On the morning of October 14th, 2025, at the Military Zone 7 Arena, Ho Chi Minh City Open University solemnly held the Opening Ceremony and the Welcome Ceremony for New Generation of Students of the academic year 2025 – 2026, marking the exciting academic journey of more than 5,600 freshmen and nearly 100 international students from countries: Laos, Cambodia, the Philippines, Myanmar, France, Mongolia, and China,…
On behalf of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, the event was attended by: Dr. Do Sa Ky – Secretary of the Party Committee, Chair of the University Council; Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of the University; Dr. Senior Lecturer Le Xuan Truong – Vice President; along with representatives of consulates; military units; local agencies and departments; universities and colleges; partner enterprises supporting the University and contributing to the Student Support Fund; representatives of the Alumni Club; leaders of Faculties; and alumni from many cohorts. Especially from the full presence of the 2025 freshmen especially contributed to the respectful, warm, and proud atmosphere of the Ceremony.
Building a solid foundation to become global citizens
Delivering the opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Ha – President of the University, conveyed a meaningful message on the occasion of the University’s 35th anniversary, affirming the University’s OPEN training orientation linked to societal needs: “With a multi-disciplinary and multi-level training system, in the academic year 2025 – 2026, Ho Chi Minh City Open University offers 51 undergraduate programs, 12 master’s programs, and 8 doctoral programs across three fields: economics, engineering, and social sciences and humanities. The current enrollment scale includes more than 40,000 undergraduate students, 1,187 master’s students, and 154 doctoral candidates. The employment rate within 12 months after graduation is above 95%, with nearly 83% working in positions aligned with their academic major.”
From these remarkable achievements, the President expressed his belief and congratulations to the 2025 freshmen – a generation of talented, dynamic, and creative Gen Z students: “This marks the beginning of a new journey with many challenges but also many opportunities for you to explore yourselves, strengthen your thinking, expand your knowledge, and shape your values. In the context of rapid technological advancement and digital transformation, nurture a spirit of lifelong learning. Consider knowledge as your foundation and technology as the tool to shape your future and become global citizens – confident, creative, and pioneering in this new era. Always uphold responsibility, discipline, and compassion. These are the core values that Ho Chi Minh City Open University always cherishes.”
Representing the 2025 cohort, freshman Nguyen Vo Anh Thu – Faculty of Law, shared: “The upcoming journey will surely bring many challenges, but we believe that with the knowledge we have gained, the dedicated support of our lecturers, and the enthusiasm of youth, we will move forward confidently, continuing to study, train, and contribute to be worthy of the trust and the proud traditions of Ho Chi Minh City Open University.”
Commending outstanding students
The 2025 cohort is an impressive generation coming from more than 1,000 high schools across 50 provinces and cities nationwide (by formerly statistics) . Notably, nearly 50% of freshmen achieved good academic performance, and 190 students already held IELTS certificates of 6.0 or higher at entry.
This year, the University welcomed many talented top scorers: First-ranked student (by National High School Exam score):
The University also awarded numerous scholarships: 279 Merit Scholarships (100%, 70%, and 50% tuition support for Semester 1); 47 Local Partnership Scholarships; 68 Enhanced Support Scholarships; 60 Japanese-Language Competency Scholarships; 19 English-Language Competency Scholarships.
These scholarships are not only a recognition of students’ continuous efforts but also a meaningful source of encouragement that nurtures the spirit of learning, passion for academia, and the desire to contribute to society.
The University also honored students with outstanding achievements not only in academics but also in research, volunteerism, and community service. The University always values holistic development, encouraging students to cultivate knowledge, skills, and social responsibility toward becoming high -quality human resources for the modern era.
At the Opening Ceremony of the academic year 2025–2026, the University expressed gratitude to nearly 30 individuals and enterprises for their contributions to the Student Scholarship Fund with a total value of nearly 1.5 billion VND.
Connecting generations of students through cultural and artistic activities
This year’s stage came alive with vibrant colors as all 12 faculties joined together in creative and emotional performances. Each melody and movement brought youthful energy that spread throughout the arena.
The performances not only provided impressive entertainment but also reflected the unique spirit and identity of each faculty, showcasing passion, talent, and unity, and creating a memorable and meaningful opening ceremony.
With strong belief in a bright future shaped by knowledge, dedication, and collective aspiration – along with the support of society – Ho Chi Minh City Open University trusts that the new academic year will be a journey of innovation, success, and positive contributions.
