In the context where green transition, sustainable development, and innovation are becoming significant drivers of global growth, the demand for human resources with interdisciplinary thinking and the capacity to lead transformation processes is increasing. In response to this trend, the National Economics University (NEU) and the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz (UASK), Federal Republic of Germany, have collaborated to implement the International Articulation Program Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Transformation Management. This program opens opportunities for NEU students to study under the 2+2 model in Germany, while accessing an interdisciplinary field of study that is increasingly attracting the attention of universities, businesses, and international organizations.

On June 29, 2026, the National Economics University and the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz completed the signing of the Cooperation Agreement regarding the Articulation Programme “Sustainable Transformation Management – Bachelor of Arts.”

The National Economics University and the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz collaborate to implement the International Articulation Program Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Transformation Management

The agreement introduces a new international articulation program for NEU students, reflecting the University’s direction in developing interdisciplinary academic programs, expanding collaboration with prestigious academic partners worldwide, and training human resources to meet the demands of the green economy and sustainable development.

Training Human Resources for the Green Economy

Green transition, sustainable development, digital transformation, and innovation are profoundly changing the development strategies of nations, businesses, and organizations globally. This sets new requirements for higher education in training human resources with interdisciplinary thinking, innovative capacity, and the ability to solve complex issues of the modern economy and society.

As one of Vietnam’s leading universities in economics, management, and business administration, the National Economics University is gradually expanding its academic programs towards an interdisciplinary approach, meeting the demands of the digital economy, green transition, and sustainable development. Among these, the Bachelor of Environmental Technology and Sustainability program is designed to train human resources with a foundation in technology, economics, and management to address environmental and sustainable development challenges from an interdisciplinary perspective.

The collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz is a further step in this direction, creating conditions for students to access Germany’s advanced educational model while expanding study and academic exchange opportunities in an international environment.

On the partner side, the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz is a public university of applied sciences in Germany, renowned for its educational model that closely integrates academic learning with practical experience. The university places a strong emphasis on education for sustainable development, encouraging interdisciplinary thinking and developing innovative solutions to address economic, social, technological, and environmental challenges. The alignment in development orientation and educational philosophy forms the foundation for the collaboration between the two universities to implement this program.

2+2 International Education Model

According to the agreement, students will complete the first two years at the National Economics University under the Bachelor’s Program in Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, before transferring to the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz to pursue the final two years of the Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Transformation Management.

The courses completed at the National Economics University will be recognized by UASK based on a credit transfer framework jointly developed by the two universities. Both parties will also collaborate in program management, curriculum review, and ensuring academic quality to facilitate a smooth transition for students.

A highlight of the program is its interdisciplinary approach, combining knowledge in economics, management, social sciences, and technology management to train human resources capable of managing transformation processes towards sustainable development.

In addition to focusing on environmental issues, the program equips learners with knowledge and skills in areas such as sustainable development management and ESG, environmental management, climate protection, digital transformation, technology management, innovation, circular economy, social entrepreneurship, and international collaboration. These are fields that many businesses, international organizations, and regulatory agencies prioritize to realize sustainable development goals and build a green economy.

Study in Germany, Develop Global Competence

Through the transfer program, National Economics University students will have the opportunity to study in Germany’s applied higher education environment, gaining access to practice-oriented teaching methods and experiencing an international academic setting with students from various countries.

Upon fulfilling all academic requirements of the program, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Transformation Management by the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz, in accordance with the university’s regulations.

Campus at the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz (Germany)

One of the program’s significant advantages is that students studying at UASK are exempt from tuition fees as per the program’s regulations and only pay student service fees according to the university’s current policies. This facilitates access to Germany’s high-quality higher education at a reasonable cost.

Beyond specialized knowledge, the program helps students develop language proficiency, interdisciplinary thinking, skills for working in multicultural environments, and adaptability to the global professional context. These competencies are increasingly valued by businesses, international organizations, and regulatory agencies in promoting green transformation, innovation, and sustainable development.

With the foundational knowledge and skills acquired, graduates can advance their careers in businesses, government agencies, international organizations, development organizations, or projects in fields such as sustainable development, ESG, environmental management, green transition, technology management, and innovation.

Towards Long-Term Academic Collaboration

The collaboration in implementing the International Transfer Program for the Bachelor of Sustainable Transformation Management not only expands international learning opportunities for students but also lays the groundwork for the National Economics University and the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz to further develop their partnership in education, research, and academic exchange.

Based on the current program, the two universities are continuing discussions to develop a Dual Degree Programme model in the future. Under this direction, students who meet all the academic requirements of both universities will have the opportunity to be awarded degrees from each institution according to current regulations.

According to the direction being developed by both parties, NEU students may simultaneously receive a Bachelor of Arts in Sustainable Transformation Management from UASK and a Bachelor of Environmental Technology and Sustainability from the National Economics University if they meet all graduation requirements of each university. Meanwhile, UASK students will also have the opportunity to study part of the program at NEU under a credit recognition and transfer mechanism. These contents are currently under discussion and development between the two parties.

Beyond education, the two universities also aim to expand collaboration in academic research, faculty and student exchanges, and develop joint academic initiatives in the fields of sustainable development, management, and innovation.

A Step Forward in NEU’s Internationalization Strategy

The collaboration in implementing the International Transfer Program for the Bachelor of Sustainable Transformation Management continues to expand NEU’s network of international academic partners, while reflecting the University’s direction in developing high-quality academic programs, enhancing the internationalization of the curriculum, and providing students with numerous opportunities for learning and research in a global environment.

More importantly, the program reflects the University’s orientation in aligning education with global development trends, particularly green transition, sustainable development, and innovation. Through collaboration with prestigious international partners, NEU continues to expand the learning, research, and academic exchange space, while enhancing the quality of education to international standards.

The collaboration between the National Economics University and the University of Applied Sciences Koblenz also contributes to strengthening higher education connections between Vietnam and Germany, creating a foundation for the two universities to continue developing in-depth collaborative programs in the future.

Not only does it provide NEU students with an international learning pathway, but the International Transfer Program for the Bachelor of Sustainable Transformation Management also contributes to training a generation of workforce with global thinking, interdisciplinary capabilities, and the ability to lead transformation processes towards a green economy, innovation, and sustainable development. These are also the core competencies that countries, businesses, and organizations worldwide are seeking to address future development challenges.

Article and Photos: International Collaboration Department & Communications Department