The Direct Admission Agreement of SMU for NEU students open up numerous international learning opportunities for students, while laying the foundation for long-term collaboration between the two universities in training, research, and academic exchange.

On the afternoon of July 13, 2026, the leadership of the National Economics University welcomed the delegation from Singapore Management University (SMU) for a visit and working session at NEU. Within the framework of the program, both parties signed the Direct Admission Agreement for SMU’s postgraduate programs for NEU students, marking the beginning of an official partnership between the two universities.

The Singapore Management University delegation working with the leadership of the National Economics University

Attending the working session, from the Singapore Management University were: Assoc. Prof. Themin Suwardy – Vice Provost for Professional Postgraduate Programs; Mr. Vu Viet Anh – Chief Representative of SMU in Vietnam.

From the National Economics University were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho – President of the University; Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh – Vice President of the University; Prof. Dr. Ta Van Loi – Dean of College of Business; Prof. Dr. Do Thi Hai Ha – Dean of College of Economics and Public Management; Dr. Pham Sy Long – Deputy Head of the International Collaboration Department; along with representatives of functional units’ leadership.

During the meeting, the leaders of the two universities discussed development strategies, internationalization orientation, and potential areas for collaboration in the future. Both parties agreed that, with a foundation in training in the fields of economics, business, and management, and expanding into new areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, digital technology, innovation, and sustainable development, NEU and SMU are well-positioned to build a long-term partnership that brings practical value to students, faculty members, and the academic community of both universities.

NEU Leadership Engaging in Discussions at the Working Session

Notably, both parties agreed to sign the Direct Admission Agreement, thereby expanding opportunities for NEU students to continue their studies in SMU’s postgraduate programs. This also serves as a foundation for the two universities to gradually expand collaboration in training, academic research, academic exchange, and the development of high-quality human resources.

According to the agreement, NEU students who meet the admissions criteria will have the opportunity for direct admission into SMU’s Postgraduate Professional Programmes across various fields such as finance, quantitative finance, management, entrepreneurship and innovation, accounting, information technology in business, data science, economics, and sustainable development.

For certain key programs such as the Master of Applied Finance (MAF), Master of Quantitative Finance (MQF), Master of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MEI), and Master in Management (MiM), NEU students will be exempt from the application fee and receive a reduction of SGD 4,000 in tuition fees if admitted.

Additionally, upon receiving the offer letter, students can apply for SMU scholarships, with support of up to 30% of tuition fees, according to SMU’s selection criteria and process. These policies facilitate NEU students’ access to an international learning environment, enhancing their professional capabilities and career development in a global context.

Speaking at the meeting, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, NEU President, emphasized that the signing of the agreement not only opens up opportunities for international postgraduate studies for students but also marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship between the two universities, sharing a vision for quality education, innovation, and sustainable development.

NEU President expressed confidence that, based on this agreement, the two universities will gradually expand cooperation in various fields such as student and faculty exchange, academic research, curriculum development, executive training, organizing international conferences, and innovative initiatives.

Assoc. Prof. Themin Suwardy – Deputy Provost of SMU spoke

Assoc. Prof. Themin Suwardy, Deputy Provost of SMU, highly appreciated the reputation and position of the National Economics University in Vietnam’s higher education system, and affirmed the desire to build a sustainable partnership with NEU, creating more opportunities for learning, research, and academic connections for faculty members and students at both universities.

The establishment of a cooperative relationship with Singapore Management University further affirms the strategic direction of the National Economics University in expanding its network of international partners, enhancing the quality of education and research, while increasing opportunities for students to learn, experience, and develop in a global educational environment.

Representatives of the National Economics University and Singapore Management University signed the Direct Admission Agreement into SMU’s Postgraduate Programs for NEU Students

The Direct Admission Agreement into SMU’s Postgraduate Programs for NEU Students is the first outcome of the cooperative relationship between the two universities, serving as a foundation for NEU and SMU to continue developing joint initiatives in training, academic research, academic exchange, executive training, and innovation.

Leaders of the two universities exchanged gifts and took commemorative photos

With shared values and vision, the two universities expect to gradually expand their partnership in a substantive and sustainable manner, contributing to the enhancement of higher education quality, promoting academic connections between Vietnam and Singapore, and training a globally competent workforce to meet the development needs of the region and the world.

Article and Photos: International Collaboration Department and Communications Department