Vietnam's accelerating metro and urban transportation projects have intensified demand for railway engineering talent. To address this urgent workforce gap, IUH launches its Railway Engineering Major.
As metro and urban transportation projects accelerate in Vietnam, the shortage of railway industry personnel is more urgent. Anticipating this, the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City (IUH) enrolled its first cohort in the Railway Transportation Construction Engineering specialization for the 2025 academic year, aiming to enroll more than 70 students.

 

Construction engineering students during a practical. This is a new specialization. It follows a modern approach and focuses on the practical needs of metro and urban railways, as well as major transportation projects. transportation  projects.

According to Dr. Nguyễn Văn Nam, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, a modern railway system requires not just a single isolated workforce group, but rather coordinated efforts across multiple disciplines.

First is the bridge and road infrastructure, managed by the construction sector. Engineers in this field are trained in surveying and system design. Second are vehicles and signaling systems, linked to mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and automotive technology. Third is operational management and transport economics. When these three areas work in harmony, metro systems function more efficiently and sustainably,” Dr. Nam explained.

From an educational perspective, Dr. Nguyễn Trung Nhân, Head of the Office of Academic Affairs at IUH, stated that the University holds a strong advantage thanks to its relatively comprehensive engineering ecosystem.

“In addition to strengths in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, automotive technology, and business administration, IUH began preparing for this specialization in 2024. The first cohort officially started in the 2025 academic year, and in 2026, the University plans to enroll another cohort of more than 70 students,” he shared.

The program offers practical benefits for students, including industry expert-led instruction, hands-on experience with real-world technologies, involvement in current projects, and early insight into workforce demands, providing a strong foundation. According to Dr. Nguyễn Văn Nam, the Faculty also participates in workshops organized by the Ministry of Education and Training to develop railway curriculum standards. By taking part, the Faculty adjusts content to meet minimum standards and align with Vietnam’s human resource goals for the railway sector.

By directly involving enterprises in training, IUH ensures students engage with industry experts, gain up-to-date insights, and develop relevant professional skills, thereby significantly enhancing employability. 

 
 Lê Tân, a lecturer in the Faculty of Civil Engineering, guides students in hands-on training with a concrete compression-testing machine. This tool measures compressive strength and flexural performance and prints key experimental results for transport infrastructure and large construction projects.
 

Currently, the engineering program for this specialization lasts 4.5 years and consists of 163 credits. Previously, the Faculty of Civil Engineering achieved MOET accreditation in 2022 and ASEAN University Network – Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) accreditation in 2025 for its programs. Especially in metro networks in major cities, the railway sector is forecast to continue facing a shortage of high-quality human resources for many years to come. According to development plans toward 2035, the railway industry will require approximately 70,000 workers, highlighting the urgent need for engineers and technical personnel to support the national transportation infrastructure. IUH aims to train engineers who meet industry needs and help address workforce shortages in Vietnam’s next phase of transportation development.