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

On the afternoon of July 13, 2026, the leadership of the National Economics University welcomed a delegation from Singapore Management University (SMU) for a visit and working session at NEU. Within the framework of the program, the two 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 the School of Business; Prof. Dr. Do Thi Hai Ha – Dean of the School of Economics and Public Management; Dr. Pham Sy Long – Deputy Head of the International Collaboration Department; along with representatives from various functional units.

In an open and constructive atmosphere, the leaders of the two universities exchanged views on development strategies, internationalization directions, and potential areas for future collaboration. Both sides agreed that, with a strong foundation in economics, business, and management education, and expanding into new fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, digital technology, innovation, and sustainable development, NEU and SMU have favorable conditions to build a long-term partnership that brings practical value to students, faculty members, and the academic community of both universities.

The leadership of the National Economics University exchanging views at the working session

Notably, the two 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 cooperation in education, academic research, academic exchange, and the development of high-quality human resources.

According to the agreement, NEU students who meet the admission criteria will have the opportunity to be directly admitted to SMU’s Postgraduate Professional Programmes in 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 exempted from the application fee and receive a reduction of 4,000 Singapore dollars in tuition fees if admitted.

Additionally, upon receiving the admission offer, students can apply for SMU scholarships, with support of up to 30% of tuition fees, according to SMU’s regulations and selection 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 – Director of the National Economics University emphasized that the signing of the agreement not only opens up international postgraduate study opportunities for students but also marks the beginning of a collaborative relationship between two universities sharing a common vision on quality education, innovation, and sustainable development.

The Director of the National Economics University 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 speaks

Assoc. Prof. Themin Suwardy – Deputy Provost of SMU highly appreciated the reputation and standing of the National Economics University within Vietnam’s higher education system, while affirming the desire to build a sustainable partnership with NEU, creating more opportunities for learning, research, and academic connections for faculty members and students of 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 international partner network, enhancing the quality of education and research, while increasing opportunities for students to study, experience, and develop in a global educational environment.

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

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

Leaders of the two universities exchange gifts and take 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