The move, passed by the National Assembly on Thursday, takes effect immediately and marks a major step toward universal education for every Vietnamese child.

First graders at a school year opening ceremony at the Dinh Tien Hoang Primary School in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Under the new policy, all students enrolled in public preschools, primary schools, secondary schools and continuing education programs will no longer have to pay tuition.

Students attending private or independent schools will also receive government subsidies, with the amount determined by local authorities based on national guidelines. These subsidies must not exceed the actual tuition charged by the schools.

The policy applies to Vietnamese citizens and individuals of Vietnamese descent living in Vietnam, even if they have not obtained full citizenship.

Officials say the goal is not just to reduce financial pressure on families, but to demonstrate the State’s responsibility toward future generations.

General Secretary To Lam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to education during a National Assembly session in late 2024, calling universal schooling a "core national mission."

He said the plan will be rolled out step by step, beginning with free primary education and expanding to include higher levels. In addition to tuition waivers, the government also plans to support students with free meals and other aid.

The Politburo officially signed off on the plan on Feb. 28, 2025, following a feasibility study that confirmed the country's financial readiness. The initiative followed a broader push to modernize and streamline the national political system.

Vietnam's public education system currently serves around 23 million children and teenagers. The total cost of implementing the free tuition policy is estimated at VND30.6 trillion (US$1.2 billion) annually.

For the 2025–2026 school year, VND22.5 trillion will go toward waiving tuition for 5-year-olds, primary schoolers and lower secondary students. An additional VND8.2 trillion will be needed to expand full coverage across all levels.

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