Vietnam Sets Minimum Entry Score for University Railway Programs

The Ministry of Education and Training has established new academic benchmarks for university programs focused on the railway sector, a critical area for Vietnam's future development. These standards, designed to cultivate a robust railway workforce by 2035 and beyond, set a minimum entry requirement of 18 out of 30 points for students applying through the high school graduation exam, with mathematics being a mandatory subject.

This move underscores Vietnam's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure, particularly its railway network, which is slated for significant upgrades including high-speed, electrified, and urban lines. The new curriculum emphasizes practical training, with a substantial portion dedicated to internships and hands-on experience, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the demands of the industry. It also calls for closer collaboration with businesses and industry experts to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.

The standards also address faculty qualifications and facility requirements, ensuring that educational institutions can deliver high-quality training. This comprehensive approach aims to produce graduates proficient in modern technologies like IT, big data, and AI, essential for the future of railway operations. The initiative reflects a strategic national effort to build capacity and expertise within the country, reducing reliance on foreign knowledge and fostering domestic innovation in a vital sector.