Ho Chi Minh City proposes up to 630 million VND in support for teachers pursuing master's and doctoral degrees

Teachers and lecturers could receive approximately 160-637 million VND in support to advance their qualifications, pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in key sectors, according to a proposal from the People's Committee.

Ho Chi Minh City is proposing substantial financial support, ranging from more than 159 million VND to 637,2 million VND, for its teachers, lecturers, and educational administrators. This initiative, part of a draft Resolution by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee (HCMC PC), aims to elevate professional qualifications through master's, doctoral, and short-term courses, particularly in key sectors vital for the city's development.

The proposal, detailed in the draft Resolution on policies to encourage and support learning, research, and tuition fees for key fields, sectors, and occupations, targets educators and management staff, including principals and vice-principals, across educational institutions in the city. The support is designed to help them enhance their academic qualifications.

Key sectors, professions, and fields are identified based on three main pillars: Ho Chi Minh City's socio-economic development strategy; the planning and network of educational institutions; and the city's human resource needs. This list will be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure relevance.

The support level is calculated based on region one's minimum monthly wage. At the current rate of 5,31 million VND (subject to annual adjustment), the projected support amounts are:

Program Supported	Expected Support Level (Region one minimum wage is 5,31 million VND)	Amount (million VND)
Domestic Master's	30 times	159,3
Domestic Doctorate	60 times	318,6
Domestic Short-term	Maximum 10 times	53,1
Overseas Master's	60 times	318,6
Overseas Doctorate	120 times	637,2
Overseas Short-term	Maximum 30 times	159,3

Additionally, the administration proposes support for educators conducting scientific research related to commissioned projects in key fields and sectors. This support ranges from two to 15 times region one's minimum wage, equivalent to 10,62 million VND to almost 80 million VND.

Recipients of the support must be appointed or selected by competent agencies or units. For master's studies, female candidates must be no older than 40, and male candidates no older than 42. For doctoral studies, the age limits are 45 for women and 47 for men, respectively.

After completing their studies, recipients must work in HCMC for at least two to five years, depending on the program. They are also required to join the city's expert network and perform professional duties when assigned. Should they drop out, fail to complete the program, or violate their commitment, the educators must repay the received funds.

Explaining the proposal, the drafting committee stated that the city is transitioning towards a digital economy, knowledge economy, and high-quality service sectors. This shift creates a significant demand for deeply specialized human resources. However, training costs, especially in new and specialized fields, can become a barrier for educators.

This support for learning and research aims to help educators gain quicker access to new knowledge, technology, and methods, thereby improving the quality of training and research capabilities in areas crucial to the city.