Tuition fees increase, students hope schools increase scholarships

The tuition fee increase will vary depending on the level of autonomy and each training sector. Specifically, public universities that have not yet covered their own regular expenses (not yet autonomous) will have a maximum tuition fee of VND12-24.5 million/year (10-month school year) in the 2023-2024 school year. Compared to the previous school year, the tuition fee will increase by VND2.2-10.2 million depending on the sector.

Also in the 2023-2024 school year, tuition fees at public universities that cover their regular expenses will be a maximum of VND24-49 million/year. At public universities that cover their regular and investment expenses, tuition fees will be a maximum of VND30-61.25 million/year. Thus, tuition fees at universities that cover their regular and investment expenses will also increase by VND9.5 to VND10.75 million compared to the 2022-2023 school year.

Before the tuition fee increase, students expressed many concerns. TD, a student at a public university in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the tuition fee increase is quite stressful for students with difficult circumstances who have to live far from home. TD said: "Students are not only worried about HP but also worry about many other expensive costs when studying in a big city. Just for accommodation, a room for 4 people far from the center costs about 1.5 million VND/person/month. Meanwhile, most universities do not have much accommodation for students in dormitories."

Học phí tăng, sinh viên mong các trường tăng cường học bổng- Ảnh 1. — Parents wait to complete admission procedures and pay tuition fees for students admitted to university in 2023

"Students often spend their time studying during the day and then start working part-time for 18-24 hours. On average, they work 5 days a week for about 100 hours, with a salary of 20,000 - 25,000 VND/hour. Students can only earn 2 - 2.5 million VND/month. High working hours and low salaries make it even harder for students in difficult circumstances," TD added.

Hoang Yen (student of Ho Chi Minh City Open University) commented: "The tuition fees of public universities are getting higher and higher and are on par with private universities. With an average tuition fee of around 30 million VND/year, students have different choices". Hoang Yen analyzed: "It could be choosing a favorite major at another private school with adequate learning conditions and more flexible admission scores. But some people are forced to choose a major they don't like at another school or level of education with lower tuition fees".

Meanwhile, Vu Hoa (a student at Ho Chi Minh City Open University) said that he is currently studying a special program with a tuition fee of 34.5 million VND per year. The learning conditions are much better than the tuition fee of a public school that is not yet autonomous. From the above comparison, Hoa concluded: "Paying a higher tuition fee will give students corresponding learning conditions. For families with conditions, the above tuition fee level is acceptable." But in general, Vu Hoa still believes that tuition fees should have many different levels for students to choose according to their circumstances. At the same time, schools need to increase scholarships for good students and provide financial support for those in difficult circumstances.

Học phí tăng, sinh viên mong các trường tăng cường học bổng- Ảnh 2. — Students want schools to increase scholarships for good students and provide financial support for those in difficult circumstances.

From the university side, Dr. Quach Thanh Hai, Head of Training Department of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technical Education, expressed his appreciation for the state's policy through Decree 97. According to Mr. Hai, the adjustment of the HP of public universities according to the decree is suitable to reality, creating conditions for schools to carry out activities to improve training quality and serve learners.

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