List of occupations with 100% free tuition at intermediate and college levels

In the 2025-2026 school year, students at vocational training institutions will continue to enjoy many tuition support policies according to Government regulations, including many occupations with 100% tuition exemption or up to 70% reduction. These incentives not only help reduce financial burdens but also encourage students to pursue occupations that are difficult to recruit despite social demand.

Báo Thanh niên•08/08/2025

100% free tuition for hard-to-recruit majors

For the group of subjects studying at vocational education institutions, Decree 81/2021 stipulates 100% exemption of tuition fees for: students of the nomination system (including students nominated for vocational boarding with a training period of 3 months or more) according to the Government's regulations on the nomination regime for universities and vocational education institutions in the national education system; junior high school graduates who continue to study at intermediate level.

In addition, students at intermediate and college levels, in fields and professions that are difficult to recruit but in demand by society, are also exempted from 100% of tuition fees.

Accordingly, the list of training occupations at intermediate and college levels that are difficult to recruit but have social demand according to regulations is as follows:

Danh sách ngành nghề miễn 100% học phí bậc trung cấp, cao đẳng - Ảnh 1. — List of training sectors and occupations at intermediate and college levels that are difficult to recruit but are in demand by society

Master Tran Phuong, Principal of Viet Giao College, said that for students who graduate from junior high school and continue to study at the intermediate level, they are eligible for tuition fee subsidies according to Decree 81/2021. This support level will depend on each field of study and the policies of each locality. This year, the annual subsidy amount will usually be up to 40-42 million/course. According to Master Tran Phuong, at Viet Giao College, students will pay tuition fees when enrolling, then the school will make a record for them so that the State can refund the tuition fees to the students.

Master To Huynh Thien Truong, Vice Principal of Nguyen Tat Thanh Secondary School, shared: At the school, students will be supported throughout the entire process of completing documents to receive tuition refunds. The school also commits not to collect any additional fees other than tuition fees.

70% reduction in tuition fees for arduous, hazardous occupations and traditional arts

Decree 81/2021 also stipulates that many professions will reduce tuition fees by 70% for: Students studying traditional and special arts in vocational training institutions, public and private universities with training in culture and arts including: Traditional opera musicians, Hue traditional musicians, Southern amateur music, opera actors, folk performing arts, Ca Tru art, Bai Choi art, traditional musical instrument performance. These professions are currently being trained at a number of units such as: Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema, Vietnam National Academy of Music, Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema, etc.

Students majoring in royal court music, opera, classical drama, reformed opera, dance, circus; and some arduous, toxic, and dangerous occupations for vocational education according to the list of arduous, toxic, and dangerous occupations as prescribed, will also receive a 70% reduction in tuition fees.

There are many groups of industries specified in the list of hazardous and dangerous occupations at intermediate and college levels. Among them, the tourism , hotel and restaurant industry has majors that are reduced by 70% of tuition fees such as: tour guide, accommodation services, room management, and food processing techniques.

Danh sách ngành nghề miễn 100% học phí bậc trung cấp, cao đẳng - Ảnh 2. — Intermediate and college level culinary arts major, 70% tuition discount

Master Phan Buu Toan, Vice Principal of Saigon College of Tourism, said that thanks to the policy of reducing 70% of tuition fees for two majors currently being trained at the school (tour guide and culinary arts), more candidates are interested in and registering for these majors, while the social demand for these majors is very high.

Ms. Vo Thi My Van, Principal of Saigontourist College of Tourism and Hospitality, said that in addition to the tuition support policy as prescribed, the school also has scholarships to support students in difficult circumstances so that they can study with peace of mind.

In addition, many other industries are also included in this list such as: underground mining; making and repairing mine roads; open-pit blasting; storage and loading of explosives; medical care in mines...

Detailed list of arduous, toxic, dangerous occupations at intermediate and college levels, with 70% tuition reduction as follows: