Introduction to
E-PhD Program
The National Economics University offers a selective English-taught Doctoral Program in Economics and Business Administration (E-PhD), established in 2017. Led by research-active faculty with international publications through the Institute for Sustainable Development, the program admits approximately 10 candidates annually.
Our program develops scholars and educators specializing in transition and emerging economies, equipping graduates with advanced research capabilities for successful careers in academia and industry.
Why Choose Us
Academic Excellence
Our program is designed to cultivate research capabilities that align with rigorous international standards.
As part of our commitment to excellence, doctoral candidates are required to publish their research in respected international peer-reviewed journals prior to graduation.
Global Perspective
The curriculum structure reflects contemporary approaches found in leading international doctoral programs. Distinguished scholars from around the world contribute to our academic environment through guest lectures and specialized seminars.
English serves as the primary language of instruction, fostering a truly international learning community.
Mentorship & Collaboration
Students benefit from close supervision by faculty members from NEU, with particular emphasis on collaboration with the Institute for Sustainable Development.
Our dedicated faculty provides apprenticeship opportunities within collaborative research environments and offers personalized mentoring throughout the program and beyond.
Comprehensive Support
Our administrative team delivers efficient and responsive support services to enhance the student experience.
We ensure access to comprehensive documentation systems and learning resources, creating an optimal environment for academic achievement.
Training Program
Core Coursework
The curriculum comprises six essential courses: Foundation of Research, Advanced Statistics, Theories and Research in Business Administration, Econometrics, Theories and Research in Economics, and Academic Writing.
Seminar Participation
We host regular research seminars featuring presentations by distinguished scholars. Active participation in these seminars is an integral program requirement.
Scholarly Publication
Doctoral candidates must publish two papers in peer-reviewed journals as part of their dissertation research (with at least one publication in a WoS-indexed or reputable Scopus-indexed journal).
Dissertation Defense
The culmination of the program involves a comprehensive dissertation defense. Students progress through three evaluation stages: review by the E-PhD Academic Committee, Faculty assessment, and University-level examination.
Faculty & Tuition Fees
Faculty
The program is supervised by the Institute for Sustainable Development and taught by professors who have extensive empirical research knowledge and numerous international journal publications.
For more details, please refer to the Faculty profile (View more).
Fee & Finance
- Application fee: 1.200.000 VND, non-refundable
- Tuition fee: 60.000.000 VND/year
Admission
Learn how to join the E-PhD program at ISD. This section provides details about eligibility, English requirements, application documents, and procedures.
1. Admission Requirements
- Have a Master degree in relevant fields, including Economics, Business Administration, Public Management, or others.
- Have English proficiency test scores IELTS 6.0; TOEFL iBT 70; or TOEFL ITP 500 or above. Applicants who studied their undergraduate or master programs in English speaking countries will receive a waiver for this English requirement.
- Be an author or co-author of at least one paper published in academic journals of relevant fields, recognized by the National Professorship Committee, or article in international, national conference proceedings within 36 months.
2. Document Needed
Application package (3 copies) includes:
3. Application Procedures
Application package (3 copies) includes:
4. Important Dates
5. Contact
- Venue: 1503-A1, 207 Giai Phong Str., Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- Phone: (84) 024.36280280, ext. 6550; 6551
- Email: isd@neu.edu.vn
STUDENT FEEDBACK
First-hand feedback from graduates of the ePhD program at the Institute for Sustainable Development.
For the 6 years after the completion of my MBA, I had been on the constant quest for the right PhD program, considering dozens of options from both Vietnam and abroad. My top priorities were: Support from supervisors and administrative, academic excellence, international curriculum and reasonable tuition fees. The EPHD program at NEU is young but I have heard nothing but all the wonderful feedbacks/recommendations from my colleagues and mentors.
And speaking from my experience as a current student of the program, I have every reasons to believe that the EPHD program has totally lived up to its reputation and satisfied every criteria that I have: supervisors and teachers are internationally recognized, the staffs were incredibly kind and supportive, the curriculum is rigorous, and the tuition is a fraction of other programs in English. I know the road ahead is long but I’m excited and never feel alone in my journey, all thanks to the amazing people of the program.
E-PhD program at Institute for Sustainable Development, NEU, is an ideal choice for me to pursue my PhD. I highly appreciate the training courses, seminars, and conferences I received to become an independent researcher and take higher academic career ladders. Starting as a beginner in the academic world, now I can conduct research and write Scopus/ISI indexed papers on my own.
Another distinct feature of this program is that all professors at Institute for Sustainable Development are willing to support and guide all doctoral students. Other staff are approachable and very helpful also. It is always easy to find them for advice. Every little thing about this fabulous community has made my PhD journey a wonderful experience.
Not until I was enrolled into the EPhD program was I engaged in such immersive learning and on the right track to enhance critical thinking as well as academic research competence. The supportive environment at EPhD combined with the well-structured program has step by step guided me through this challenging but rewarding journey to become an independent researcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the application become available?
- Application becomes available in April and August
- The first round of application is around the middle of April
- The second round of application is around the second week of August
2. 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.
3. My past research articles are not related to the major for which I am applying. Will this be a minus for my application?
- The regulation requires a match between your past article(s) and the major. Check the accepted journal lists with our staff, however, to make sure yours are accepted.
4. How do I find a prospective supervisor?
- You may check the profiles of NEU professors to find your prospective supervisors. You can also talk to our faculty to get assistance in finding prospective supervisors
5. Where can I submit my application documents?
- You can submit your application to the Graduate School, NEU.
6. Can I change my research topic after I have enrolled in the course?
- Absolutely! Most PhD candidates have not stuck with the topic they proposed. PhD topics are usually more academically focused rather than practically focused.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. I am a foreigner. Are my degrees acceptable?
- All foreign degrees should be recognized by the Viet Nam National Academic Recognition Information Centre, the Ministry of Education and Training.
5. 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
1. How many majors does the program offer? What are they?
- We offer EPHD programs in two majors: Business Administration and Economics.
2. What are the key E-PHD outcomes requirements?
- You must publish at least 01 journal article on the ISI/Scopus system before defending your PhD dissertation. Usually, EPHD students are encouraged to publish two articles before defending.
3. 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)
4. 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.
5. How long does it take to complete this degree program?
- While some students have finished the program in 3 years, the average student completes the program in 4 to 5 years. Try your best and overcome yourself!
6. 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.
7. May I receive feedback on my performance?
- In each course, you will have a final exam/assignments and receive a review of your progress. Annually, we provide academic meetings for you to get a review of your research.
8. What is the required duration for dissertation defense?
- The defense usually takes two full hours to accommodate all the questions.
9. 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.
10. Do you offer a progress check?
- Our periodical academic presentation with reviewers would act as progress checks.
11. What supplemental activities are 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.
12. 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 faculty on this issue
13. What are the differences between E-PHD and other PHD programs offered in NEU?
- Our EPHD is offered in English and is oriented toward the International standard of research and publication. The program is designed to mirror international best practices.
EN 
VI