On 10 August 2026, at the Vietnam–Australia TechConnect Forum hosted by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), representatives of National Economics University (NEU) and Adelaide University formally exchanged a Credit Transfer Agreement signed by the leadership of both universities. The agreement establishes a structured pathway for NEU students to continue their studies at one of Australia’s leading universities, while laying the groundwork for additional credit transfer pathways and potential dual degree programmes in the future.

The milestone marks a new development in the partnership between National Economics University and Adelaide University. It also further expands NEU’s network of highly regarded international partners, creating new opportunities for students to access high-quality international education and broaden their global academic experience.

Advancing educational cooperation at the Vietnam–Australia TechConnect Forum 2026

The Vietnam–Australia TechConnect Forum, bringing together science and technology, innovation, investment, education and training, was held on 10 August 2026 at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). The event brought together representatives of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, government agencies, universities, research institutes and the business communities of both countries. An accompanying exhibition showcased Vietnamese education and highlighted achievements in Vietnam–Australia educational cooperation.

Professor Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of National Economics University, receives the Credit Transfer Agreement with Adelaide University.

At the Forum, Professor Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of National Economics University, and Professor Lori Hocking, Deputy Vice Chancellor – Global Partnerships at Adelaide University, exchanged the Credit Transfer Agreement previously signed by the leadership of the two universities. On behalf of Adelaide University, the Agreement was signed by Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor – International and External Engagement; on behalf of National Economics University, it was signed by Associate Professor Bui Duc Tho, President of NEU.

The NEU delegation at the Vietnam–Australia TechConnect Forum 2026.

The exchange of the Agreement at a major Vietnam–Australia forum connecting education, science, technology and innovation underscores the two universities’ commitment to translating institutional cooperation into tangible international learning opportunities for students.

Connecting NEU with a global Top 100 university and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight

Adelaide University is a new Australian university established through the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, bringing together the strengths, resources and academic legacies of two highly regarded institutions.

Adelaide University is ranked equal 79th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and eighth in Australia. It is also a member of the Group of Eight (Go8), Australia’s leading group of research-intensive universities.

NEU’s partnership with Adelaide University therefore not only expands its network of partners in Australia, but also strengthens the University’s engagement with the global ecosystem of leading research-intensive universities.

A clearly defined 2+2 transfer pathway for NEU students

Under the Agreement, eligible NEU students who meet the relevant academic, English-language and admission requirements may receive credit recognition for studies completed at NEU before continuing their degree at Adelaide University in South Australia. Upon successfully fulfilling all requirements of the relevant programme, students will receive a degree from Adelaide University.

Importantly, the first approved pathway is designed for students enrolled in NEU’s Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Business Intelligence programme.
Under the 2+2 pathway, students who successfully complete the first two years of their programme at NEU may receive 48 units of credit, equivalent to the first year of study at Adelaide University, toward the Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Business Analytics. They will then continue with the remaining two years of study at Adelaide University and, upon successful completion of all programme requirements, be awarded the Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Business Analytics, by Adelaide University.

The Agreement also provides a framework for the two universities to develop, negotiate and approve additional credit transfer pathways during the term of the partnership. This creates the potential for transfer opportunities to be progressively extended to students from other NEU programmes in the future.

From Credit Transfer to Future Dual Degree Programs

The significance of the Agreement extends beyond the initial transfer pathway. It provides an important academic and institutional foundation for NEU and Adelaide University to explore more integrated models of educational cooperation, including the potential development of dual degree programmes in the future.

Effective implementation of the credit transfer pathway will enable the two universities to further align curricula, credit recognition arrangements and quality assurance mechanisms. These are important building blocks for more integrated academic models in which students could study at both universities and, subject to mutually agreed programme requirements, have the opportunity to earn degrees from both NEU and Adelaide University.

This direction is closely aligned with NEU’s internationalisation strategy: moving beyond conventional academic cooperation and exchange towards highly integrated international education programmes that deliver tangible and lasting value for students.

Expanding International Learning Opportunities for NEU Students

The partnership with Adelaide University reflects NEU’s continued commitment to developing articulation, credit recognition and transfer arrangements with internationally reputable higher education institutions.

Through such agreements, students can begin their academic journey at NEU, building a strong foundation and accumulating recognised credits in Vietnam before progressing to an international study environment. This approach both demonstrates the academic compatibility and value of NEU’s programmes and provides students with more flexible pathways to high-quality international education.

The exchange of the Agreement at the Vietnam–Australia TechConnect Forum represents not only a concrete step forward in the partnership between NEU and Adelaide University, but also a contribution to strengthening higher education connections between Vietnam and Australia as bilateral relations continue to deepen under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

From the first approved credit transfer pathway to the prospective expansion of additional transfer arrangements and future dual degree programmes, the partnership between National Economics University and Adelaide University is moving towards a deeper and more integrated model of educational cooperation—creating high-quality international study opportunities and expanding the global academic experience available to NEU students.

Article and Photos: International Cooperation Department, Faculty of Statistics, and Communication Department