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% tuition exemption for hard-to-recruit professions

For the group of subjects studying at vocational education institutions, Decree 81/2021 stipulates 100% exemption of tuition fees for: students of the nominated 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 to universities and vocational education institutions in the national education system; lower secondary school graduates who continue to study at the 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 vocational training majors 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 junior high school graduates who continue to study directly in college, they are eligible to receive tuition compensation according to Decree 81/2021. This support level will depend on each major and local policies. This year, the annual compensation amount will usually be up to 40-42 million/course. According to Master Tran Phuong, at Viet Giao College, students will pay tuition when enrolling, then the school will make a record for them so that the State can refund the tuition 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 the application to receive tuition refunds. The school also commits not to collect any additional fees other than the tuition fee.

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

Decree 81/2021 also stipulates that many professions will have 70% tuition reduction 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 Theatre and Cinema, Vietnam National Academy of Music, Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema, etc.

Students majoring in royal court music, opera, classical drama, reformed opera, dance, circus; and some arduous, toxic, or dangerous occupations in vocational education according to the list of arduous, toxic, or 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 have a 70% reduction in 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 reduction

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 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.

Master 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.

Besides, many other industries are also in this category 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: