Vietnam Launches Initiative to Send 1,500 Students Abroad for AI and Semiconductor Studies

Vietnam Launches Ambitious Program to Send 1,500 Students Abroad Annually

Vietnam is set to launch a major initiative aimed at sending approximately 1,500 students abroad each year. This government-backed program focuses on strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defense, and medicine. The plan is part of a national proposal approved by the government on December 10, with the goal of training high-quality human resources. The initiative will run from 2026 to 2035, targeting countries such as Russia, China, Eastern Europe, and former Soviet states.

The program emphasizes disciplines where these countries have established strengths. Under the scheme, about 1,000 students are expected to study in Russia annually, with the remaining 500 sent to other partner countries. The total number may vary depending on scholarship quotas offered by host governments, domestic demand, and Vietnam’s state budget.

Priority Fields for the Program

The list of priority fields includes:

• Defense and security
• Artificial intelligence
• Cloud computing
• Quantum technology
• Blockchain
• Energy technology
• Advanced materials
• Rare-earth technology
• Aviation and aerospace
• Semiconductors
• Nuclear technology
• Railways
• Biotechnology
• Medicine and pharmaceuticals
• Law

These areas reflect the growing importance of science, technology, and innovation in global development. By focusing on these fields, Vietnam aims to build a skilled workforce that can contribute to the country's economic and technological advancement.

Scholarship Opportunities

Scholarships will be available at multiple levels, including short-term training, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. Undergraduate scholarships will focus on first-year students with strong academic records, particularly those from ethnic minority groups, low-income households, families of fallen soldiers, mountainous or island areas, or children of Vietnamese diplomats stationed abroad.

In addition, high school students and first-year university students who have won awards at provincial, national, or international academic competitions, as well as arts or sports contests, will also be eligible.

For master's and doctoral programs, candidates include civil servants, public employees, staff at educational institutions, and graduates with excellent academic results, including those with a GPA of at least 8 out of 10 or an equivalent standard. Ministries, local authorities, and state-owned enterprises may also nominate candidates.

Implementation Timeline and International Cooperation

Admissions for the program are scheduled to begin in 2026. As of 2025, Vietnam has education cooperation agreements with 18 countries, with Russia offering the largest number of scholarships at 1,000 slots.

Host countries will waive tuition fees and provide monthly living allowances and dormitory accommodation. Vietnam will cover round-trip airfare, travel expenses, passport and visa fees, and health insurance. Additionally, the country will supplement living costs by $84–480 per month if support from host countries falls short.

This initiative reflects Vietnam’s commitment to investing in its future through international education and collaboration. By leveraging the expertise of partner countries, the program aims to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce capable of driving the nation’s progress in key industries.