University of Transport and Communications takes the lead in Training Human Resources for the Development of National Strategic Railway Technologies in High-Speed Rail and Urban Rail Transit

On April 30, 2026, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 21/2026/QĐ-TTg, identifying “High-speed railway and urban railway technologies” as a national strategic technology. The University of Transport and Communications (UTC) proudly reaffirms its pioneering role in human resource training, scientific research, and technology transfer, contributing to the successful implementation of this strategic national mission.

PIONEERING MILESTONES

1. Developing a Comprehensive Training System Aligned with International Standards

The University of Transport and Communications (UTC) has taken a leading role in developing and contributing to the establishment of the undergraduate training framework for the railway sector, which was officially issued by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) under Decision No. 1061/QĐ-BGDĐT dated May 4, 2026. The training program standards were developed with reference to the Vietnam Qualifications Framework and aligned with the Government’s strategic orientations toward 2035, with a vision to 2045. Key features include:

Learning outcomes emphasizing technological capabilities and artificial intelligence

• The training programs are designed to develop human resources capable of meeting the requirements of modern railway system development, including national railways, urban rail transit, electrified railways, and high-speed railways. 
• The training disciplines are organized into four major groups, including: Railway infrastructure construction and construction management; Electrical systems, signaling, and railway control systems; Railway rolling stock and vehicles; Railway transportation economics and operations management. 
• Learning outcomes emphasize the ability to apply information technology, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and systems thinking. 
• The programs are designed with two academic pathways: Bachelor’s degree (Level 6) – a minimum of 120 credits; Engineer degree (Level 7) – a minimum of 150 credits. 
• Significant emphasis is placed on foreign languages, mathematics, fundamental sciences, and information technology, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet the demands of international integration.

Strengthening the involvement of enterprises and experts

Ensuring quality admission standards: Applicants are required to achieve a minimum of 60% of the total admission score in the national high school graduation examination, with Mathematics as a compulsory subject. 

Learner-centered training approach: The programs combine traditional classroom teaching with digital technologies, project-based learning, practical training, and simulation-based learning. 

Increasing practical training and internship opportunities: Practical training and internships account for a significant proportion of the curriculum (15%–20%), with stronger participation from enterprises to enable students to gain real-world working experience from the early stages of their studies. 

Ensuring implementation conditions and continuous improvement of training quality

The training program standards specify requirements for the academic staff, including the requirement that each institution must have at least one full-time doctoral-level faculty member in a relevant railway-related field with expertise in railway technology. This faculty member must have a minimum of three years of experience in academic management or university-level teaching and demonstrate the capacity to develop, design, and implement training programs, serving as the lead coordinator in the development and delivery of the curriculum.

In addition, training institutions are required to ensure adequate conditions in terms of facilities, laboratories, learning resources, and technological infrastructure to support effective program implementation and continuous enhancement of training quality.

The issuance of the Undergraduate Training Program Standards for Railway Engineering once again affirms the role of the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) as the only key university specializing in transportation and logistics (in accordance with Decision No. 452/QĐ-TTg dated February 27, 2025, issued by the Prime Minister approving the Master Plan for the Network of Higher Education and Teacher Training Institutions for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision toward 2050). UTC also serves as the leading institution in developing the Center of Excellence for Industry 4.0 Technology Training in the fields of transportation technology and advanced, intelligent infrastructure, in accordance with Decision No. 374/QĐ-TTg dated February 19, 2025, issued by the Prime Minister approving the Scheme for Developing a System of Centers of Excellence and Talent Development in Industry 4.0 Technologies by 2030.

The University of Transport and Communications (UTC) proposed that the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Construction, and the Ministry of Science and Technology advise the Government on including high-speed railway technology in the list of national strategic technologies, and recognizing high-speed railway construction projects as national strategic technology products (Decision No. 21/2026/QĐ-TTg dated April 30, 2026). 

The University of Transport and Communications has taken the lead in developing, completing, and implementing seven modern, internationally updated training programs in key railway-related fields, including: High-speed railway and urban railway infrastructure; Railway electrification systems; Railway information, signaling, and control systems; Modern railway vehicles and rolling stock; Operation and management of modern railway systems; Access to pioneering global technologies. 

The University has integrated new courses associated with the most advanced technologies, including: Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Digital Twin technologies; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Big Data applications in transportation; Structural Health Monitoring (SHM); Rail–Structure Interaction; Advanced materials and structural technologies for railway infrastructure. 

The University has also provided additional knowledge training and advanced professional development programs for transportation managers and engineers under a lifelong learning approach, with nearly 1,500 engineers and managerial staff directly participating in training courses and receiving professional certificates.

2. Leading Strategic Science and Technology Programs

With the trust and support of the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Construction, Hanoi City authorities, and central government agencies, the University of Transport and Communications (UTC) has taken the lead in successfully implementing key research initiatives, including: Developing technical standards and specifications for modern railway systems; Designing, manufacturing, and testing structural components for advanced railways, including beams, slab tracks, bonding materials, railway foundations, and bogies; Developing railway infrastructure health monitoring and assessment systems; Establishing technical parameters and interoperability operation standards for urban railway systems; Conducting safety assessments (RAMS – Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety) for high-speed railways and urban rail transit systems. 

3. Extensive International Cooperation

The University of Transport and Communications (UTC) has taken the lead in developing a network of Centers of Excellence in Industry 4.0 technologies for advanced, intelligent transportation technologies and infrastructure. 

UTC serves as the leading higher education institution coordinating the network for advanced and intelligent transportation technologies and infrastructure, promoting collaboration in training, scientific research, and technology development.

ICDS