The government has officially implemented Decree No. 179/2026/ND-CP, marking a paradigm shift in providing educational support. While assistance was previously channelled through institutions, the government now provides direct scholarships to students pursuing studies in basic sciences, major engineering fields, and strategic technologies. Effective from July 15, this policy targets high-achieving students ranking in the top 30 percent of their respective fields.
This strategic move is part of the government's major efforts to expand the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) ecosystem. Data from the Ministry of Education and Training shows that there are currently around 771,475 students pursuing STEM disciplines. An ambitious target has been set to increase the proportion of students in this sector to 35 percent by 2030, in order to address global innovation challenges and future industrial needs.
The financial support provided ranges from 3.7 to 5.5 million VND per month, depending on the program enrolled in. For 2026, the government has allocated a budget of approximately 1.3 trillion VND, which is expected to reach 30,000 students. Several prominent universities, such as Hanoi University of Science and Technology and the National Economics University, have integrated this program into their digital university development strategies and innovation ecosystems.
Education experts have welcomed this step positively, while emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach. Beyond awarding scholarships, investment in laboratory infrastructure and the enhancement of teaching staff quality are deemed crucial to ensure that basic sciences remain relevant to industry needs. This focus on fundamental disciplines is viewed as a vital foundation for the younger generation to master strategic technologies that will serve as the backbone of national economic development in the future.
