Ho Chi Minh City to Pilot Free Textbook Loan Program from 2026-2027

Ho Chi Minh City is set to pilot a free textbook loan program from the 2026-2027 academic year, a crucial step towards the nationwide rollout of the policy scheduled for the 2029–2030 school year. This initiative aims to ensure that all students can access textbooks without financial barriers, thereby promoting educational equity. Localities with sufficient budget capacity are encouraged to introduce the scheme earlier. Priority will be given to border areas, islands, ethnic minority and mountainous regions, and areas facing particularly difficult socio-economic conditions. This aligns with the government's social welfare policies under Vietnam's one-party system, focusing on strengthening educational support for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and rural areas. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the Vietnam Education Publishing House (VEPH) plans to print approximately 160.8 million copies of textbooks. This includes a reserve of 2–3% to manage unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or unexpected demand, demonstrating the government's commitment to the stable operation of the education system. The free textbook policy reflects a visionary and strategic approach to national education in the face of global transformations, particularly the growing influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence that are redefining education worldwide. Vietnam, while experiencing rapid economic growth, is increasingly investing in its education sector to nurture future generations and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage. Information source: VietnamPlus English