Vietnam is about to begin construction on a 59 trillion VND international university urban area, with a scale of nearly 200,000 people, located in the country’s wealthiest megacity.
This university urban area, spanning approximately 880 hectares, is expected to become operational from early 2035, contributing to the reshaping of the development space in the northwestern part of the city.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Finance, the city is closely coordinating with departments, localities, and investors to expedite investment preparation and minimize processing time. The goal is to ensure the commencement of a series of key projects on schedule to coincide with the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 – April 30, 2026).
The list of projects being promoted includes 7 key projects: the central square and administrative center of Ho Chi Minh City in Thu Thiem; the Ben Nha Rong – Khanh Hoi landscape park; the Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem railway line; the Ho Tram – Long Thanh expressway; the International University urban area in Hoc Mon; the Cai Mep Ha general and container port; and the Can Gio international transshipment port.
Among these, the International University Urban Area is attracting attention as it has just completed a crucial planning phase, laying the foundation for implementation in the next stage.
In early March 2026, the 1/2,000 scale zoning plan for the International University Urban Area was approved. The project covers nearly 880 hectares, located within the administrative boundaries of Xuan Thoi Son commune, with natural boundaries bordering the An Ha canal, the Tay Ninh border canal, Canal 8, and the Thay Cai canal.
According to the plan, the land is allocated for multiple functions: approximately 117 hectares for green spaces and water bodies; 5.7 hectares for a high school; 436 hectares for residential units; 150 hectares for service, education, and research areas; and 6.9 hectares for healthcare. The remaining area of approximately 209 hectares will continue to be studied in detail for technical infrastructure, public facilities, and landscaping.
The urban area is oriented towards developing as a comprehensive urban model linked to training, research, and innovation. The projected population is approximately 135,000 residents and around 60,000 students.
The infrastructure system will be invested in comprehensively, including housing, education, commerce, services, and social amenities. Housing needs will be met through various types of housing, suitable to the specific demographic structure of the university city. The land for social housing will be allocated according to the general mechanism of Ho Chi Minh City, and investors must fulfill all financial obligations as stipulated.
According to the general planning orientation, this area is located within the northern urban zone of Ho Chi Minh City (including Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, and the former District 12), and is identified as the industrial-urban-service center of the Northwest region, while also developing into a growth pole for education, training, and innovation.
The area’s major advantage is its flat terrain and ample land, making it suitable for large-scale projects. In particular, connectivity will be significantly improved with the upcoming implementation of strategic infrastructure projects such as the Ring Road 3, the Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai expressway, and the expansion of National Highway 22.
The Berjaya International University Urban Area is invested in by Berjaya International University Urban Area Vietnam Joint Stock Company – a company affiliated with Vinhomes – with a total capital of approximately 3.5 billion USD (equivalent to 59,000 billion VND).
According to the plan, the project will soon be implemented and the entire urban area is expected to be operational from the beginning of 2035, contributing to reshaping the development space of the Northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, while creating new impetus for the city’s socio-economic development.