University of Economics Provides Unmatched Support for Full-time Doctoral Candidates

Innovating Education: UEH's Doctoral Research Program Attracts Global Talent

The University of Economics, guided by its motto "Continuous innovation to pioneer," is committed to forging a distinct identity within Vietnam's educational landscape while extending its reach on the global stage. With ambitious goals set to rank in the Top 250 universities in Asia by 2025-2030 and further advancing to the Top 150 by 2030-2045, UEH is focused on enhancing its institutional capabilities, cultivating a highly skilled workforce, and drawing in talented young scholars. The Full-time Doctoral Research Program at UEH offers an excellent opportunity for those pursuing academia and global research. It allows candidates to focus on research, enhance their dissertations, publish work, and build academic networks through conferences and international collaborations. With a modern academic environment and experienced faculty, the program helps develop both research and teaching skills.

UEH supports doctoral candidates with a 100% tuition fee waiver, monthly income, accommodation, health insurance, and research funding. In addition to research, PhD students can teach and engage in applied research, gaining valuable leadership and career experience. Graduates may become full-time lecturers or researchers at UEH, contributing to the university’s growth in modern academia. The Full-time Doctoral Research Program at UEH is open to both Vietnamese and international students, with foreign nationals signing a Scholarship Funding Agreement. The program recruits 7-8 students annually, and the doctoral contract lasts between 36 to 48 months.

Eligible applicants must meet several requirements to be considered for the program:

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree and secure admission to UEH’s doctoral training program with a research proposal scored at least 16/20.
• They should have a minimum of three years remaining within the standard training duration.
• Applicants must commit to working full-time at UEH.
• They must meet the English proficiency standards.
• They must fulfil the scientific research capacity standards.
• Priority will be given to candidates who have a Professor or Associate Professor from UEH writing a letter of recommendation and agreeing to provide instruction if admitted.

This program is not open to PhD students from Laos, Cambodia, or those enrolled under intergovernmental agreements.

Applicants for the PhD program at UEH must meet the following criteria:

• Applicants must hold a master's degree and be admitted to the PhD program with a research proposal evaluation score of at least 16/20.
• Applicants must be under 40 years old at the time of application.
• They should have at least three years remaining in the standard training duration.
• Commit to full-time work at UEH, meaning they cannot be employed elsewhere or must complete their resignation process before being officially recruited.

For English proficiency, applicants must:

• Applicants must hold a degree from a foreign university where English was the language of instruction, or
• Provide an English proficiency certificate with a TOEFL iBT score of 65 or higher, or an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 or higher, issued within two years of the application deadline.
• Applicants must be the first author of at least one peer-reviewed scientific paper relevant to their PhD field.
• The paper must be published in an internationally recognized journal within 36 months before the application date.
• Preference is given to applicants with publications in ISI or Scopus-indexed journals.
• Priority is given to candidates with a recommendation letter from a UEH professor or associate professor agreeing to supervise them upon admission.

Full-time doctoral students at UEH, both Vietnamese and international, sign a contract that outlines their responsibilities. They are expected to commit to full-time work, fulfill academic and professional obligations, and meet international publication requirements. Students must adhere to UEH's regulations, policies, and code of conduct, as well as fulfill any reimbursement obligations outlined in their contract.

They are required to work 40 hours per week, focusing on academic tasks, research, teaching, and other academic activities. This includes conducting research on-site during office hours, completing the PhD program on schedule, and tracking annual progress in line with UEH's curriculum. Additionally, they must actively participate in departmental seminars and undertake tasks assigned by their faculty/institute.

Candidates must publish at least two papers in recognized journals (Web of Science Q3, SCIE, or Scopus Q1) before defending their dissertation. These publications must be co-authored with a UEH faculty member, follow UEH’s academic integrity policies, and acknowledge the Full-time Doctoral Research Program. Students must also adhere to UEH’s policies, ethical standards, and training regulations, and fulfill their financial reimbursement obligations as outlined in their contract.

Full-time doctoral students at UEH enjoy various benefits:

• Full-time doctoral students at UEH receive a 100% tuition fee waiver for the standard training period.
• They are provided with a fixed monthly income based on regional salary standards, along with allowances for international publication efforts, holiday bonuses, and annual health insurance coverage.
• Students from outside Ho Chi Minh City can access free on-campus accommodation.
• Students wishing to live with their families may receive housing support at UEH facilities.
• Doctoral students are allocated office space comparable to that of faculty members.
• Research funding and international publication support are provided, contingent on co-authoring publications with UEH faculty.
• After defending their research proposal, students can participate in paid teaching and academic activities, with compensation aligned with full-time faculty salaries.
• They have full access to UEH’s academic resources and can join research groups, collaborating with faculty and peers.
• Participation in research groups is governed by UEH’s doctoral research policies.

Full-time doctoral students at UEH are required to develop an annual plan and submit a year-end progress report. This report, which must be reviewed and approved by the instructor, faculty, and the Department of Training, determines whether they can continue to the next academic year or face contract termination in the final year if all requirements are met.

Doctoral Programme Structure:

In the first year, students complete any supplementary courses, coursework, and draft 1-2 research papers for publication. In the second year, they conduct at least one UEH-funded research project, defend their detailed research proposal, and fulfil 25% to 50% of their publication workload. Year three focuses on presenting the dissertation, finalizing remaining paper drafts, and possibly proceeding with the institution-level dissertation defence. In the final year, students defend their dissertations, undergo independent review, and fulfil international publication requirements.

Candidates admitted to UEH’s PhD program and interested in the Full-time Doctoral Research program can apply by registering through the provided link or QR code at the official website. The Full-time Doctoral Research Program at UEH offers a comprehensive and supportive environment for academic and professional growth, providing students with ample opportunities for research, teaching, and career advancement.

Editor's Note:

The University of Economics (UEH) is setting new benchmarks in Vietnam's education sector with its commitment to innovation and global reach. The Full-time Doctoral Research Program at UEH stands out as an exceptional opportunity for aspiring academics and researchers. This program offers extensive support through tuition waivers, monthly stipends, and research funding and also ensures a nurturing environment for professional growth. By focusing on enhancing research capabilities and providing valuable teaching experiences, UEH is paving the way for future scholars to make significant contributions to academia. The program's inclusivity, open to both Vietnamese and international students, highlights UEH's dedication to fostering a diverse and dynamic academic community.

Skoobuzz believes that UEH’s Full-time Doctoral Research Program exemplifies the university's mission to nurture talent and drive academic excellence, positioning itself as a leader in the education landscape of Vietnam and beyond.