English proficiency and English education in Vietnam

When you’re exploring Vietnam as a destination for an offshore team, whether you’re based in the U.S. or Australia, chances are you’re curious about one big question: How strong is English capability in Vietnam today?

Over the past decade, Vietnam has treated English education as a strategic national priority: investing in curriculum reform, teacher training, and policies aimed at helping future talent thrive in global roles. That makes this the perfect moment to take a closer look at how Vietnam is performing in the latest international rankings and what this means for international companies seeking confident communicators and globally minded professionals.

Vietnam’s progress in the 2025 Global English Proficiency Index

Vietnam is steadily emerging as a strong source of English-fluent talent. In the 2025 report from EF Education First (EPI), the country scored 500/800 and ranked 64th out of 123 globally – a meaningful rise from the previous year, and comfortably above the global average of 488.

That score places Vietnam in the “moderate proficiency” band, roughly equivalent to B1–B2 on the CEFR scale. In practical terms, this means many Vietnamese professionals are well-equipped to understand clear, standard English on familiar topics and express themselves in writing and conversation when the context is known.

On a regional level, Vietnam now ranks 7th out of 25 Asian countries, outpacing several larger economies, including mainland China, India, and Japan. Beyond major hubs, English competency is spreading across the country, with cities like Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong posting solid scores alongside the capital.

Altogether, these results reflect a talent pool that’s evolving fast: a workforce growing in confidence and ability, with the kind of English communication and collaboration skills international companies look for when building global-ready teams.

Demographics of English learners in Vietnam

English education in Vietnam spans multiple generations. Most students begin studying English in primary school and continue through secondary and higher education, creating consistent exposure from an early age. In major population centers, where qualified teachers and learning resources are more available, learners gain stronger opportunities to build practical communication skills.

This long-term investment reflects a nationwide push to help learners communicate clearly in English, not only understanding key ideas in spoken and written contexts but also expressing themselves effectively in everyday conversations and workplace settings. As a result, Vietnam has become increasingly attractive for organizations seeking offshore teams that can collaborate with international partners.

The standout group within this trend is the emerging professional workforce. Individuals aged 26–30 recorded an average score of 544/800, the highest among all age brackets measured. This signals a generation that is both technically capable and confident operating in global business environments, an ideal match for companies expanding cross-border operations.

Strengthening English skills and national standards in Vietnam

Vietnam’s push to strengthen English started long ago, and it’s now backed by formal policies and nationwide standards. Through the National Foreign Languages 2020 Project (NFL2020), the government aims to raise the quality of English education at every level, from early schooling through higher education, to produce a workforce fluent enough for global collaboration. 

At the same time, the Vietnam National Qualifications Framework, established in 2016, defines clear language benchmarks: students must reach at least level 3 out of 6 in foreign-language proficiency, roughly equivalent to B1 under the common international standard (CEFR), to qualify for university admission. 

This emphasis on language competence is reinforced by the growing prevalence of internationally recognized assessments: many Vietnamese students pursue credentials such as IELTS, TOEFL or similar certificates, commonly required by universities. This practice underscores how deeply embedded English proficiency has become in both education and career pathways. 

Together, these developments shape a diverse and steadily expanding population of English learners, a mix of students, young professionals, and adult learners, who are increasingly capable and ready to engage in international work, making Vietnam a growing hub for global-ready talent.

From classrooms to global teams: How Vietnam elevates English skills

Vietnam is accelerating its English-education reform. In October 2025, the government approved Decision 2371/QĐ-TTg, a national plan to make English a second language in schools from 2025 to 2035. The goal is to integrate English into everyday learning and school operations, creating a stronger foundation for communication skills across all levels of education.

These policies are shaping a new generation of professionals who are more confident collaborating in global environments.

1. Cultural adaptability

As English becomes more embedded in schooling, students gain exposure not only to the language but also to associated cultural and global business norms. This cultural awareness helps them better understand Western communication styles and professional practices, a valuable foundation when collaborating with international clients or partners.

2. Adaptability in work environments

Beyond formal education, English becomes part of everyday professional life for many Vietnamese workers, especially in roles that require coordination across time zones, processes, and business cultures. In sectors like Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), English is used throughout the workday in direct communication with international clients, reinforcing both fluency and workplace confidence through constant practice.

English skills in Vietnam aren’t something people use only for exams, they’re put to work every day and grow with real experience, helping build a workforce that is confident, adaptable, and ready to collaborate globally.

How does English boost outsourcing in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s outsourcing sector continues to expand at pace. Recent market forecasts suggest that IT outsourcing alone could reach US$880 million by 2028, reflecting growing demand from global clients looking for reliable, cost-effective offshore partners.

Additionally, the country’s retail e-commerce market, valued at over US$25 billion, is driving increased demand for BPO services in functions like customer support, fulfillment, and supply chain coordination. As the government continues to champion digital transformation across industries, outsourcing opportunities are expected to scale even further.

This momentum is supported by a growing pool of skilled professionals, many of whom are fluent in English and comfortable working in multicultural business environments. That capability makes Vietnamese teams particularly attractive to clients in English-speaking markets, especially in IT, retail and eCommerce, financial services, logistics, and other professional services.

Vietnam’s position as an outsourcing destination is stronger than ever. Competitive labor costs, steady growth in tech-savvy graduates, and rising English proficiency combine to create a workforce ready for global collaboration, offering international companies dependable delivery and clear communication, not just cost savings.

Away Digital Teams stands out: English-ready talent from Vietnam

Away Digital Teams is one of the trusted outsourcing partners in Vietnam, helping companies in markets like Australia and the U.S. access talent with strong English communication skills. Our long-term collaboration with The Accent Group, a major footwear and apparel retailer, wholesaler, and distributor in Australia and New Zealand. Through this partnership, they have successfully built a remote team in Vietnam that works closely and confidently with colleagues, suppliers, and partners abroad.

 

The Accent Group’s experience shows how Vietnamese professionals communicate confidently in English with overseas teams, supporting smooth coordination, consistent reporting, and seamless day-to-day collaboration across borders.

We place importance on cultural fit and a professional mindset, ensuring that the people we recruit bring not only the right technical skills but also the communication style and adaptability needed to work effectively with global teams.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s rise in English capability is creating a stronger foundation for global collaboration. Companies from the U.S., Australia, and Europe are finding it easier than ever to work with Vietnamese teams who communicate clearly, understand expectations, and contribute confidently in international environments. That shift is expanding what’s possible in roles that require daily interaction with overseas colleagues and customers.

As Vietnam ranking rise: the shift global leaders can’t ignore, choosing the right talent partner becomes the key to unlocking this potential. When you’re supported by a team in Vietnam that brings both technical skill and strong English communication, your global expansion doesn’t feel distant, it feels connected, coordinated, and set up for success.