Tran Quang Tien, an expert in gender studies, sustainable development, and socio-economic policies tied to gender equality, said that the women’s university model currently exists and thrives in many countries.

South Korea is home to the world’s largest women’s university - Ewha Womans University, with more than 20,000 students. Originally the first institution dedicated to educating women in the country, Ewha has grown into a prestigious, multidisciplinary academic center with international recognition. It has produced numerous female politicians, scholars, and business leaders who have played significant roles in Korean society.

In Japan, Ochanomizu University, founded in 1875, is considered one of the oldest women’s universities in Asia. The school has long been a pioneer in women’s education, especially in encouraging female students to pursue STEM fields, the areas traditionally lacking female representation.

In the US, prominent women’s colleges such as Wellesley, Barnard, Smith, and Bryn Mawr are often referred to as “cradles” of leadership development for women in politics, academia, business, and the arts.

What makes these schools stand out is their liberal arts education philosophy, which encourages female students to fully realize their personal potential, while positioning women as central agents of social change. Wellesley College, for example, is the alma mater of many globally influential figures, including former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

In Saudi Arabia, Princess Nourah University, with over 30,000 students, demonstrates the power of education in advancing women's empowerment. The university offers multidisciplinary programs in health sciences, technology, business, and the humanities, all aligned with national modernization strategies that promote women’s roles.

According to Tien, PhD, the common feature among these women’s universities is their ability to create a safe academic environment that fosters confidence and nurtures leadership capabilities among women. These institutions offer more than just degrees; they support women to become agents of social transformation.

These universities also provide multidisciplinary education exclusively for female students. Some institutions accept male students at the postgraduate level. Traditionally, they focused on the humanities and social sciences, but many now also offer programs in STEM, medicine, engineering, and business.

“This model has helped address inequalities in fields where women have been historically underrepresented. In many cases, women’s universities have been at the forefront of providing female students access to these fields,” he said.

Potential for Vietnam

In Vietnam, Tien acknowledged that while the country has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to gender equality, significant gender gaps still exist in STEM and policy research.

Drawing from international experience, he believes the women’s university model could offer valuable insights for Vietnam’s ongoing higher education reform.

“In the current wave of educational innovation, this is a specialized model with practical benefits: promoting gender equality, ensuring quality education, and supporting the development of science and technology,” Tien said.

He noted that these values align with Vietnam’s strategic direction, especially in fulfilling the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (specifically SDG5 on gender equality and SDG4 on quality education) and implementing Resolution 57 by the Politburo on the advancement of science and technology.

“These are ideas for consideration and discussion. But if approached with an open mind, the global women’s university model could enrich the options for developing higher education in Vietnam today,” said Tien.

According to Giao Duc Viet Nam, Vietnam has 264 higher education institutions, including 2 national universities, 3 regional universities, 4 other universities, and 255 universities and academies. Among them, 171 are under the management of ministries and central agencies, 26 are managed by provincial and municipal people’s committees, and 77 are private institutions (including 2 non-profit private universities, 1 people founded university transitioning to private, and 5 foreign-invested universities). Compared to 2019, the number of higher education institutions has increased by 4, including 1 newly established private university.

Enrollment and training capacity have significantly increased since 2019, following a decline in 2014. In 2024, the total number of undergraduate students reached 2.3 million, a 37 percent increase from 2019, equivalent to 230 students per 10,000 people. The share of private higher education institutions also rose from 18.8 percent to over 22 percent. This reflects a positive shift in the quality of training across the higher education system, including the private sector, which has strengthened public trust and better responded to the needs of learners and society.

Thuy Nga