Over the years, corporate investment in private higher education has grown significantly in scale. Notable examples include Vingroup with VinUni, FPT with FPT University, Phenikaa Group with Phenikaa University, Becamex IDC with Eastern International University, and Nguyễn Hoàng Group with Hoa Sen, Hồng Bàng, and Gia Định universities.
Intracom University
Recently, Chu Văn An University was renamed Intracom University following a decision by the Prime Minister. Established in 2006 as a private university, it underwent significant changes in 2021 when Ecopark Group invested in the institution, launching a new campus under the EcoUni brand. In July 2025, Intracom Group became the sole investor after acquiring Ecopark’s stake.
Intracom Group is currently chaired by Mr. Nguyễn Thanh Việt.
FPT University
Founded by FPT Corporation, chaired by Mr. Trương Gia Bình, FPT University began operations in 2006 as one of the first private universities in Vietnam to adopt a “university-business” model. FPT maintains full control over its management, with Prof. Lê Trường Tùng serving as the Chairman of the University Council.
In 2023, FPT’s Education & Investment segment, led by FPT University, generated revenue of 15.806 trillion VND, a significant increase from 10.398 trillion VND in 2019. In 2024, revenue surpassed 4.3 trillion VND, with the university ranking in the QS top 101-200 for education quality. New programs in AI and cybersecurity, along with strong industry partnerships, have driven steady growth.
VinUni University
VinUni is Vietnam’s largest non-profit private university project, fully funded and controlled by Vingroup without external shareholders. Approved in 2019 and enrolling its first cohort in 2020, VinUni was built as a “greenfield” project, aiming to become a world-class institution. Mrs. Lê Mai Lan, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup, serves as the Chairwoman of the University Council.
Vingroup initially invested 6.5 trillion VND (3.5 trillion for infrastructure and 3 trillion for scholarships and operational subsidies). Chairman Phạm Nhật Vượng later committed an additional 9.3 trillion VND, bringing the total investment to approximately 15.8 trillion VND. As a non-profit, VinUni does not report profits, but the education segment (Vinschool + VinUni) generated nearly 6 trillion VND in revenue in 2024, a sixfold increase since 2017.
Phenikaa University
Originally established as Thành Tây University in 2007, Phenikaa University was acquired by Phenikaa Group in 2017, rebranded in 2018, and relaunched in 2019 as a non-profit private university. Founded by Prof. Hồ Xuân Năng, the university commits to reinvesting all revenue into education and research.
Prof. Hồ Xuân Năng, also Chairman of Vicostone and known as Vietnam’s “richest professor,” chairs the University Council. Phenikaa Group invested 1.6 trillion VND in the first phase (2018–2020) for campus development, laboratories, and infrastructure, and established a 1 trillion VND Innovation Fund, totaling over 2.6 trillion VND in commitments.
At the group level, the education segment grew to 665 billion VND in revenue in 2024, a 77% increase from 2023. Student enrollment at Phenikaa rose 44% to approximately 26,000, with projections reaching 34,000 in 2025.
Universities Invested by Nguyễn Hoàng Group
Chaired by Mr. Hoàng Quốc Việt, Nguyễn Hoàng Group (NHG) has invested in several universities:
Hoa Sen University (HSU)
Acquired by NHG in 2017–2018, HSU focuses on internationalization and specializes in business, communications, and design. It is NHG’s most stable and significant revenue source.
Hồng Bàng International University (HIU)
Rebranded by NHG in 2015, HIU is a multidisciplinary international university with strengths in health sciences, medicine, and pharmacy. It serves as a flagship academic institution within NHG’s ecosystem, generating substantial annual revenue.
Gia Định University (GDU)
Acquired in 2019, GDU was repositioned as a mass-market university with affordable tuition. Focused on large-scale enrollment and applied training, it drives significant student growth and expands NHG’s market share in higher education.
Universities Invested by Sovico Group
Chaired by Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, Sovico Group has invested in:
Thái Bình Dương University (TBD)
Founded in 2008 in Nha Trang, TBD was acquired by Sovico, leveraging strategic partnerships with Vietjet and HDBank to provide students with internships, industry semesters, and job opportunities. This aligns with Sovico’s aviation and service ecosystem.
Hòa Bình University
Acquired in 2015, Hòa Bình University in Hanoi was transformed into an applied university with strong industry ties, reflecting Sovico’s focus on practical education.
Other private universities include Văn Lang, CMC, Duy Tân, and Hutech, among others.
Sovico Group’s education investments extend to various companies, alongside contributions from Duy Tân, Nova, Capella Holdings, and others.
