Vietnam Launches Free Education for All Public Schools

Picture courtesy of VN Express

Vietnam has taken a significant step by eliminating tuition fees for public education from preschool through high school. This policy, approved by the National Assembly, is effective immediately and is seen as a major move towards providing universal education to every child in Vietnam.

The new initiative ensures that all students in public preschools, primary, and secondary schools, as well as those in continuing education programs, will no longer pay tuition fees. Even students attending private or independent schools will benefit, receiving government subsidies determined by local authorities. These subsidies will match the tuition amounts charged by schools, but won't exceed them.

The policy applies to Vietnamese citizens and people of Vietnamese descent living in the country, regardless of their citizenship status. The government aims to ease financial burdens on families and express its commitment to future generations.

General Secretary To Lam highlighted the government's dedication to education, calling universal schooling a "core national mission" at a National Assembly session. The plan will gradually roll out, starting with free primary education and eventually covering all academic levels. Besides waiving tuition, the government plans to support students with free meals and other assistance.

The Politburo approved the plan on February 28, 2025, after a feasibility study confirmed Vietnam's financial capacity to support the initiative. This effort aligns with a broader strategy to modernize the national political system.

Vietnam's public education system currently caters to around 23 million children and teenagers. Implementing this free tuition policy is estimated to cost VND30.6 trillion (US$1.2 billion) annually.

For the 2025–2026 school year, VND22.5 trillion will go towards waiving tuition for 5-year-olds, primary, and lower secondary students. An additional VND8.2 trillion will be required to cover all educational levels fully.

This policy not only aims to provide education for all but also to enhance the country's educational standards and support students throughout their schooling years.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-27