To provide outstanding graduates of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) with the opportunity to receive scholarships for master’s programs in South Korea and to lay the groundwork for a long-term collaboration in education and research, HCMUTE organized a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with two prestigious South Korean universities: the University of Ulsan (UoU) and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) on the morning of October 24, 2024, at the meeting room I of HCMUTE. 

Representing HCMUTE at the signing were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hieu Giang – Acting President, alongside other university leaders and faculty from various faculties and office including  faculty of Mechanical Engineering, faculty of Vehicle and Energy Engineering, faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, faculty of Information Technology, faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Applied Sciences, faculty of International Education  and the Office of International Affairs. Attending on behalf of the South Korean universities were Mr. Chiwoon Cho – Vice President of UoU, Mr. Sung Chul Bae – Vice President of UNIST, and other representatives.

Representatives from HCMUTE, UoU, and UNIST at the signing ceremony

Under the MOU, UoU and UNIST will jointly offer degrees to HCMUTE graduates who meet the academic requirements of both institutions. The master's program spans two years and two months, beginning with a two-month Korean language course before the main curriculum starts. The program will focus on key future industries, with instruction conducted in English to accommodate international students.

Joint Master's Programs between UoU and UNIST

HCMUTE representative signing the MOU with representatives from UoU and UNIST

To attract top international talents, UoU and UNIST will provide generous scholarships, with approximately five HCMUTE students expected to benefit. These scholarships will cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and partial living expenses. Furthermore, UoU and UNIST will offer employment opportunities to high-achieving students, helping them secure positions with South Korean companies after graduation, opening doors to promising career prospects.

Previously, in September 2023, HCMUTE signed an MOU with UoU and UNIST to offer master's training programs in future industries for HCMUTE graduates. These graduates are recommended by HCMUTE for admission to these prestigious master's programs. The programs follow a 1+1 model, with students completing their first year online and continuing with in-person studies in Ulsan, South Korea, during the second year. This flexible approach not only facilitates online learning but also provides students with the chance to experience South Korea's advanced educational environment firsthand.

HCMUTE representative presenting a souvenir to UoU representative

HCMUTE representative presenting a souvenir to UNIST representative

Training in future industries equips students with cutting-edge expertise and essential skills to meet the demands of the modern workforce while contributing to sustainable economic development. Fields such as health sciences, next-generation battery technology, and carbon-neutral technologies are rapidly growing and have enormous potential for the future, particularly in the context of the global green transition and climate change mitigation. 

Being trained in these high-demand areas in a country known for its technological advancements and healthcare innovation, like South Korea, provides students with access to advanced technologies, attractive job opportunities, and bright career prospects. South Korea, with its significant investment in research and development in sectors such as next-generation batteries, carbon-neutral technologies, and health sciences, has become a global center for innovation. Students studying there will benefit from learning under top experts, participating in hands-on research projects, and experiencing a professional and cutting-edge working environment.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE) is dedicated to actively promoting this scholarship opportunity to its students and nominating top candidates to UoU and UNIST. The selection process will be handled by the two Korean universities, ensuring a thorough evaluation and the identification of the most qualified applicants.

Reported by Thanh Nhi
Photos by Huu Nghia