For the 2025-2026 academic year, students in public schools from preschool through high school will be exempted from tuition fees - a major relief for millions of families, particularly those with low to middle incomes.

Nguyen Thu Thao, a mother of three children in grades 2, 4, and 8 in Hanoi, shared that in previous years, tuition alone cost about 500,000 VND (around $20) per child per month. “While that may not seem like much to some, when combined with expenses for textbooks, uniforms, and lunch programs, it becomes a significant burden - especially for families with multiple children like mine,” she said.

Hanoi is also offering additional support by subsidizing student lunch meals, with daily assistance ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 VND (about $0.80 to $1.20) per student.

For Thao, these new policies are practical and meaningful: “Any cost we don’t have to cover is welcome. It eases our financial pressure. With that saved money, I can invest in my children’s language classes, extracurricular activities, or even improve their nutrition. Education today isn't just about textbooks; it's about developing physical and emotional well-being too.”

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First-grade students in Hanoi during the 2024-2025 school year opening ceremony. Photo: Pham Hai

Thao’s joy is echoed by many other parents. Nguyen Thanh Hien, a factory worker from Hung Yen working in Binh Duong, explained that because she and her husband work far from home, their children live with their grandparents. Each month, she must cover not only daily living costs but also schooling expenses for two children.

“Tuition fees weren’t very high, but they weren’t the only costs,” Hien said. “As laborers, we’re grateful for any reduction. The money saved can go toward reference books or skill-based learning.”

Nguyen Mai Loan from Hanoi added that while tuition accounts for only a small portion of a student’s total expenses, the policy reflects genuine state concern for education. “This school year feels special, especially in the capital,” she said. “Free tuition and subsidized lunches give parents peace of mind and renewed trust in the system. These are humane policies that show the government’s commitment to the next generation.”

Removing the burden of tuition allows families to better care for their children

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Free tuition applies to children in public preschools and schools. Photo: Thach Thao

According to the Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam currently has around 23.2 million students. The estimated national budget needed to implement the tuition-free and subsidized meal policy from preschool to grade 12 is approximately 30 trillion VND (around $1.2 billion).

Hoang Thi Trinh, a primary school teacher in Hung Yen, said that alongside the usual excitement of a new academic year, this new tuition policy brought widespread joy. “It breaks down economic barriers, allowing every child a fair shot at education and reducing dropout risks. It reassures us that education is truly a right for all children,” she said.

Dr. Nguyen Tung Lam, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Educational Psychology, emphasized that this policy not only offers direct financial relief - especially for low- and middle-income families - but also contributes to a more equitable and sustainable society.

“This is a step toward an inclusive education system where all students, regardless of background, can access quality learning. Over time, this will reduce disparities across social classes. Without the worry of fees, students can better focus on learning, improving academic performance and reducing dropouts. It’s a humane and progressive policy that reflects the nation’s rising aspirations,” Dr. Lam noted.

At the end of June 2025, the 15th National Assembly passed a resolution mandating tuition waivers and subsidies throughout Vietnam’s national education system. The policy applies to children in public preschools and schools, as well as students in private institutions offering general education programs.

For private schools, the government will provide tuition assistance determined by local provincial councils, based on a fee framework set by the central government. However, support will not exceed the tuition charged by the private institution itself.

Thuy Nga