Burdened by tuition fees, many students drop out of university and switch to vocational colleges.

During the period when students are confirming their enrollment, many students, despite being accepted into universities, after careful consideration, ultimately decide to choose to study at a college to save costs and find employment sooner.

Choose college to "lighten the burden".

Pham Minh Hau, a former student of Cau Ke High School in Vinh Long province (formerly Tra Vinh), was accepted into a mechanical engineering program at a major university in Ho Chi Minh City this year. However, the tuition fee of approximately 40 million VND per year proved difficult for his family to afford. Ultimately, Hau decided to pursue automotive technology at Bach Viet Polytechnic College. “I can start working after only two and a half years. The school also guarantees employment after graduation, so I feel somewhat reassured,” Hau shared.

Le Bao Quyen, a student at Tre Viet Primary, Secondary, and High School (in Ho Chi Minh City), is in a similar situation. Bao Quyen was accepted into an accounting program at a public university but chose to forgo enrollment to register for a pharmacy program at Vien Dong College. “If I went to university, I would need to pay nearly 20 million VND in tuition and other fees for enrollment, which is beyond my family’s means. The college is closer to home and offers job placement guarantees, so I found it more suitable,” Quyen said. Currently, Quyen’s younger sister is also studying in the 9+1 program at the same college.

Another male student from Vinh Long also decided to change direction. He said he had been accepted into a public relations program at a private university with tuition fees of nearly 27 million VND per semester. After consideration, he switched to studying a similar program at Van Lang College Saigon. “The college tuition is three times lower, easing the financial burden on my family. After graduation, I will start working and then consider transferring to a higher education program later,” he shared.

Besides registering for admission through the Ministry of Education and Training's general admissions system, many candidates also go directly to colleges.

PHOTO: YEN THI

Short study time, start working early.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Mong Lanh, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center of Saigon Polytechnic College, the school has filled over 85% of its enrollment quota. Notably, many of the admitted students had already been accepted into universities but chose to attend college instead. “Studying at a college saves costs and time, allowing students to enter the labor market sooner. Transferring to a university later is also much easier,” Ms. Lanh emphasized, adding that the school also offers many preferential policies regarding tuition fees and scholarships for students enrolling in the final intake, scheduled to begin on September 8th.

Ms. Vo Thanh Huong, Head of Admissions and Communications at Ho Chi Minh City International College, said that this year, many students have very clear goals and have decided to study at a college from the beginning. "For many students, we don't need to advise them too much about the major because they have already done thorough research. We only advise them on tuition fees and analyze the study plan. If they find it suitable, they register immediately," Ms. Huong added.

According to Ms. Huong, many students tend to work while studying without relying on financial support from their families. Therefore, the school must analyze the most suitable study schedule and part-time work schedule for these students, thereby helping them feel more confident and focus on their studies.

Dr. Tran Manh Thanh, Principal of Bach Viet Polytechnic College, believes that the trend of choosing to study at a college instead of a university is not new, but it is becoming increasingly evident. “Students are now setting more realistic goals, considering their financial capabilities and study time. After only 2-2.5 years, students can graduate and start working immediately, even having the opportunity to intern abroad and earn an income. Later, when conditions permit, transferring to a university is not difficult at all,” Dr. Thanh explained.

According to Dr. Thanh, this choice aligns with the State's human resource development orientation: Colleges are the primary source of human resources for society, while universities focus on creativity, research, and development. "Choosing a college is no longer a matter of formality, but a decision that suits individual circumstances and goals. This is a positive sign in recent years," Dr. Thanh affirmed.

Some colleges have almost filled their enrollment quotas.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mong Lanh, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center at Saigon Polytechnic College, said that the school has so far recruited over 85% of its target for both admission methods. “Currently, some majors have very few vacancies, while others have reached their quota. If you still have questions, please contact the school for support and advice,” Ms. Lanh added.

Ms. Nguyen Thuy Vuong Khanh, Director of the Communication and Admissions Center at Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics , reported that the school has recorded 800 successful applicants through the Ministry of Education and Training's online admissions portal. Therefore, the school has been welcoming this group of students to complete their enrollment procedures in recent days. In addition, the school continues to welcome students registering through its own separate admissions process. To date, the school has enrolled over 80% of its target.

"Over the past few days, the school has also supported parents and students with enrollment procedures, provided online counseling, and assisted students in finding accommodation," added Master Khanh.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nang-ganh-hoc-phi-nhieu-thi-sinh-bo-hoc-dh-chuyen-sang-cd-185250828144419009.htm