Breakthrough credit policy to support science and technology human resources

(Chinhphu.vn) – The Government has had preferential credit policies for students, master's students and PhD students in STEM, expanding the target group, increasing loan amounts, reducing interest rates, aiming to develop high-quality human resources.

The government has a preferential credit policy for students, master's students and PhD students in STEM.

New credit policy with many breakthroughs

The Government has issued Decision No. 29/2025/QD-TTg on preferential credit for students, master's students and researchers in science , technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The policy is implemented through the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies.

This is considered a breakthrough and strategic policy, aiming to develop high-quality human resources in STEM industries - in line with the trend of innovation and digital transformation. Decision 29/2025 not only inherits, but also expands and upgrades many new points compared to the old regulations, ensuring that learners have conditions to fully focus on their studies.

The notable new point is the new decision to expand the subjects and conditions for borrowing capital. The subjects of borrowing capital are now expanded: not only students but also master's and doctoral students. The fields and sectors eligible for borrowing capital include life sciences, natural sciences, computers and information technology, engineering technology, architecture and construction, production and processing, mathematics - statistics, financial technology and other key technology sectors according to regulations.

Loan conditions are also more clearly defined, including the addition of academic criteria: First-year students must have achieved good grades in all three years of high school, or an average score of 8 or higher in math, physics, chemistry, and biology. Students from the second year onwards must have achieved excellent grades in the previous school year. Master's and doctoral students must be recognized by higher education institutions according to regulations.

Adding academic criteria helps policies support the right people with capacity and potential, thereby increasing the effectiveness of investment in human resources.

Increase loan level, comprehensive support

The notable difference of Decision 29/2025/QD-TTg is the loan amount and scope of support. Students can borrow the entire tuition fee (after deducting scholarships or other support). In addition, they can borrow up to 5 million VND/month to cover living expenses and other study expenses.

Thus, if the student's tuition fee is 10 million VND/month, the total loan amount can be up to 15 million VND/month (10 million tuition fee + 5 million living expenses). This policy represents comprehensive support, not only covering tuition fees but also ensuring living conditions, helping students focus completely on studying and researching.

An important new point is the low interest rate: only 4.8%/year. This is considered a clear incentive, reducing the financial burden compared to many other forms of loans.

Regarding the loan term, the disbursement period lasts from the time of receiving the first loan until the end of the course. After 12 months from the end of the course, the customer must pay the first principal and interest. The maximum repayment period is equal to the disbursement period.

Thus, with a 5-year course, the total loan period can be up to 11 years, including a 12-month grace period after the end of the course. This regulation helps learners have enough time to start a business and stabilize their lives before repaying the debt.

In addition, the Social Policy Bank can consider extending debt in case customers encounter difficulties, demonstrating the flexibility and humanity of the policy.

Mr. Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/chinh-sach-tin-dung-dot-pha-ho-tro-nhan-luc-khoa-hoc-cong-nghe-102250905170421644.htm