AI Acceptance among Vietnamese University Students: Key Influencers and Perspectives

Abstract

This study investigates Vietnamese university students’ perceptions and acceptance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education, identifying key factors influencing their adoption. A multifaceted survey of 757 students across diverse academic disciplines in Southern Vietnam focused on seven variables: perceived usefulness, understanding, familiarity, accessibility, concerns, barriers, and the overall AI acceptance. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and explainable AI techniques, including Decision Tree Regressor and SHAP values with XGBoost Regressor. Findings revealed that 75% of respondents recognized AI’s potential benefits, but only 31% reported high familiarity with AI tools, and 40% indicated strong comprehension; 48% found AI tools easily accessible. Concerns about data security, AI errors, technical difficulties, and lack of training were significant barriers. Notably, the most important factor affecting AI acceptance was perceived usefulness. The study highlights the need to close the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world AI application in Vietnamese higher education. It provides recommendations for students, institutions, policymakers, and AI developers to effectively leverage AI, aligning Vietnam’s AI education with global trends and enabling AI to play a transformative role in higher education.