Rationale and Aim
The University of Helsinki (UH) and Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF) are implementing the Finland–Vietnam Initiative on Circular Economy and Sustainability (FIVI-CES) project (2025–2027), funded by the Team Finland Knowledge (TFK) Programme. The project aims to strengthen circular economy education and sustainability competencies in higher education through curriculum development, innovative teaching methods, field-based learning, and academic cooperation between Finland and Vietnam.
As part of the FIVI-CES project, TUAF students are offered an opportunity to study at the University of Helsinki during the Second Teaching Period (26 October – 13 December 2026). The exchange programme seeks to enhance students' academic and professional competencies, broaden their international perspectives, and deepen their understanding of sustainability, circular economy, natural resource management, environmental stewardship, and rural development in a global context.
The programme also contributes to the long-term partnership between TUAF and the UH by fostering academic collaboration and preparing future professionals capable of supporting sustainable and green transitions in Vietnam and beyond.
A maximum of two (2) TUAF students will be selected for the exchange programme.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a citizen of Vietnam.
- Be currently enrolled as a bachelor level student at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF).
- Be majoring in one of the following fields or closely related disciplines:
- Agriculture
- Agricultural Economics
- Forestry
- Environmental Sciences
- Rural Economy
- Other relevant fields related to sustainable natural resource management, sustainability, and rural development.
- Demonstrate good academic standing.
- Possess sufficient English language proficiency to successfully participate in courses and academic activities at the University of Helsinki.
- Be motivated to act as an ambassador for TUAF and contribute to knowledge sharing upon return from the exchange.
Exchange Period: 26 October – 13 December 2026
(Second Teaching Period, Academic Year 2026–2027)
Funding
The selected students will receive financial support through the TFK FIVI-CES Project to facilitate their participation in the exchange programme at the University of Helsinki. The support package includes:
- Round-trip international airfare between Vietnam and Finland.
- Visa-related costs.
- A living allowance to cover accommodation, meals, local transportation, and other necessary living expenses during the exchange period in Helsinki.
Application Process
Interested students are requested to complete and submit the online application form through this link: https://elomake.helsinki.fi/lomakkeet/140776/lomake.html
Application Deadline: 7 July 2026
Selection Process
The selection process will consist of:
- Review of submitted applications
- Assessment of academic performance, motivation, and relevance of study background.
- Shortlisting of qualified candidates.
- Online interviews with shortlisted candidates.
Interview Schedule
Shortlisted applicants will be notified and invited for interviews by: 15 July 2026
Contact Information
For further information regarding the exchange programme or application process, please contact:
Dr. Nguyen Thi Giang
Vice Director of Science, Technology and External Affairs Department
Lecturer of Economics and Rural Development Faculty
Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, Vietnam
Email: nguyenthigiang@tuaf.edu.vn
Mr. Dipjoy Chakma
Project Planner
VITRI, Department of Forest Sciences,
University of Helsinki, Finland,
Email: dipjoy.chakma@helsinki.fi
