Brian Jeffrey
The Vietnam National University (VNU) has made a decision to allocate tasks and provide financial assistance amounting to VND18.35 billion for the academic year 2025-2026. This funding aims to boost training, research, and talent development in fundamental sciences at the University of Science, enhancing its existing initiatives.
As part of this resolution, the University of Natural Sciences is appointed to spearhead programs focused on education, research, and nurturing talent, emphasizing direct support for students, graduates, doctoral candidates, and faculty members.
To foster talent among undergraduate science students, the university intends to offer additional admission scholarships of VND5 million for five-month durations and various allowances, effectively doubling the current financial support for academic scholarships and faculty assistance.
The institution will strengthen its research and training in fundamental sciences through policies that grant exceptional student scholarships of VND10 million per award over ten months, along with VND500 million allocated per discipline for research, internships, and hands-on training for students in basic sciences.
Moreover, VNU will extend financial resources to the University of Science specifically aimed at supporting the High School for Gifted Students in Natural Sciences in preparing for national competition teams and providing logistical aid for international Olympiads.
Postgraduate education and research will also receive a boost, with funding designated for scholarships to alleviate tuition costs for master’s degree learners (VND50 million per award annually) and VND30 million for master’s students, facilitating the growth of a talented young research community.
Additionally, VNU is designating VND500 million each year for tuition scholarships within the VNU12+ talent incubation initiative, promoting the identification and development of high school talent. In addition to supporting faculty in the VNU12+ program, VNU will back research efforts by both lecturers and students involved in this initiative.
Earlier, during a session on June 6 with the University of Science, VNU Director Le Quan stressed that fostering basic sciences is a vital strategic goal and a distinctive characteristic of both the University of Science and VNU as a whole.
By prioritizing sustainable academic growth, the university aims to enhance technological expertise and solidify its academic reputation. VNU has pledged to cultivate a nurturing environment and supply resources to accomplish these objectives.
Furthermore, VNU has instructed the University of Science to swiftly create a development plan for basic sciences for the period 2026-2031, pinpointing critical areas for investment, elite training, and the attraction of top-tier scientists.
The university is required to finalize three significant proposals: enhancing the High School for Gifted Students in Science, cultivating elite scientists, and advancing basic science fields tailored to specific domains.
