Nearly 20% of Vietnamese university students say they entered higher education without clear career direction, while more than 20% chose their majors based on parental guidance, according to a new survey presented at a conference on “happy universities” in Vietnam.

The findings were shared on May 22 during the seminar “Building Happy Universities in Vietnam: From Vision to Action,” organized by Dai Nam University and Soha.vn.

The survey, conducted among nearly 9,200 students from 10 universities, assessed student happiness across multiple dimensions, including satisfaction with academic majors and levels of learning pressure.

Results showed that around 60% of students said they independently chose their field of study. More than 20% selected majors based on their parents’ orientation, while nearly 20% admitted they entered university without a clear sense of future career goals.

The lack of direction appeared to influence long-term satisfaction.

When asked whether they would change majors if given another opportunity, more than 3,000 students - equivalent to 33% - said they were undecided, while over 700 students, or roughly 8%, said they would definitely choose a different field.

More than three in 10 students face high academic pressure

The survey also revealed significant levels of academic stress among university students.

More than three out of every 10 students reported experiencing relatively high to very high academic pressure. Around half described their pressure levels as moderate, while fewer than 20% said they experienced little or almost no academic stress.

Associate Professor Tran Thanh Nam, Vice Rector of the University of Education under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said many students today are under immense pressure from studying, examinations and concerns about future careers.

He cited previous research in Ho Chi Minh City showing that during exam preparation periods, many students almost completely lose the ability to experience feelings of happiness.

“Genius is born from joy,” he said, emphasizing that students can only truly innovate and excel when they feel inspired and supported within a positive environment.

He then raised a broader question about the current state of higher education.

“Have universities themselves truly become happy environments? Are students genuinely happy during their learning journey?” he asked.

According to experts at the seminar, happiness in education extends beyond positive emotions alone and must also include physical well-being, mental health and sustainable personal development.

In the context of digital transformation, “digital pedagogy” is also becoming an inevitable trend in which learners actively create educational content rather than simply absorbing knowledge passively.

A “happy university” is not a pressure-free university

Speaking further on the concept, Dr. Le Dac Son, Chairman of the Board at Dai Nam University, argued that happiness in education should not be misunderstood as easy learning, simple exams or avoiding pressure altogether.

Instead, he said universities should aim for a more sustainable form of happiness by equipping students with practical skills, independence, employability and professional self-respect.

“The sustainable happiness of young people does not come from an impressive diploma but from the confidence that they can stand firmly on their own abilities when facing life’s challenges,” Le Dac Son said.

From that perspective, a “happy university” is not a place without pressure, but an environment that helps people become stronger, more mature and more prepared for life.

Professor Nguyen Van Noi, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Laboratories and former rector of the University of Science under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, said a truly happy university must embrace three key groups: lecturers, students and support staff.

For lecturers, he said, academic freedom and an environment where scientists can thrive are essential.

For students, happiness means waking up excited to go to school each morning.

Meanwhile, administrative and support staff also need to feel respected and properly recognized for their contributions.

“Only when every link in the university system feels happy can the entire educational structure operate smoothly and develop sustainably,” Professor Nguyen Van Noi said.

Thuy Nga