Ho Chi Minh City Open University (HCMCOU) was founded on July 26th, 1993, according to the Decision 389/Ttg signed by the Prime Minister on the foundation of Ho Chi Minh City Institute of Open Education established on June 15th, 1990 according to the Decision 451/Ttg signed by the Minister of Education and Training. HCMCOU is the first institution to offer an open training with the aim of implementing the directions of the Communist Party and Government in socializing education and multiplying training types.

HCMCOU is a higher education institution offering a variety of programs ranging from on-site to distance learning and learning at satellite academic centers, it aims to meet various learning needs of society and to contribute enriching the country’s human resources.

There are currently more than 32,000 students enrolling in daytime, nighttime, and distance-learning courses at HCMCOU. The university has, thus far, granted approximately 31,000 bachelor degrees and more than 1,000 master degrees.