Vietnam’s Students Now Outscore Most of the Developed World in Math

Despite a lower GDP per capita than many Western nations, Vietnam’s 15-year-olds consistently outperform peers from the U.S., U.K., and Australia in international math assessments. Experts are starting to ask: What’s their secret?

In the latest round of PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) testing, Vietnamese students ranked 4th in the world in mathematics—beating out countries with far more resources and higher GDPs per capita.

It’s not a fluke. Vietnam’s rise in education rankings has been steady and sustained. In fact, Vietnamese students have outperformed the global average in reading, math, and science for over a decade, consistently landing among the top performers worldwide. All this, despite the country spending just a fraction per student compared to richer nations.

What’s driving this unlikely success? According to education researchers, it’s a mix of cultural values, focused policy, and teacher-centered reform. Education is widely seen as a path to opportunity in Vietnam, and families often prioritize academic achievement. But the real gains have come from systematic investments in teacher quality, clear national standards, and a strong culture of accountability.

Class sizes are large, but instruction is rigorous. Teachers receive ongoing training and are held to high expectations. Rather than experimenting with flashy tech or curriculum fads, Vietnam’s education ministry has focused on core literacy and numeracy skills. The results speak for themselves.

Vietnam’s story is especially relevant for policymakers and educators elsewhere. It suggests that educational excellence doesn’t require massive budgets or Silicon Valley gimmicks—it requires focus, commitment, and a belief that all students can learn at high levels.

As countries struggle to close achievement gaps and boost performance, Vietnam offers a powerful reminder: with the right priorities, remarkable progress is possible—even on a shoestring budget.