Suddenly stopping the Vietnamese-German Medical Program: Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine speaks out

TPO - Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine (Ho Chi Minh City) has officially responded after media reports about the abrupt suspension of the Vietnam-Germany Medical Program, causing confusion among many students. The university affirms that the temporary suspension is due to a policy change from Germany and does not stem from any conflict or violation between the two sides.

Báo Tiền Phong•22/10/2025

In a press release issued on October 22nd, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine announced that the collaborative medical training program between the University and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Germany) has been implemented since 2013, aiming to provide Vietnamese students with the opportunity to study according to German medical standards.

Opening Ceremony of the Vietnamese-German Medical Program at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine

After more than 10 years, the program has achieved many positive results, contributing to the training of young doctors with professional expertise and an internationally integrated mindset.

However, following a review and formal discussions between the two universities, the German partner announced the termination of the cooperation effective from the 2024 academic year. The reason stems from a policy change by the German National Institute for Medical Examinations (IMPP), which will cease providing the M2 national exam after 2027, resulting in international medical programs no longer meeting the accreditation requirements.

Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine affirmed that this is a systemic change from Germany, completely unrelated to the quality or reputation of the program. "The university has repeatedly worked, exchanged ideas, and proposed solutions to maintain cooperation, but this policy change is beyond the control of both sides," the statement clarified.

To ensure the educational rights of its students, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine has implemented a transition plan. Specifically: Starting in the 2025 cohort, students of the Vietnam-Germany Faculty of Medicine will be transferred to the university's regular Medical Doctor program, beginning on October 20, 2025. This program lasts 6 years and has been approved by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Health. For students in the 2023 and 2024 cohorts, the university will continue to cooperate with its partner to ensure classes continue as planned, helping students complete the program on schedule.

Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine is committed to ensuring that the transition is carried out openly and transparently, especially regarding academics and finances, while maximizing the protection of students' legitimate rights.

"This is regrettable but unavoidable. The university will continue to seek new avenues of international cooperation in medical training, in line with the current context and regulations," the statement from Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine said.

As reported by Tien Phong newspaper, many parents and students of Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine expressed confusion and anxiety after the university unexpectedly announced the temporary suspension of the Vietnam-Germany medical training program that had been running for many years.

The program has tuition fees of over 200 million VND per academic year. The study period lasts 6 years and 3 months, including 5 years in Vietnam and 1 year and 3 months of practical training at hospitals in Germany. To date, hundreds of students have completed or are currently enrolled in this program.

The incident has now been reported to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee by Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine.