New collaborations between APU American International Schools, The American University in Vietnam and Arizona State University create accelerated routes to U.S. college credit and a top-ranked global master’s degree.

Tempe, Ariz.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam — Arizona State University (ASU), ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation, today announced a set of strategic educational partnerships in Vietnam through its Thunderbird School of Global Management and Accelerate ASU, in partnership with The American University in Vietnam (AUV) and APU American International Schools. Together, these collaborations will expand Vietnamese students’ access to U.S. higher education, from earning college credit in high school to completing an accelerated master’s degree in global management.

Through the partnership, APU American International Schools students can earn transferable ASU undergraduate credit while completing secondary school through Accelerate ASU, strengthening academic readiness and reducing time and cost to degree completion. Building on this foundation, qualified AUV undergraduate students may pursue a 4+1 international degree pathway that enables them to earn graduate-level credit toward Thunderbird’s Master of Global Management while completing their bachelor’s degree in Vietnam, allowing students to complete both degrees in as little as five years and graduate prepared for leadership in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Dual Enrollment Pathway with APU American International Schools

ASU Accelerate and AUV Leadership

The AUV-ASU dual enrollment program will focus on foundational university courses that support multiple degree pathways and emphasize critical thinking, academic writing, and problem-solving skills. Students who successfully complete Accelerate ASU coursework may apply earned credits toward future enrollment at ASU or other universities that accept ASU credit transfers.

“This partnership reflects Arizona State University’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality education and building meaningful global pathways for students,” said Sarah Bixler, Director of Accelerate ASU High School Pathways. “By working with APU American International Schools, we are creating new opportunities for talented students in Vietnam to engage early with U.S. higher education and develop the skills needed for future success.”

Dr. Binh Tran, Superintendent of APU American International Schools and Chairwoman of APU Educational Development Group, Vietnam, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership for Vietnamese students and families.
“This partnership with Arizona State University represents a major step forward in our mission to provide students in Vietnam with world-class educational opportunities,” said Chairwoman Binh Tran. “By offering our students the ability to earn ASU college credit while still in high school, we are opening direct pathways to top global universities and equipping them with the academic confidence and credentials needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world while remaining grounded in a supportive learning environment in Vietnam.”

The collaboration aligns with both institutions shared goals of fostering student access to an American university degree through innovative pathways, academic excellence, and international engagement. It also strengthens college counseling, academic planning, and parent transparency by offering clearly defined outcomes and recognized university credit. The partnership reflects the growing demand among Vietnamese students for globally recognized credentials and seamless transitions from secondary to higher education.

The Accelerate ASU dual enrollment program with APU American International Schools is expected to launch Fall 2026, with initial cohorts enrolling in ASU courses taught in alignment with ASU academic policies and quality standards.

For more information about Accelerate ASU, visit https://accelerate.asu.edu
For more information about APU American International Schools, visit APU.EDU.VN

 

Accelerated 4+1 Graduate Pathway with Thunderbird and AUV

Dr. Binh and Lena Booth, Deputy Dean of Thunderbird Academic Enterprise

“This partnership represents a bold step forward in expanding global access to elite management education,” said Dr. Binh Tran, Chairwoman of The American University in Vietnam and APU Educational Development Group, Vietnam. “By creating a seamless 4+1 pathway with Thunderbird, we are empowering Vietnamese students to earn world-class credentials, develop an international mindset, and build leadership capabilities that enable them to succeed on the global stage while contributing meaningfully to Vietnam’s economic growth, without disconnecting from their roots at home.”

The Thunderbird Master of Global Management is renowned for its focus on cross-border leadership, data-driven decision-making, digital and technological fluency, and global strategy. Through the pathway program, AUV students will benefit from early exposure to Thunderbird’s curriculum, faculty engagement, and advising, ensuring a smooth academic transition to graduate study in the United States.

“At Thunderbird, our mission is to educate and empower leaders who transform organizations and communities worldwide,” said Dr. Charla Griffy-Brown, Director General of the Thunderbird School of Global Management. “This 4+1 pathway with The American University in Vietnam reflects our shared commitment to developing globally minded leaders and expanding opportunity for talented students in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions.”
The collaboration also strengthens academic and institutional ties between the United States and Vietnam, reinforcing a shared vision for workforce development, innovation, and ethical global leadership. Students graduating from the program will join Thunderbird’s powerful global alumni network spanning more than 150 countries.

 

The first cohort of students is expected to begin the pathway in the upcoming academic year, with admissions and advising support provided jointly by AUV and Thunderbird.

For more information about the 4+1 pathway program and the Master of Global Management, visit thunderbird.asu.edu or auv.edu.vn.

Read more in the Press Release from Arizona State University and the Thunderbird Master of Global Management here.