FPT University always puts STEM education at the center of development (Photo: nhandan.vn)

The policy aligns with Politburo Resolution 57, which identifies three priority areas for breakthrough development – science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Students who enroll in basic sciences, essential engineering, and strategic technology will be supported with scholarships to help build a skilled workforce.

Deputy Minister Pham Ngoc Thuong said the Ministry has focused on STEM education in recent years: “90% of universities in Vietnam offer training in STEM fields. Last year, enrollment in STEM programs increased 10.6 % or 60,000 students. STEM enrollment this year was 218,000, accounting for 36% of all university students nationwide.”

The number of postgraduate students in STEM has also seen substantial growth. The number of Master’s students rose 34% to 20,000 and the number of PhD candidates rose 33% to 4,000.

Despite these positive trends, the number of STEM students in Vietnam remains relatively low, around 27-31%, compared to 46% in Singapore, 50% in Malaysia, 33% in South Korea, and 39% in Germany. This shows the urgent need for Vietnam to scale up both the quantity and pace of STEM education and training.

In addition to the upcoming decree on scholarships, the Ministry of Education and Training is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to draft a Prime Minister decision on loan policies specifically for STEM students. These efforts aim to prepare a skilled workforce for Vietnam’s rapidly growing high-tech sectors.