The Politburo’s decision to exempt tuition fees for all public school students from kindergarten to high school has received enthusiastic support from the public, especially parents. Most opinions expressed joy, considering this an important step forward in creating equal learning conditions for all children, while reducing the financial burden on families.

Joy of important step forward in education

Many people believe that free general education is a trend in developed countries, aiming to ensure access to knowledge for all members of society. A reader shared: "Education is the foundation of development. This decision not only helps families but also expands learning opportunities for all students, towards a fair and sustainable education."

Ms. Tran Thi Lam Anh, a parent in Dong Hung district (Thai Binh), was happy to learn that her three children studying at secondary school will be exempted from tuition fees from the next school year. "In fact, the tuition fees are not too high, but the family has many other expenses to worry about. As freelancers like us, we are happy with any exemptions," Ms. Lam Anh said.

Mr. Nguyen Van Nam (Hoang Mai district, Hanoi) is also happy that his two children will be exempted from tuition fees from the next school year. "My wife and I are both workers, and each month we have to pay more than 300,000 VND in tuition fees for our two children. Although the amount is not too large, but combined with many other expenses, it is still a burden. This policy is truly humane for poor families like us."

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Students of Nguyen Tat Thanh Primary School (Nam Dinh) at the opening ceremony of the 2024-2025 school year. Photo: Pham Trong Tung

In another case, although both husband and wife have high incomes and both children are studying at private schools in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Duc Minh was moved to tears when he read the news about free tuition, even though his children may not receive any exemptions. "This is good news, a policy that is in line with the spirit of considering education as the top national policy for the country to grow stronger. In such an environment, my children will certainly have many opportunities to develop their potential, whether they study in public or private schools," he explained.

Responding to VietNamNet , many readers also expressed their joy and support for the tuition-free policy that was just decided by the Politburo yesterday, February 28.

One parent shared: "This is great! I have three children in high school, and exempting tuition fees helps reduce financial pressure significantly. This is the right decision, demonstrating the state's responsibility towards future generations."

Reader Tran Hieu confided: "Students are no longer forced to attend extra classes, and are exempted from tuition fees for regular classes... this is truly a new, outstanding step forward for the education sector."

Sharing the same joy, a reader named Phan Vinh said that the decision to exempt tuition fees for public school students nationwide is a very useful and timely concern for the education sector. "There will certainly be no more students who cannot go to school because their families are too poor," Vinh wrote.

Continuing the positive comments, reader Pham Hai Linh shared: "Before, I saw some provinces and cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong... exempting tuition fees for students, which other local parents wished for, now the dream has come true."

New concerns and expectations

Despite their excitement, many parents also raised some concerns. One of the most concerning issues is the difference between public and non-public schools. "Free tuition for public school students is great, but what about private school students? Many students have to go to private schools because there are not enough seats in public schools. Is there any support policy for these students?", a reader asked.

Mr. Huu Phuoc (HCMC) also expressed: “Students of vocational education and continuing education centers also enjoy this policy, right? Because not all students who graduate from junior high school continue to high school. I hope they also enjoy the benefits.”

In addition, there are opinions emphasizing that tuition fees are only a small part of the total cost of raising children to go to school: "Tuition fees are only a few hundred thousand a month, but other expenses such as boarding fees, uniforms, books, and extra classes are still a big burden. If these costs can be reduced, it will be even better."

Some people want the government to continue investing in expanding the public school system to ensure enough places for all students: "Hanoi and many large cities are lacking public schools. Free tuition is good, but more importantly, ensuring enough schools so that all students can study in the best environment."

In addition, many parents also want to consider tuition support at the university level when some majors currently have very high tuition fees compared to the income of the major. Many students have talent and desire to study but do not have enough economic conditions to pursue, causing disadvantages for themselves and the human resources of society," the reader expressed.

In general, the decision to exempt tuition fees is considered a correct policy, in line with the people's wishes, demonstrating the government's concern for education. Although there are still some concerns, most opinions believe that this is a positive signal, opening up hope for a more equal and progressive education. As one parent shared: "Every year, there are gradual changes, hopefully in the next 5-10 years, the financial pressure on families regarding education and housing will be reduced, so that people can rest assured to have children and raise future generations.

How many students will benefit from the public school tuition exemption policy? Public school students will be exempted from all tuition fees from September 2025 and according to the Ministry of Education and Training, the state budget to implement this policy is about 30 trillion VND.