However, this must be done seriously, transparently, with strict supervision to avoid mass conferrals.

At a recent seminar, Vietnam National University HCMC (VNUHCMC) stated that the current process and standards for recognizing and appointing professors and associate professors still have many shortcomings, needing adjustments for transparency and alignment with international practices. The multi-level council process is repetitive, prolongs time and increases procedures for candidates.

The university proposed that certain key universities be allowed to pilot the process of independently reviewing and appointing professors and associate professors for a period of three years, based on a unified set of standards issued by the Prime Minister (or by the Minister of Education and Training - MOET, according to the draft amended Law on Higher Education). For talented scientists, especially those returning from abroad, the recognition process should be more flexible.

In fact, 10 years ago, Ton Duc Thang University already conducted its own review and appointment of professors based on its internal standards. At that time, the university’s “solo path” sparked mixed reactions: some opposed it, while others supported the move as a bold and pioneering experiment.

Ton Duc Thang University defined the titles of professor and associate professor as professional positions, not honorary titles. The designations conferred by the university were always tied to the institution’s name and the individual’s active duties. Those who failed to meet their commitments to the university could be dismissed from their positions.

The noteworthy thing in VNUHCMC’s proposal lies in having universities independently review and appoint professors according to national standards issued by the Prime Minister (or by the Minister of Education and Training).

Strict implementation, close supervision

Associate Professor Nguyen Xuan Hoan, rector of HCMC University of Industry and Trade, believes that accredited universities should be allowed to confer professorships instead of waiting for the national council, provided they follow standards set by the government or MOET.

“I support this idea for many reasons. The assessment council team from the grassroots to the university council plays a very important role. If a university meets the Ministry’s requirements, it should be allowed to form its own council to review and confer professorships,” he said. 

“This aligns with international practices, where professors and associate professors are appointed by their universities and belong to the universities. Only universities themselves truly understand their lecturers’ capabilities, career paths, and contributions. Such evaluations are therefore more realistic and objective,” Hoan said.

According to him, in many countries, the title of professor is associated with the university’s reputation, not a centralized national body.

“A reputable university with a strong academic team naturally produces professors and associate professors who are recognized by society. There’s no reason for external institutions to review candidates, which can lead to bias or internal competition,” Hoan added. 

He emphasized that each university should determine which positions require professors or associate professors, since appointments and salaries are internal matters. However, institutions must meet government and ministry requirements to form a qualified review council, such as having at least 5–7 professors.

“Universities that don’t meet the criteria can submit their applications to another institution. If done properly, this is a positive policy as it helps reduce travel, costs, and bureaucracy while preventing misconduct,” Hoan stressed.

Professor Tran Diep Tuan, chair of the HCMC University of Medicine and Pharmacy’s Council, also supports granting autonomy to leading universities and reputable training institutions in reviewing and recognizing professorships. However, he emphasized the need for clear regulations and standards to ensure fairness and transparency.

He noted that the ability to confer professorships would be closely tied to each university’s reputation and brand. At the same time, schools must carefully consider appointments since they impact compensation systems and financial policies. The titles of professor and associate professor also influence university autonomy, particularly in setting enrollment quotas.

Therefore, the delegation of authority must be implemented seriously, transparently, and with close oversight to prevent mass appointments or title-chasing, thereby preserving academic integrity and sustainable governance.

Hoan added that to prevent “title inflation” or “title-chasing,” only accredited public universities should be allowed to pilot the system. For private universities, meeting the Ministry’s current high standards may be difficult, but those with sufficient capacity and resources could also be permitted to participate in the pilot.

Associate Professor Do Van Dung, former rector of HCMC University of Technology and Education, supported piloting the self-review mechanism at 5–10 top universities, with mandatory international-level criteria: a minimum H-index of 15 for associate professors and 25 for professors. All applications, CVs, and published works must be made 100 percent public on the university’s website. 

Thuy Nga