On 12 September, the VNUHCM-University of Science (HCMUS) officially inaugurated the 2025–2026 academic year with a ceremonial opening, welcoming more than 4,500 new undergraduates from 34 provinces and cities across Viet Nam.

The new cohort stands out not only in size but also in quality, featuring students who have excelled in national and international competitions, alongside outstanding academic performance at secondary school. Their presence is regarded as a testament to the University’s reputation as a trusted institution for cultivating scientific and technological talent. This academic year also marks the enrolment of the first students in three new degree programmes: Educational Technology, Land Economics, and Statistics. The introduction of these fields reflects HCMUS’s commitment to interdisciplinary growth and its role as a pioneer in bridging fundamental sciences with applied domains to meet the evolving needs of society.

In his Opening Ceremony address, Associate Professor Trần  Lê Quan – President of the University – further explained that these students carry the responsibility of nurturing their talents and intellect to flourish, ultimately contributing meaningfully to the nation. He also conveyed a personal message to the 2025 cohort: “University is a journey of autonomy and personal responsibility. No one can read a page of a book or solve a challenging problem for you, but the University and your lecturers will always support you, providing proper guidance, sustained motivation, and a nurturing environment for your growth.”

During the ceremony, the University honoured three top-ranking entrants, two second-ranking entrants, and 18 students with outstanding admission achievements.

The University also celebrated distinguished new students who had brought international recognition to Viet Nam.

To accompany the students, the University has allocated 22 billion VND in scholarships for outstanding new entrants. Several full scholarships, worth up to 320 million VND each (equivalent to four years of tuition), were awarded. Beyond financial assistance, these scholarships are intended to inspire and encourage students in their pursuit of knowledge. The University continues to enjoy strong support from its alumni and industry partners, helping to expand scholarship resources and student development programmes.

The 2024–2025 academic year concluded with notable accomplishments: more than 1,450 research publications in international journals, prestigious awards for faculty and students, and significant upgrades to infrastructure and learning support. Looking ahead, HCMUS remains committed to its student-centred philosophy, advancing scientific research aligned with national needs, strengthening international cooperation, and providing its faculty with professional development opportunities. The University regards these priorities as the foundation for maintaining its pioneering role within Viet Nam’s higher education landscape and for contributing to the country’s future.