Vietnam Rolls Out Free Public School Education Nationwide

All Public Schooling Now Free in Vietnam

Vietnam has officially removed tuition fees for all students attending public schools, from preschool to high school. The National Assembly passed the policy, and it takes effect immediately, VN Express reported.

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

From Preschool to Higher Levels of Education

The policy covers public preschools, primary and secondary schools, and continuing education centres.

Students attending private or independent schools will also receive government subsidies.

Local authorities will decide the amount based on national guidelines, but it cannot be more than the school’s actual fees.

Rollout Begins in 2025

The change will be introduced in phases. From the 2025–2026 school year, fees will be waived for 5-year-old preschoolers, primary school students, and lower secondary students.

Photo for illustration purposes only. Via Canva

Around 23 million students are currently enrolled in Vietnam’s public education system.

The Politburo approved the plan on 28 February 2025 after a financial study confirmed that the country was ready to implement it.

Support for Border Communities

Starting September 2025, students in land-border communes will receive free school lunches, Tuoi Tre News reported. These areas often include ethnic minorities and less privileged communities.

The government has instructed that food standards must be maintained, with strict inspection and supervision to ensure meal quality is not reduced.

Plans are also in place to improve semi-boarding and full-boarding schools in these areas. Schools will be equipped with proper classrooms, clean water, kitchens, toilets, and housing for teachers.

Full-Day Schooling to Start

Vietnam will also introduce free full-day schooling for primary and lower secondary students from the 2025–2026 academic year. Students will attend both morning and afternoon sessions, depending on local facilities and teaching staff.

According to reports, this aims to ease student pressure and improve education through more time for cultural and arts subjects.

Education is a National Priority

Party General Secretary To Lam called universal schooling a “core national mission” during a National Assembly session in late 2024.

He said the reform reflects the government’s responsibility to support future generations and reduce financial stress on families.

How It Compares to Singapore

Vietnam has made public education free nationwide, from preschool to high school, with subsidies for private students.

In contrast, Singapore offers heavily subsidised, but not fully free, education for citizens. For example:

Primary school tuition is free for Singaporean citizens.
However, miscellaneous fees still apply, typically around S$13/month.
Since 2024, these fees have been fully covered by Edusave, resulting in no out-of-pocket costs for most families.
Students from low-income families are supported by the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), which covers school fees and miscellaneous fees, according to reports.

So while Vietnam provides full fee waivers across public education, Singapore’s model maintains small costs with deep subsidies, prioritising quality and equity.

Featured images courtesy of Canva and VnExpress/Giang Huy