Mid-term Review Conference of the Master's Degree Cooperation Program between The University of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Sciences – Hue University, and Okayama University (Japan)

The conference was attended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Duc, Rector of HUAF and Head of the Program Steering Committee; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Van, Vice Rector of HUAF and Head of the Program Executive Committee; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Duc, Deputy Head of the Program Executive Committee; leaders of the Office of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, the Office of Science, International Cooperation and Library Information, representatives of the University's academic faculties, and members of the Program Executive Committee.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Van - Vice Rector of HUAF and Head of the Program Executive Committee
- delivered his remarks at the conference

Representing the University of Sciences – Hue University were Dr. Hoang Dinh Trung, Deputy Head of the Office of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Cong Tin, Dean of the Faculty of Environment; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Quang Duc Tien, Dean of the Faculty of Biology.

At the conference, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Thanh Hai, a member of the Program Executive Committee, presented the mid-term report on the implementation of the program during the 2024–2026 period.

According to the report, in 2024, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry, the University of Sciences – Hue University, and Okayama University signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly implement the International Master's Program in Environmental and Life Sciences for Planetary Health (OVIMP). The cooperation period spans five years, from April 2024 to March 2029.

The program aims to provide master's education in the fields of environmental and life sciences, offering up to five scholarships annually. Each cohort follows a two-year curriculum. During the first phase, students study at either Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry or the University of Sciences – Hue University for a minimum of one year and a maximum of one and a half years, completing 12–14 credits recognized by Okayama University. In the second phase, students spend one year studying and conducting research at Okayama University in Japan.

During their study period in Japan, students receive a full tuition waiver, a monthly scholarship of 80,000 JPY for twelve months, partial support for airfare, accommodation in the university dormitory (with applicable housing fees), and financial support for conducting research activities in Japan. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are awarded a Master's degree in Agricultural Science or Environmental Science by Okayama University.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hoang Cong Tin - Dean of the Faculty of Environment of the University of Sciences, Hue University
- delivered his remarks at the conference

To date, the first cohort of three students, majoring in Land Management, Veterinary Medicine, and Biotechnology, has successfully completed the transfer phase of the program in Japan and will be awarded master's degrees by Okayama University. In addition, all three students have successfully passed both the faculty-level and university-level screening rounds for the Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship. Their applications have been submitted to Japan's Ministry of Education for consideration for doctoral study.

The program is currently supporting the second cohort in completing procedures to begin the second phase of study in Japan from April 2026. Preparations are also underway for consultation and admission of the third cohort (Academic Year 2026–2027), providing qualified graduate students with the opportunity to continue their studies in Japan through the transfer program.

In his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Duc, President of HUAF and Head of the Program Steering Committee, highly appreciated the achievements of the program over the past two years and expressed his expectation that the collaboration would continue to be maintained and further expanded beyond the initial five-year cooperation period.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thanh Duc - Rector of HUAF and Head of the Program Steering Committee - delivered his remarks at the conference

During the discussion session, chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Van, participants reviewed both the strengths and challenges encountered during implementation and proposed several measures to further enhance the program. These included strengthening communication and outreach activities, broadening recruitment criteria and target applicants, increasing the number of admission rounds and consultation sessions, and providing greater support for students throughout the application and study process. These efforts are expected to improve students' opportunities to complete the program successfully and pursue doctoral studies through scholarship opportunities after graduation.

Conference participants unanimously agreed that this collaborative program has further strengthened the reputation and quality of master's education at Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry and the University of Sciences – Hue University. More importantly, it has created valuable opportunities for graduate students of both institutions to study in an international academic environment while contributing to the development of highly qualified human resources for Vietnam.

The conference provided an important opportunity for all participating institutions to review the implementation of the program, assess its outcomes, and identify practical measures to further improve the effectiveness and sustainability of this international academic cooperation in the years ahead.