With a vision to become an internationally accredited university of applied sciences, Hoa Sen University consistently emphasizes both internal and external quality assurance. The AUN-QA Program Assessment this time will further contribute to the improvement and enhancement of the University’s academic programs and overall activities.

Dr. Phan Thi Viet Nam �?Vice President of Hoa Sen University along with the AUN-QA Delegation

At the opening ceremony on June 11, 2024, Dr. Phan Th�?Việt Nam, Vice President of the University, stated: �?em>Hoa Sen University is committed to improving the quality of education and providing society with individuals fully equipped with intellectual and moral standards, abundant life experiences, well-defined occupational orientations, and committed ambitions. With our programs being assessed by AUN-QA this time, prospective students and other stakeholders will have more compelling evidence to place their complete trust in Hoa Sen University. We look forward to the constructive recommendations from the experienced AUN-QA assessors to further enhance the quality of our academic programs.�?/em>

Dr. Phan Thi Viet Nam speaking at the Opening Ceremony

Dr. Phan Thi Viet Nam and the Chief Assessor, Prof. Dr. Myrna S. Austria

The 391st AUN-QA Program Assessment at Hoa Sen University included eight assessors who are quality assurance experts from renowned universities in Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, Thailand, and Indonesia. Over three days, the Assessor Team worked closely with the programs’ management team including heads and deputy heads of faculties, program directors, and the SAR teams. They also engaged with stakeholders such as lecturers, support staff, students, alumni, and employers. The assessors also went on a tour around the campuses to explore its facilities and student support services.

Photos of Interview sessions

Facility visits at the University’s campuses

After a thorough assessment, the Assessor Team commended the University for its program structure and learning outcomes, which align with market and stakeholder needs. They highlighted the integration of experiential learning into the curriculum, the high ratings of graduates by employers, the qualifications of academic staff, and the diverse organization of academic activities such as workshops and seminars. The assessors also provided several recommendations for further improvement.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy, President of Hoa Sen University, presented commemorative gifts
to the AUN-QA Delegation

Hoa Sen University’s staff with the AUN-QA Delegation

* Previously, Hoa Sen University had eight programs successfully assessed by AUN-QA, including English Language Studies and Hotel Management in 2019; Restaurant Management, Information Technology, and Interior Design in 2021; and Travel and Tourism Management, Software Engineering, and Graphic Design in 2022. Additionally, the University has five programs accredited by ACBSP, three programs accredited by FIBAA, and the English for International Communication program endorsed by NEAS in 2022.

* AUN-QA (ASEAN University Network �?Quality Assurance) is a reputable quality assessment organization run by the ASEAN University Network that comprehensively assesses the programs of educational institutions across the region. AUN-QA includes 8 criteria, which are Expected Learning Outcomes, Programme Structure and Content, Teaching and Learning Approach, Student Assessment, Academic Staff, Student Support Services, Facilities and Infrastructure, and Output and Outcomes.

The “Quality Provider Award – New Member” is given to recently endorsed NEAS member who has demonstrated devotion and diligence to the quality of English language teaching program. The award was presented at this year’s NEAS Management Conference in Sydney, Australia, in May 2023.

Dr. Patrick Pheasant �?CEO of NEAS announced the award

This award shows NEAS’s acknowledgment and appreciation for the quality of Hoa Sen University’s English language teaching program. On top of that, NEAS also values the passion and ongoing efforts of the University striving for improvement. This award sets an important milestone for Hoa Sen University in its internationalization journey.

The “Quality Provider Award �?New Member” plaque

*Hoa Sen University achieved its first NEAS endorsement for the English for International Communication program in 2022. The University continues its endorsement in 2023 by completing the self-assessment exercise. This marks 2 years in a row that the University received international recognization for its English language teaching program.

HSU was delighted to welcome two QS Stars representatives, Mr. Samuel Ang and Mr. Jeroen Prinsen, Regional Director of Asia and Head of Asia Pacific respectively. From HSU, Dr. Phan Thi Viet Nam, Vice �?President along with the two Deputy Heads of the Office of Testing �?Quality Assurance attended the meeting.

The two parties discussed future collaborations

Mr. Ang and Mr. Prinsen have informed HSU of interesting news on the upcoming QS Stars activities, such as the Upcoming release of the QS Subject Rankings in March 2023; Updates of QS Rankings Cycle and Methodology; Trends of Vietnamese universities on QS Rankings; Re-Audit for the next cycle.

Mr. Jeroen Prinsen and Mr. Samuel Ang of QS Stars

Furthermore, the two parties addressed the topic of brand and reputation management, as well as other future collaborations. There is also a talk about senior management speaking opportunities at QS Conferences in 2023/2024.

Representatives from HSU and QS Stars took a picture on the occasion

Previously, HSU was rated 4 stars by QS Stars on its first audit time, making it the first university in Vietnam to do so. There are also two categories rated a maximum of 5 stars: employability and arts and cultures.

* QS Stars is the renowned university rating system from the United Kingdom. It uses a comprehensive and in-depth framework to rate and compare university performance across a broad range of key criteria. QS Stars is designed to provide valuable insights into areas of strength and weakness, driving best-in-class standards in higher education. In 2021, Hoa Sen University was honored to be rated 4 stars right at the first audit, with the employability and arts and cultures categories receiving the highest rating of 5 stars.

In the past year 2022, HSU has successfully assessed and accredited 7 programs by renowned organizations, which are AUN-QA (Southeast Asia), FIBAA (Switzerland), and NEAS (Australia). These come from the hard work of the whole academic team, who always strive forward to bring the best international learning experience for their students in Vietnam. Graduates of HSU are highly appreciated for their competencies as well as their ability to adapt quickly to international integration. As our programs are internationally accredited, the graduates also gain more advantages in transferring credits when studying international joint programs or postgraduate programs abroad. The quality assessment and accreditation achievements that HSU has attained in 2022 include

• 03 programs successfully assessed by AUN-QA (Southeast Asia), which are Software Engineering, Travel and Tourism Management, and Graphic Design.
• 03 programs accredited by FIBAA (Switzerland), which are English Language Studies, International Business, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
• English for International Communication program endorsed by NEAS (Australia). HSU is the first and only university in Vietnam to achieve this endorsement of NEAS for the general English program at the present time.

Thanks to the achievements of 2022, HSU has increased the total number of internationally accredited programs to 17 programs including

• 05 programs accredited by ACBSP (United States)
• 08 programs recognized by AUN-QA (Southeast Asia)
• 03 programs accredited by FIBAA (Switzerland)
• 01 program endorsed by NEAS (Australia)

On top of program accreditations, HSU has also proven its quality in education at institutional level through

• Accredited according to the standards of the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam.
• Rated 4 stars out of 5 by QS Stars (United Kingdom), in which the employability and arts and culture categories rated 5 stars.

HSU’s achievements in quality assessment and accreditation are the results of experiential learning programs as well as the continuous improvement process of the whole academic team. HSU has indeed set the name and prestige on its higher education quality not only in Vietnam but also in global education.

Hoa Sen University was honored to welcome the 290th AUN-QA Assessor Team via the online platform. The assessment activities include interview sessions with faculty managers and self-assessment teams; interviews with stakeholders, including lecturers, staff, students, alumni, and employers; and online campus tours of the University and programs’ facilities.

The Board of Presidents, Faculty managers, and self-assessment teams of HSU worked with AUN-QA Assessor Team at the opening session

Stakeholders’ interview sessions with AUN-QA Assessor Team

At the end of 5 diligent working days, the assessor team gave many compliments to the academic activities of the University and programs such as the up-to-date and rational programs; experienced and enthusiastic lecturers; active, diverse, student-centered teaching methods; assessment methods are diverse and align with the learning outcomes. The AUN-QA team also highly appreciated the University’s activities in organizing extracurricular activities and student contests; periodical and effective stakeholder surveys; and modern facilities with full amenities.

The lecturers were listening to the comments of the AUN-QA Assessor Team at the closing session

The AUN-QA Assessor Team, lecturers, and staff of Hoa Sen University

The AUN-QA Assessor Team also made some suggestions for the University and programs’ development such as enhancing students’ research activities; building a connection platform with stakeholders; and strengthening international student exchange activities after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Board of Presidents at the closing session

Speaking at the closing session on August 26, 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy – President of Hoa Sen University said: “AUN-QA assessment is a new milestone on the quality assurance journey of the University. The comments and recommendations are useful for HSU, faculties, and programs to be fully aware of the strengths and weaknesses to develop action plans for continuous quality improvement. We look forward to the long-term partnership with AUN-QA in the University’s journey to achieve a better quality of our study programs.”

The Board of Presidents, lecturers, and staff of the University attended the closing session

Previously, Hoa Sen University had 5 programs successfully assessed by AUN-QA including English Language Studies, Hotel Management in 2019, and Restaurant Management, Information Technology, and Interior Design in 2021. In addition, the University had 5 programs accredited by ACBSP, namely Marketing, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Accounting, and Finance – Banking. In 2022, the English for International Communication program was endorsed by NEAS for its quality.

*AUN-QA (ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance) is a reputable quality assessment organization run by the network of Southeast Asian Universities (ASEAN University Network) to comprehensively assess the programs of educational institutions across the region. AUN-QA standards include 11 criteria including expected learning outcomes; program specification; program structure and content; teaching and learning strategy; student assessment; academic staff quality; support staff quality; student quality and support activities; facilities and infrastructure; quality enhancement; and output.

After the self-assessment process, Hoa Sen University was honored to welcome a delegation of FIBAA experts to the online accreditation of 3 bachelor programs, including English Language Studies, International Business, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

*FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) is a non-governmental organization for educational quality assurance with its headquarters located in Bonn, Germany. FIBAA promotes quality and transparency in education by accrediting higher education institutions and study programs based on international standards.

Hoa Sen University’s Board of Presidents, faculty managers, program directors, and staff of the Office of Testing – Quality Assurance at the opening ceremony

Speaking at the opening session on August 8, 2022, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy, President of the University, said: “Hoa Sen University determines its responsibility is to improve the quality of education and provide society with individuals who are fully equipped with knowledge and ethics, abundant life experience, ambition, and a clear orientation. The accreditation of 3 programs by FIBAA this time will contribute to demonstrating the quality of world-class education.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy at the opening session

The expert panel from FIBAA conducted an online assessment on August 8 – 10, 2022.  The experts exchanged and listened to information about the academic activities of the university from program directors, lecturers, staff, and especially students and alumni.

Online assessment with FIBAA expert panel

After 3 working days, the FIBAA expert panel praised the university for its dynamic students and alumni who have good English abilities and passion for their professions. The experts’ comments and recommendations will help to raise the academic quality of Hoa Sen University in general and the quality of the programs in particular.

HSU lecturers and staff at the online interview sessions

In addition to the 3 programs currently undergoing FIBAA accreditation, Hoa Sen University will have 3 more bachelor programs assessed by AUN-QA in August 2022, including Travel and Tourism Management, Software Engineering, and Graphic Design.

The ceremony was attended by Dr. Patrick Pheasant, CEO of NEAS, along with HSU’s Board of Presidents, lecturers, students, and representatives from various high schools in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dr. Patrick Pheasant handed the endorsement certificate to HSU’s President

The English for International Communication program has a total of 6 levels, where students learn and practice all 4 skills of English: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The program’s objective is to offer students a solid foundation of English knowledge and skills that will allow them to learn specialized courses and communicate confidently in both domestic and international contexts. This program is compulsory for all students at HSU.

NEAS is the leading independent organization for assessing the quality of English language teaching all over the world, with more than 200 members in Australia, the Asia-Pacific Region, and the Middle East.

Dr. Phan Thi Viet Nam �?Vice President of HSU speaking at the ceremony

Dr. Phan Thi Viet Nam �?Vice President of HSU said: �?em>HSU determines its responsibility in enhancing the quality of education, bringing to society individuals who are fully equipped with wisdom and morality, rich life experience, clear career orientation, and great ambitions. For that reason, our students are trained to be creative, think outside the box, be original, overcome any barriers without fear, respect others, be open to different opinions, embrace differences, and above all, be global citizens with excellent English skills. As a pioneer university to receive the “powerful” NEAS tick for all levels of general English, HSU is confident in meeting world-leading standards, ensuring students have continued access to the best lecturers, the best facilities, and the best programs�?

Dr. Patrick Pheasant �?CEO of NEAS speaking at the event

Previously on April 22, 2022, HSU welcomed the NEAS assessor online for the quality endorsement meetings. The meeting itinerary includes interview sessions with the Board of Presidents, lecturers, students, and relevant divisions to discuss teaching and learning activities, learning environment, management, student support services, enrollment activities, etc. After all assessment processes, HSU was officially awarded the NEAS Quality Endorsement for the English for International Communication program.

Overview of the NEAS certification ceremony at HSU

Dr. Patrick Pheasant, CEO of NEAS, said: “HSU is the first university in Vietnam to achieve NEAS Endorsement for the general English program. NEAS has been providing quality endorsement for English language teaching programs in Australia for over 30 years and overseas for over 10 years. Our dedication to quality assurance in English teaching is one of the most important things that we focus on and aim for. We are very pleased to see the excellent facilities, lecturers, and human resources of HSU. I would like to thank HSU for their hospitality and look forward to long-term cooperation with them in the future.�?/em>

HSU’s Board of Presidents with Dr. Patrick Pheasant

Along with the specialized knowledge and skills, HSU students with English competence and intercultural communication understanding will have an advantage in getting internships and work opportunities in leading organizations and businesses. The fact that HSU is the first university in Vietnam to achieve this endorsement has proven its quality and affirmed its position as a world-class university for students in Vietnam and the region.

HSU’s Board of Presidents, lecturers, students, and high school representatives took photos with Dr. Patrick Pheasant.

Besides NEAS Endorsement, HSU also has 3 programs currently being assessed by AUN-QA (ASEAN University Network �?Quality Assurance), including Software Engineering, Graphic Design, Travel and Tourism Management, and 3 programs being accredited by FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation), namely English Language Studies, International Business, and Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Previously in 2021, HSU was recognized for meeting the accreditation standards of Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training at the institutional level, being successfully assessed and recognized for 5 programs by AUN-QA; and being the first university in Vietnam to be accredited by ACBSP for 5 programs. HSU was also honored to be rated 4 stars out of 5 by QS Stars right at the first audit time, in which 2 criteria received 5 stars (Employability and Arts and Culture).

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