From March 19 to March 21, 2025, Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) hosted external assessment activities for its study programs according to AQAS standards. These programs include those from the School of Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences: Biotechnology, Advanced Program in Food Engineering, Advanced Program in Pharmaceutical Engineering, and the Nuclear Engineering program from the School of Engineering Physics.
AQAS (Agency for Quality Assurance through Accreditation of Study Programs) is an accreditation body and a member of the European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ENQA).
The AQAS accreditation standards are referenced against the European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area (ESG) and comprise 7 criteria: (1) Quality of the curriculum; (2) Quality assurance processes; (3) Learning, teaching, and student assessment; (4) Student admission, progression, recognition, and graduation; (5) Teaching staff; (6) Learning resources and student support; (7) Public information.
Continuous Improvement is Key to Enhancing Study Program Quality
Warmly welcoming the AQAS delegation for the third time to Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Assoc. Prof. Tran Ngoc Khiem – Vice President of Hanoi University of Science and Technology – committed that the University would actively support the assessment team to ensure a smooth and successful accreditation process.
Assoc. Prof. Tran Ngoc Khiem affirmed that Hanoi University of Science and Technology consistently promotes quality accreditation activities, meeting the demand for high-quality human resource training.
“Understanding that the principle of quality assurance is continuous and ongoing improvement, enhancing the quality of study programs has always been a key focus for Hanoi University of Science and Technology when developing its phased development plans. In the Hanoi University of Science and Technology Development Strategy 2025, improving the quality of study programs according to international standards is one of the seven key tasks,” said Assoc. Prof. Tran Ngoc Khiem, calling accreditation and improvement efforts “the key to enhancing study program quality” and affirming that accelerating the AQAS accreditation process is a top priority to achieve this task.
For Hanoi University of Science and Technology, AQAS program accreditation is not merely about receiving a certificate; more importantly, it is an opportunity to improve quality through expert recommendations, helping HUST enhance and elevate the quality of its study programs to meet international standards, accelerating the process of internationalization and integration into global education.
Mr. Ronny Heintze – Deputy Director for International Development at AQAS and head of the delegation – expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and enthusiastic support that Hanoi University of Science and Technology extended to the assessment team.
Through the two external assessment programs that took place in February 2025, AQAS and Hanoi University of Science and Technology have gained significant experience in coordinating to conduct working sessions smoothly and effectively.
In the exchange session with representatives from the University’s Board of Directors and heads/deputies of functional units, experts from Germany and Vietnam—including professors, scientists, business representatives, and students—explored information regarding University governance, such as: the University’s vision and development strategy; the roadmap to achieve its goal of becoming one of the top 100 universities in Asia for science and technology; and policies to support learners, among others.
In the subsequent working sessions, the assessment team focused on reviewing the content of the study programs; inspecting the physical infrastructure system; and conducting interviews with relevant stakeholders including: the University Leadership and relevant departments, the Board of Directors of the School of Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, the School of Engineering Physics, and representatives of faculty, students, alumni, and employers of the four study programs.
Concluding the working program, in the summary session, the AQAS expert delegation assessed: Hanoi University of Science and Technology has a high-quality faculty, a well-structured curriculum, rich learning materials, and facilities that meet the needs of learners. In addition, the experts praised the capabilities of HUST students, noting that the majority of students from the four accredited programs possess good personal skills and are capable of adapting to the labor market immediately after graduation.
According to Mr. Ronny Heintze, the collected information will serve as a basis for preparing an accurate and objective assessment report, as well as proposing recommendations for improving and enhancing the quality of education at Hanoi University of Science and Technology.
Quality is the Factor that Creates Hanoi University of Science and Technology’s Brand
In an exchange with the AQAS assessment team, Assoc. Prof. Tran Ngoc Khiem emphasized the task of “innovating study programs according to international standards, enhancing the effectiveness of education management, and perfecting the internal quality assurance system” – one of Hanoi University of Science and Technology’s seven key tasks for 2025. This reflects the University’s development motto: “The University as the foundation – The teacher as the subject and driving force for development – The learner as the center.”
More than just a short-term task for 2025, improving the quality of study programs is a long-term development goal, playing a crucial role in Hanoi University of Science and Technology’s journey to grow and become a leading multidisciplinary university in Asia for engineering and technology, with a global reputation for talent and entrepreneurship.
Assoc. Prof. Tran Ngoc Khiem affirmed: Quality is the factor that creates Hanoi University of Science and Technology’s brand!
In November 2023, the Council of Hanoi University of Science and Technology issued its Quality Policy, demonstrating the University’s commitment and determination in quality assurance efforts.
The main content of the Quality Policy revolves around providing high-quality study programs according to international standards, equipping students with up-to-date knowledge and skills, building a dynamic learning environment, promoting scientific research, and managing intellectual property; aiming for sustainable development, contributing to the nation’s development, and green transformation; maintaining a quality management system according to ISO 21001:2018, and continuously improving operations to meet demands and adapt to global scientific and technological advancements.
Implementing the Quality Policy, and simultaneously ensuring continuous and regular improvement activities, in the first quarter of 2025, the University organized three external assessment programs according to AQAS standards for 10 study programs. According to the plan, in April 2025, Hanoi University of Science and Technology will continue to organize external assessments for study programs according to AUN-QA standards.
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