In the context of a rapidly changing labor market and increasingly demanding professional requirements, non-formal education—particularly second-degree and bridging programs—has become an increasingly attractive option for many learners. No longer merely a pathway to “add another qualification,” this form of education is undergoing significant transformation, clearly reflecting the trend of lifelong learning and the need for individuals to continuously restructure and upgrade their professional competencies. Anecdotal reports from multiple universities, collected by Nguoi Lao Dong News, show that seats for second-degree English programs are often oversubscribed; for example, one university reported receiving approximately 140 applications for only 90 available slots, indicating that demand significantly exceeds supply in some cases. Moreover, surveys by Vietnamnet.vn have shown that nearly 90 percent of university students take extra English classes beyond their regular curriculum, reflecting strong motivation to improve English proficiency among tertiary learners.
First and foremost, there has been a renewed interest in second-degree programs, driven by more practical and career-oriented motivations. In the past, many individuals pursued an additional bachelor’s degree primarily for the sake of academic credentials or to strengthen their personal profiles. Today, however, the main motivations are career change, expanded employment opportunities, and adaptation to the demands of the digital economy. A graduate in education may choose to pursue a second degree in information technology; a language major may enroll in marketing, communication, or business administration. Flexibility and the ability to broaden career pathways are key factors that make second-degree programs increasingly appealing. Current trends indicate that learners are paying closer attention to shortened study duration, flexible delivery formats (such as weekend or evening classes, blended learning, and online components), as well as the official recognition and legal validity of their degrees. This reality requires higher education institutions to design programs that both ensure academic standards and accommodate the needs of working adults.
Another notable development is the changing profile of learners. Participants in non-formal education are no longer limited to recent graduates; they increasingly include individuals aged 25 to 40 and beyond. Many are working professionals seeking promotion, career transition, or simply personal renewal in an increasingly competitive environment. This shift reflects the broader trend of lifelong learning—a defining characteristic of today’s knowledge-based society.
Nevertheless, non-formal education also faces growing competition from short-term training courses and professional certification programs. Many individuals carefully weigh the option of investing two to three years in obtaining a second bachelor’s degree against enrolling in skills-based programs that last only a few months but offer immediate practical value. This shift compels second-degree and bridging programs to place greater emphasis on practical training, industry alignment, and employability outcomes, rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge.
In the field of foreign languages, these trends present both opportunities and challenges. Language proficiency is no longer viewed solely as a standalone academic discipline but increasingly as a complementary skill supporting various sectors such as international business, technology, tourism, logistics, and education. Therefore, second-degree and bridging programs in foreign languages need to adopt an integrated approach—combining language competence with professional skills, digital literacy, and intercultural communication. Such an orientation aligns well with labor market demands and the ongoing process of global integration.
In conclusion, non-formal education is expected to continue developing in the coming years, but with a stronger focus on quality, flexibility, and practicality. The value of a degree today lies not in the number of qualifications one holds, but in the genuine competencies acquired throughout the learning process. When carefully designed, socially responsive, and academically rigorous, second-degree and bridging programs remain meaningful pathways for learners to expand career opportunities and strengthen their professional identities in a constantly evolving world.
GV TBM BPD