Founded on April 1, 1956, as a vocational school, Vietnam Maritime University (VMU) was established to educate and train maritime experts and scientists for the nation’s seaward economy. With a rich history of nearly 70 years, the University has made significant contributions to the transportation industry as well as the national economy and defense. VMU has been producing over 45,000 graduates, including over 35,000 maritime officers and seafarers who serve the maritime industry. Many of them are playing importants roles at government bodies, enterprises, and other organizations.
Currently, Vietnam Maritime University is educating 50 programs at undergraduate level, 17 programs at master level and 8 programs at doctorate level with total number of more than 20,000 students. The University has almost 1,000 lecturers and staffs, in which, there are 45 professors and associate professors, 232 D.Sc & PhD., over 500 MSc, as well as hundreds of experienced captains, chief engineers, maritime officers and seafarers.
In the context that our University has been selected by the Vietnamese Government to be developed into a National Key University in the duration from 2026 - 2030, with a vision toward 2050, Vietnam Maritime University has progressively affirmed its position as a leading educational and training institution contributing significantly and comprehensively to the development of the transportation sector, the national economy, and national defense and security.
Mission
As a key national university that provides high-quality human resource training, conducts scientific research, and transfers advanced technology to support the strategy for sea-ward economic development, national building and defense, and international integration.
Vision
By 2030, achieve a level comparable to maritime universities in developed countries within the Asia-Pacific region, training high-quality, dynamic, creative, and adaptable human resources to various working environments; researching, experimental testing new technologies, and providing reputable and high-quality products in fields related to the sea-ward economic, both domestically and internationally.
By 2045, become a smart university, a national center for scientific research, technology transfer, and services in the field of sea-ward economics.
Achievements
VMU has received various noble awards: the Ho Chi Minh Medal, the Title of Labour Hero, the Independent Medal, the Title of Hero of the People's Armed Forces, as well as many other noble titles
Featured historical milestones:
- On April 1st, 1956: The Vocational School of Navigation was established, located at the Hai Phong Ice Plant
- In 1959, the school was upgraded to the Nautical Vocational School, located at No. 5, Ben Binh, Hai Phong
- On July 7th, 1976: The Ministry of Transport decided to establish the Maritime University by upgrading the Nautical School
- On March 2nd, 1984: The Waterway University Transport University was merged into Maritime University
- In July 2013: The Prime Minister decided to rename Vietnam Maritime University
- In 2022: Vietnam Maritime University was officially recognized as a National Key University focused on research and training for sustainable sea-ward economic development.