More than 122,000 candidates dropped out of their applications: University tuition fees exceed what parents can afford
As someone interested in Vietnamese education, writer Hoang Anh Tu spoke with Dan Viet newspaper reporters about the fact that more than 122,000 students passed the university entrance exam but dropped out. According to Tu, part of the reason is that tuition fees exceed the amount their parents can afford.
"In the past, our generation, passing the university entrance exam was treated by parents and the whole village, the whole family, but nowadays, passing the university entrance exam is easier than passing the 10th grade in big cities. Just looking at the transcript is enough to pass, a graduation exam score above 5 is welcomed by all schools, IELTS only needs 5.0 plus a good transcript to become a student. But the path from passing the university entrance exam to becoming a student is getting harder and harder. Like this year, more than 122,000 candidates passed the university entrance exam but dropped out. Like last year, it was similar.
There could be many reasons why students drop out of school, but one of them is… finances. A survey of 110 universities found that tuition fees for new students this school year range from 10.6 to 250 million VND per year, with an average of around 20-35 million VND.
Candidates taking the 2024 Ministry of Public Security's competency assessment exam. Photo: Tao Nga
To survive in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, on average, you need about 10 million VND/month for tuition, food, accommodation, gas, internet, etc. That is probably the reason why many students have to give up their path to becoming students because it is beyond the financial capacity of many families.
Becoming a university student is a dream and even for many, the only goal for a future. Because out there, people still value degrees, still require a university degree. Not to mention the popularization of university makes children who do not go to university feel out of place compared to their friends. But do you really need to try so hard to get into university by emptying your parents' pockets?
We have a mechanism for students who are poor, near-poor or have financial difficulties due to unexpected situations to borrow money for studying, but the maximum is 4 million VND per month. This level is not enough for them.
The road from passing the university entrance exam to becoming a student is really a long one for many children who have not yet earned money and still have to rely on their parents' sweat. Is it necessary for them to become students at all costs?
Solutions for candidates if economic conditions do not allow
Talking to Dan Viet newspaper reporter, Mr. Pham Quoc Toan, Head of the Natural Science Group, Deputy Head of the Professional Department of Huynh Thuc Khang High School, Thanh Xuan District, Hanoi, said: "In my opinion, there are two reasons why candidates worry about being admitted to university. The first is that the school's tuition is too high (usually private schools) and the second is that they are admitted to schools that candidates do not like. In addition, a small part of the students are studying abroad so they only register for admission to complete the procedures. In particular, the tuition fee factor also makes candidates hesitate a lot because when registering their wishes, it is up to the candidate to choose, but the financial decision is up to their parents."
According to Master Pham Thai Son, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center, new students can consider the following solutions to continue studying if economic conditions do not allow it:
1. Students should learn about scholarships and financial aid programs offered by the university or outside organizations. Many universities have scholarship programs for students with difficult circumstances, helping to reduce financial pressure.
2. Some banks or credit institutions offer loans with preferential interest rates for students. This helps students cover their immediate study costs and repay the debt after graduation and employment.
3. In particular, students can look for part-time jobs to earn extra income. These jobs not only help cover part of the tuition fees but also help students accumulate work experience and skills.
4. You should choose to study according to a flexible program, postpone some subjects to reduce the burden of tuition fees in a certain semester, and extend your study time.
5. If new students are policy beneficiaries, children of families with revolutionary contributions, have a poor household registration book, or other special cases, they may be considered for tuition exemption or reduction according to state or school regulations.
And new students can contact charities, student support funds or the community to seek financial help. This can further train new students in better life skills."
Source: https://danviet.vn/tuyen-sinh-dai-hoc-nam-2024-do-de-nhung-hoc-kho-20240831132731787.htm
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