This initiative is part of the "project to send Vietnamese citizens to study in the Russian Federation, China, Eastern European countries, and former Soviet Union countries from 2026-2035," approved by the government yesterday. The project aims to train high-quality human resources, prioritizing sectors where these nations excel.

Over the next 5 years, approximately 1,500 candidates are expected to be sent annually under both agreement-based scholarships (agreements between Vietnam and other countries) and non-agreement scholarships. Of these, 1,000 will study in Russia, and 500 in the remaining countries. These figures may change depending on the number of scholarships offered by foreign partners, actual demand, and the state budget.

Personnel will be trained across all fields relevant to Vietnam's needs. Priority sectors include: defense, security, high technology, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, quantum technology, blockchain, energy technology, advanced materials, rare earth technology, oceanography, subsurface exploration, aerospace technology, the semiconductor industry, energy, nuclear technology, railway, biotechnology, medicine and pharmacy, and law.

Scholarships are available for most educational levels, including short-term courses, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs (master's and doctoral). Undergraduate scholarships are specifically for first-year students with strong high school academic records, who are also ethnic minorities, from impoverished households, children of martyrs, residents of mountainous or island regions, or children of diplomatic officials serving at Vietnamese representative agencies in the host country.

High school students and first-year university students who have won awards in provincial, city, national, or international academic competitions, as well as art or sports competitions, are also eligible for these scholarships.

For master's and doctoral levels, candidates include civil servants, public employees, and workers in state agencies or educational institutions. Also eligible are those who graduated with an excellent undergraduate degree or a master's degree with a grade of 8/10 or higher, or an equivalent qualification.

Scholarships at both these levels are also open to candidates nominated by ministries, sectors, localities, and state-owned enterprises. The enrollment period will begin in 2026.

Illustration: HSE

In 2025, 18 countries signed educational cooperation agreements with Vietnam, with Russia offering the most scholarships, totaling 1,000.

The host countries will waive tuition fees, provide monthly living expenses, and dormitory accommodation. Vietnam will cover round-trip airfare, travel expenses, passport and visa fees, and health insurance. Vietnam will also compensate for any shortfall in living expenses, ranging from 84 to 480 USD per month, if the host country's support is insufficient.

Duong Tam