A delegation from Le Quy Don Technical University (LQDTU) in Vietnam visited Korea Aerospace University (KAU) on October 8 for the third time to discuss expanding cooperation in education, academic exchanges, military technology, and the defense industry.

Based in Hanoi, LQDTU is a national university specializing in engineering education and research, including aerospace and mechanical engineering.

The four-member delegation was led by Acting President Nguyen Hong Phuong and included senior officials responsible for staff training, international cooperation, and cybersecurity research. KAU President Heo Hee-young, Director of External Relations Kim Sang-woo, and Distinguished Professor Lee Jin-sang also attended the meeting.

The two universities signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in December last year to promote academic exchanges and joint research. During a second visit in May, they discussed exchange student programs, short-term research opportunities, and training for university administrative staff.

Building on these discussions, the universities explored plans to invite 12 faculty members from LQDTU to KAU for a short-term training program in November.

Student exchanges are also expected to begin in 2027. For undergraduate applicants, the universities are considering a pathway that includes approximately six months of Korean language study in Vietnam, followed by one year at KAU’s Korean Language Education Center. Students would then be eligible to apply for undergraduate programs after obtaining the required score on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK).

For graduate programs, students may choose between English- and Korean-taught tracks, depending on their academic backgrounds and qualifications. The universities are also exploring opportunities to send Vietnamese students to KAU through Vietnam’s government-funded scholarship programs.

The meeting also covered cooperation in military technology and the defense industry. KAU proposed holding a joint academic conference to share research findings and discuss military technology policies in both countries. The university also proposed inviting LQDTU representatives to the opening ceremony of the K-Defense Aerospace Research Institute at KINTEX on December 10. Further cooperation with the Embassy of Vietnam in Korea is also being considered.

“Beyond educational and student exchanges, we discussed various ways to expand academic and research cooperation in military technology and the defense industry,” said KAU President Heo Hee-young. “We will continue to build lasting partnerships and work toward tangible results in international cooperation.”

During their visit, the delegation toured KAU’s aviation facilities, including the A300 aircraft on campus, the simulated air traffic control training room, and the Flight Training Center. They also learned about the university’s aviation education programs, practical training facilities, and research infrastructure.