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Academic Links with Vietnam
The development of international scientific and educational cooperation, the promotion of Polish higher education, and the building of relationships with Vietnamese universities and institutions were the main objectives of the visit to Vietnam by dr habil. Magdalena Barwiołek, NCU Prof. and Vice-Rector for International Relations. The meetings took place as part of efforts to promote the internationalisation of Polish universities, carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for Academic Exchange.
One of the highlights of the programme was participation in the international education fair 'Study in Europe', held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The events were attended by 70 universities and educational institutions from 17 European Union countries. The fairs provided an opportunity to showcase the educational programmes offered by Polish universities, establish contacts with prospective students and discuss opportunities for developing academic cooperation.
Another key element of the visit was participation in the International Conference on Education Cooperation in the Digital Era, organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training. The conference focused on digital transformation in higher education: the challenges, opportunities and its impact on the development of the international scientific and educational community.
Academic and diplomatic dialogue
Meetings at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Hanoi, attended by Joanna Skoczek, Chargé d'affaires ad interim, also formed a significant part of the programme; during these meetings, Vice-Rector Magdalena Barwiołek spoke on behalf of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland (KRASP). The representatives of Vietnamese universities, the business community, graduates of Polish higher education institutions and Poles living in Vietnam also took part in the discussions.
The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the prospects for the further development of Polish-Vietnamese academic relations, which have been flourishing to date. Over the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, education has played an important role in building mutual ties. By the end of the 1980s, over 4,000 Vietnamese citizens had graduated from Polish universities thanks to scholarships awarded by the Polish government. Many of them remain ambassadors for Polish science, culture and education to this day. In this context, it is particularly important to recognise Vietnam as one of Poland's strategic priorities for academic cooperation and to develop the 'Strategic Four' programme currently being prepared by the National Agency for Academic Exchange.
Research, education and business
The packed programme of meetings also included a discussion with Piotr Hrasimowicz, head of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) office in Vietnam. Topics discussed included ways of combining the potential of the academic community with the needs of the economy, and the development of cooperation between universities and the business sector.
Prof. Magdalena Barwiołek also visited Vietnamese higher education institutions, including the East Asia University of Technology, to learn about their activities and explore opportunities for joint educational and research initiatives.
The visit culminated in bilateral (B2B) meetings organised as part of the Edu & Science Meetings Vietnam 2026 at RMIT University. The discussions focused on specific opportunities for cooperation between Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń and Vietnamese universities, opening up prospects for future joint ventures.
New opportunities for the internationalisation of NCU
Vice-Rector Magdalena Barwiołek's participation in events and meetings in Vietnam was a key part of activities carried out by Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń to strengthen the university's international profile, develop a network of academic partnerships and explore new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of education and research.
The meetings with representatives from the academic community, public institutions and the business sector confirmed the great potential for the development of Polish-Vietnamese relations. The contacts established are expected to lead, in the future, to joint research projects, student and staff exchanges, and new educational initiatives. The visit also demonstrated that direct contacts, mutual trust and the long-term development of relationships between universities remain the foundation of successful internationalisation.
