Welcome to
EPhD programs

What are the criteria for admissions decisions?

We evaluate candidates based on two key criteria: research experience and research commitment. Show both in your submitted application documents and during the admission interview. Please make sure you follow the requirements when compiling your application.

Do I need prior research experience or business courses?

The application requires you to have at least one article published in national or internationally recognized journals. However, while helpful, experience is not the most important factor. Instead, evidence of strong determination and intellectual ability is an essential factor.

Can I use a letter of acceptance from journals to submit evidence of research capability?

Yes, when you have the official publication of the article, you need to submit it later.

I am a foreigner. Are my degrees acceptable?

All foreign degrees should be recognized by Viet Nam National Academic Recognition Information Centre, Ministry of Education and Training.

I already have an MBA/master's degree. Will this reduce my time to the PhD degree?

No. Prior coursework at the graduate level will not reduce your time to degree. There is minimal overlap between MBA and PhD level coursework

How many majors does the program offer? What are they?

We offer EPHD programs in two majors: Business Administration and Economics.

What are the key E-PHD outcomes requirements?

You must publish at least 01 journal article on ISI/Scopus system before defending your PhD dissertation. Usually, EPHD students are encouraged to publish two articles before defending.

There are so many issues to consider when choosing a doctoral program. It is hard to focus on the big picture. How do I make sure I am asking the right questions?

One way to make sure you ask the right questions is to keep yourself from asking the wrong ones, such as "How hard will I have to work?" or "How convenient is this program?" Our advice is to consider that anything worthwhile is not easy and often not convenient. In the end, the critical question is: When you look at your diploma, what do you want it to say? From our perspective, we do not view E-PhD as purely an educational program. Instead, we see it as a research development program. It is a platform for us to work, learn, and publish together. There are pains, but also a lot of fun. Research is not only "learned and claimed," but it is also "lived and felt" (From Prof. Nguyen Van Thang- Institute of Sustainable Development, NEU)

How many students are in EPHD every year?

The number of first-year students in each program's major is about 4-8, with a total enrolment of 10 – 15 each year. However, new students may interact with doctoral students of different years. Typically, the number of peers with whom a doctoral student interacts and finds common interests ranges from 10 to 20.

How long does it take to complete this degree program?

While some students have finished in the program in 3 years, the average student completes the program in 4 to 5 years. Try your best and overcome yourself!

How many courses should I take per semester?

Most students take seven courses, and the classes are offered in the first year of the program; this is necessary for students to demonstrate their competency in the Economic and Business Administration foundations and research methods after completing the first year of classes. Exams are scheduled after each course.

May I receive feedback on my performance?

Each course, you will have final exam/assignments and receive a review for your progress. Annually, we provide academic meetings for you to get a review on your research.

What is the required duration for dissertation defense?

The defense usually takes two full hours to accommodate all the questions.

Do you offer private working spaces for PhD candidates?

EPHD students are encouraged to work in our office. The working spaces are not private but designed to help you focus on your research and, at the same time, socialize with your peers and professors.

Do you offer a progress check?

Our periodical academic presentation with reviewers would act as the progress checks.

What are supplement activities offered in E-PHD besides coursework?

There are seminars and academic presentations periodically. From 2020, we are planning to organize YES (YEARLY EPHD SEMINARS) for all EPHD students to present their papers. However, they are designed not as a supplement but more like a requirement to help students gain better knowledge and research capabilities.

Do we have access to peer-reviewed journals?

NEU has access to the database for all NEU students. Besides, you can get help from our faculties on this issue

What are the differences between E-PHD and other PHD programs offered in NEU?

Our EPHD is offered in English and oriented toward the International standard of research and publication. The program is designed to mirror international best practices.