Vietnam to Offer Monthly Scholarships Up to VND 5.5 Million for STEM Students

The Vietnamese government is expanding its scholarship program to cultivate top talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields crucial for the nation's future, particularly in semiconductors, key technologies, and strategic technologies. Under this new policy, students at eligible universities can receive monthly scholarships ranging from VND 3.7 million to VND 5.5 million (approximately USD 150-230). This scholarship initiative, implemented under Government Decree 179, offers VND 4.5 million per month for students in semiconductor and basic science fields, and VND 3.7 million for those in key and strategic technology sectors. Students enrolled in talent programs within these disciplines will receive VND 5.5 million monthly. The Ministry of Education and Training estimates that approximately 30,000-32,000 new university students in STEM fields will benefit from this scholarship program this year. In Ho Chi Minh City, six universities offer programs eligible for this scholarship, with a total of 29 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs selected. University representatives believe this scholarship policy will significantly influence students' choices. Vietnam has seen a rising number of university applicants, with growing interest in STEM fields. For the 2024 university admissions cycle, over 875,000 candidates submitted nearly 7.18 million applications, with more than 53.5% (over 467,000) choosing STEM disciplines. This scholarship scheme is considered a strategic move by Vietnam to enhance its global competitiveness in advanced technology sectors, including the semiconductor industry, and to further accelerate economic growth. The government aims to develop domestic industries in these strategic areas by securing and nurturing skilled human resources.