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

This article examines Vietnamese students' perceptions of distance higher education (DHE) quality using the OLQUAL framework, which assesses system quality, administrative support, educational design, transformative impact, and social engagement. Based on a survey of 383 students analyzed through Structural Equation Modeling, the study finds that perceived quality strongly influences student satisfaction and loyalty, with satisfaction mediating this relationship. The research highlights the importance of holistic quality assurance policies that address both technological and social dimensions to improve DHE credibility and sustainability in Vietnam and similar non-Western contexts. It underscores the need for targeted investments in infrastructure, faculty training, and student engagement initiatives to shift public perceptions and enhance the effectiveness of distance learning programs.