Business · Vietnam Bureau
Vietnam scales up marine education to build stronger maritime workforce
Vietnam is expanding maritime training programs to support its growing ocean economy, with enrollment in marine-related disciplines expected to surge nearly 19 percent in 2026. Education officials say building a skilled workforce is critical to advancing the nation's maritime ambitions.
LSN Vietnam ·
Vietnam's higher education system is ramping up efforts to train specialists for the marine sector, recognizing that human capital development is essential to unlocking the country's maritime potential. According to Nguyen Tien Thao, Director General of the Higher Education Department under the Ministry of Education and Training, thirteen institutions currently offer programs related to marine resources and the blue economy.
Enrollment numbers reflect growing momentum in the sector. In 2026, forty-four marine-related disciplines are expected to accept students, representing an 18.9 percent increase from 2025 levels. The number of successful applicants is projected to reach 5,153, up 16.1 percent year-on-year, signaling rising interest among Vietnamese students in maritime careers.
Despite the positive growth trajectory, education officials acknowledge that the current scale of training remains constrained. Expanding capacity across more institutions and developing specialized programs tailored to industry needs will be necessary to meet the demands of Vietnam's developing marine economy and support broader national goals of strengthening maritime competitiveness.
The push for marine workforce development comes as Vietnam seeks to position itself as a strong maritime nation, with recent forums emphasizing the importance of skilled personnel across shipping, fisheries, renewable energy, and ocean-based industries. Analysts note that investment in education and vocational training will be pivotal to realizing this vision.