and the Australian universities to concretize their partnership agendas, with the shared goal of enhancing educational quality, expanding international learning opportunities for students, and fostering interdisciplinary research collaboration in the time ahead.
