USTH: A public university with strong French influence in the heart of Hanoi

(Dan Tri) - On the occasion of French National Day, July 14, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet shared about the role of the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) as a typical symbol and bright spot in the strategic cooperation relationship between Vietnam and France.

In the context of globalization and increasingly deep international integration, higher education plays a key role in creating high-quality human resources and promoting sustainable development. The cooperation between Vietnam and the French Republic in this field has also been continuously strengthened and expanded, especially after the official visit to Vietnam by French President Emmanuel Macron last May.

On this occasion, the leaders of the two countries welcomed the fact that Vietnam and France will soon approve and agree to coordinate the implementation of the Action Plan for the period 2025-2028, which includes cooperation in training high-quality human resources in the fields of science, technology and innovation, especially in research and application of high technology and strategic technology.

A typical model for Vietnam - France bilateral cooperation

Among the bilateral cooperation projects, the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) stands out as a special symbol of cooperation between Vietnam and France, with a clear French imprint in the development of the school.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet assessed USTH as a bright spot in higher education and research cooperation between the two countries, and one of the key partners of the French Embassy in the France - Vietnam Innovation Year 2025.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet - French Ambassador to Vietnam (Photo: Minh Duc).

Established in 2009 under the Intergovernmental Agreement between Vietnam and France, USTH represents the common commitment of the two Governments to developing and training high-quality human resources in the field of science and technology for Vietnam.

USTH receives strong support from the French Government, the French Embassy in Vietnam and especially the USTH Consortium - comprising more than 30 French universities and research institutes. The French mark lies in its support policies and is clearly demonstrated in its training, research and international standard governance models.

In addition, there is the dedication of prestigious and experienced scientists from research institutes under the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. It is the extensive support from the intellectuals of both countries that has helped the school quickly approach and inherit advanced educational models, bringing a new breeze to Vietnamese higher education.

The French Ambassador acknowledged the achievements of the school after 16 years of construction and development: “USTH has become one of the prestigious universities in Vietnam. The school has been ranked in the top 10 universities in Vietnam. The training scale is constantly expanding, with the number of students increasing rapidly each year at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. This strong development clearly demonstrates the effectiveness and success of the Vietnam - France cooperation project in the field of higher education”.

French President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to USTH on May 27 (Photo: USTH).

He also said that in France there are currently a number of projects following the Franco-X model (a combination of France and a second country in training and research), emphasizing that USTH is the most successful project to date.

Also during his visit to USTH, French President Emmanuel Macron affirmed that USTH is one of the important pillars of bilateral cooperation in higher education and research between the two countries, and at the same time, plays a strategic partner role with many French universities and research institutes.

French imprint in USTH activities

According to Ambassador Olivier Brochet, France not only supports the school in terms of resources but also in terms of management and strategic human resource development.

French Ambassador shares about France's support for USTH.

One of the unique features of USTH is the Vietnamese-French co-governance model in the strategic leadership positions of the university. The University Council also brings together representatives from the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research, along with leaders and experts from French universities, research institutes and businesses. This model ensures harmony between the Vietnamese educational philosophy and French university governance standards, while maintaining professional quality and close connection with the European higher education system.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet emphasized the important accompanying role of USTH Consortium in the development process of the school. With more than 30 French universities and research institutes, USTH Consortium supports student exchanges, sends lecturers to teach and participates in developing training programs, close to the needs of high-quality human resources in Vietnam.

The school also cooperates closely with French universities to implement dual degree programs (one USTH degree and one degree from a French partner) at all three levels: undergraduate - master's - doctoral.

International learning environment at USTH (Photo: USTH).

The training fields at USTH were selected by the Vietnamese and French Governments based on Vietnam's development strategy and the traditional strengths of French education and science. The focus is on fields such as information technology, energy, biotechnology, medicine, space science and aviation.

Ambassador Olivier Brochet said: “The next goal that both sides are aiming for is to create conditions for bachelor's graduates to continue their studies at master's and doctoral levels, because Vietnam is in great need of highly qualified human resources in the fields of science and technology.”

Vietnamese - French "Education Ambassadors" in the international university ecosystem

Sharing about the future cooperation orientation, Ambassador Olivier Brochet affirmed that the French side will continue to accompany USTH, moving towards developing and promoting excellence in training and research of the school.

Currently, USTH has been accredited by the French High Council for Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES) to meet international standards, becoming the youngest public university in Vietnam to achieve this achievement. This is a milestone affirming the quality and foundation for the school to continue to improve its position in the international higher education system.

Students practice in a laboratory at USTH (Photo: USTH).

To achieve that development goal, Ambassador Olivier Brochet emphasized the importance of building a high-quality teaching staff for USTH. The French side is currently implementing scholarships for excellent USTH students to study, research and return to teach in France, contributing to training the next generation of students. “This is the way for us and USTH to ensure the quality of training and sustainable development of the school in the future,” the French Ambassador affirmed.

In addition, the French side also aims to expand the international appeal of USTH, gradually turning the school into a training center that attracts students not only from France but also from countries in the ASEAN region such as Laos and Cambodia, thereby contributing to the formation of a highly qualified workforce in the field of science and technology for the region.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/usth-ngoi-truong-dai-hoc-cong-lap-dam-dau-an-phap-giua-long-ha-noi-20250722163943706.htm