Learning at a distance in non-western context: How distant students perceive quality of higher education in Vietnam

Higher education is evolving rapidly as globalization, technological advancements, and increasing demand for flexible learning reshape traditional paradigms. In Vietnam, distance higher education plays a key role in expanding access to higher education, yet concerns about its quality persist. Addressing these issues, this study examines Vietnamese students’ perceptions of distance higher education quality using the OLQUAL framework, which evaluates system quality, administrative support, educational design, transformative impact, and social engagement. Through a survey of 383 respondents and analysis via Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study confirms that perceived quality significantly influences student satisfaction and loyalty, with satisfaction acting as a mediating factor. The study highlights the need for policies that enhance DHE quality and credibility, offering tailored strategies to address the unique challenges of non-Western educational contexts.