In 1959, the Water Resources University was built with the help of the Chinese workers and engineers. The Vietnamese government had many resolution and policies to encourage universities to join to the world. And the Water Resources University took advantages much of these policies to enhance its own image from friends and partners around the world. Specialists from organizations and foreign countries came to Water Resources University to open short courses and seminas. Information technology was also transferred to the university with the aids of foreign specialists.
In 1980s, the disappearance of many social countries caused many difficulties in the international cooperation. The Water Resources University set new relationship with many countries in Asia, North America. It also reestablished the relationship with China, which was corrupted by Vietnamese-Chinese War.
India, France, Holland, Thailand had cooperated with Water Resources University. There were many teachers, engineers, and workers coming from these countries to Water Resources University. Teachers and engineers of Water Resources University were also sent to some of these countries to study and work.
Water Resources University also helped to educate good foreign students from Lao and Cambodia. These foreign alumni are now in key position in these countries.