Rapid urban growth is a common phenomenon in most developing countries. Classical planning approaches and investment projects were given priority in the past, while management and maintenance aspects were often neglected. Since 1980 the University of Technology of Compiégne has organised an annual 9-month professional training programme (GTU) in Technical Urban Management for technical and administrative urban staff from developing countries. This article deals with such aspects as background philosophy and programme content and tries to evaluate the experience of the nine sessions organised so far.