One policy, high expectations

DTO/NDO- The Government’s issuance of Decree No.179/2026/ND-CP, which establishes a scholarship policy for students pursuing studies in basic sciences, key engineering disciplines and strategic technologies (Decree No. 179), has attracted widespread attention from higher education institutions, experts and students alike.

The decree is regarded as a significant step forward as Viet Nam accelerates the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, while addressing the urgent need to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting the country's socio-economic development in the new era.

Under Decree No.179, students enrolled in 15 groups of academic disciplines covering basic sciences, key engineering fields and strategic technologies will be eligible for scholarships from undergraduate to doctoral level. The policy applies to students admitted from 2025 onwards, with scholarship payments commencing on 1 September 2026. Monthly scholarships range from 3.7 million VND to 8.4 million VND, depending on the level of study and field of training. Notably, the scheme is being introduced at a time when STEM education in schools is showing encouraging progress.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, the total number of subject selections in STEM-related disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Informatics, Industrial Technology and Agricultural Technology, reached 771,083 in 2026, an increase of 65,310 compared with 2025, representing year-on-year growth of 9.25%. These figures reflect students' growing interest in science, technology and innovation, providing a positive signal for the development of high-quality human resources amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

For many families, particularly those in disadvantaged areas, the cost of higher education remains a decisive factor when choosing both a field of study and an institution. The scholarship policy is therefore expected to ease financial pressures, enabling students to pursue studies in basic sciences, key engineering disciplines and strategic technologies with greater confidence.

Beyond financial support, education experts believe the policy's greatest long-term impact will be its ability to reshape students' motivations and academic choices. By committing public resources to these disciplines, the Government is sending a clear message that they are national priorities for future development.

However, the gap between enjoying a subject at school and committing to it as a lifelong career remains considerable. Consequently, scholarships alone will not be sufficient to attract and retain talent in basic sciences, key engineering disciplines and strategic technologies. Universities must continue modernising their curricula by adopting interdisciplinary approaches aligned with scientific and technological advances, expanding practical training opportunities, and investing in laboratories and research facilities to enable students to participate more actively in scientific research.

In addition, it is crucial to strengthen the academic workforce, expand research networks and deepen international cooperation, thereby creating a high-quality learning and research environment. Universities should also accelerate digital transformation in governance to improve educational quality in line with regional and international standards, while fostering a culture that values creativity, collaboration and shared responsibility between lecturers and students.

Alongside universities' efforts, businesses must become more deeply involved in education through scholarships, internships, commissioned research and recruitment. Early exposure to real working environments enables students not only to strengthen their professional skills but also to develop a clearer vision of their future careers. 

Experience shows that stable employment opportunities, professional working environments and clear career prospects are among the most influential factors shaping students' academic choices. This underscores the importance of further strengthening partnerships between universities and industry in the years ahead.

Viewed from this perspective, Decree No.179 not only is a financial assistance policy but also represents an important step towards building a highly qualified scientific and technological workforce for Viet Nam. As financial support is complemented by reforms in education, stronger industry engagement and improved career opportunities, the attractiveness of basic sciences, key engineering disciplines and strategic technologies will continue to grow, laying a solid foundation for the country's sustainable development.

A well-designed scholarship scheme may encourage young people to pursue demanding disciplines and research-intensive careers. Yet retaining them on that journey requires much more than financial assistance. It requires a comprehensive talent development ecosystem in which learners are empowered to study, conduct research, innovate and contribute, and where talent is recognised, nurtured and put to effective use.

(Source: NDO)