Brian Jeffrey
The Department of Education and Training (DOET) in Ho Chi Minh City is planning to eliminate tuition fees for all students starting from the academic year 2025-2026. This initiative commemorates the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and the country’s reunification.
A draft resolution has been prepared that aims to exempt preschool to high school students, including those in both public and private institutions, as well as continuing education programs. The goal is to reduce financial challenges for families and enhance educational access for children in the city.
The estimated budget for this initiative in the 2025-2026 school year is VND 338 billion. Of this amount, VND 277 billion is designated for students in public schools, while VND 61 billion will assist students in non-public schools.
The proposed waivers would adhere to the tuition structure for public preschools and high schools as outlined in Resolution No. 12/2024/NQ-HĐND, passed by the People’s Council of Ho Chi Minh City on July 16, 2024. This resolution sets the tuition rates for public educational institutions that are not yet fully self-sustaining.
Support will be allocated according to current fee categories and will be divided into two groups:
Group 1: Students from urban areas, specifically in districts such as Thu Duc City and Districts 1 through 12, including Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Go Vap, Tan Binh, Tan Phu, and Binh Tan.
Group 2: Students residing in rural districts, including Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi, Nha Be, and Can Gio.
This policy is designed to provide equal educational opportunities, ensuring that both urban and rural students can benefit from these fee waivers.
Le Huyen
