Social policy credit creates leverage for STEM generation

In the context of international integration and the Industrial Revolution 4.0, investment in education, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), is the key to enhancing national competitiveness. Realizing that importance, on August 28, 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 29/2025/QD-TTg on credit policy for students, master's students, and biological researchers in STEM fields. This is considered a breakthrough, a "golden credit" policy to create the most favorable conditions for the young generation of Vietnam to reach knowledge, master technology and contribute to the sustainable development of the country. Discussing this new credit policy, Mr. Le Van Thanh - Deputy Director of the Provincial Social Policy Bank said:

This credit policy expands the beneficiaries, not only supporting students but also reaching out to master's and doctoral students. This shows the State's deep concern in building a high-quality workforce, from basic to advanced levels, to meet the development needs of key industries. According to Decision No. 29, students in fields such as: Life sciences, natural sciences, computers and information technology, engineering technology, engineering, architecture and construction, production and processing, mathematics and statistics, and financial technology will enjoy preferential loan policies. These are all key areas, determining the capacity for innovation and the development of the digital economy .

Mr. Le Van Thanh - Deputy Director of the Provincial Social Policy Bank.

One of the highlights of the policy is the very specific and flexible loan conditions. For first-year students, only need to have high school academic results of good or above or an average score of 8.0 or above in Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology in grade 12 to be eligible. This ensures that students with good academic ability, despite difficult economic conditions, still have the opportunity to pursue their passion.

In particular, the policy also pays attention to students who have been and are striving to improve. In particular, students from the second year onwards only need to have excellent academic results in the previous school year to be eligible for loans. For master's and doctoral students, being recognized as students of higher education institutions is a prerequisite for accessing capital.

- So can you tell us about the loan amount and preferential interest rate of this credit program?

- Decision No. 29 stipulates a very attractive maximum loan amount, including all tuition fees and living expenses up to 5 million VND per month. The total loan amount is determined based on the actual needs of the learner, after deducting scholarships and other financial support. This helps to completely resolve the financial burden, so that learners can fully concentrate on studying and researching.

Regarding interest rates, Decision No. 29 provides a preferential interest rate of only 4.8%/year, much lower than other commercial loans. Overdue interest is also calculated at a reasonable rate of 130% of the loan interest rate. This is the key point to help borrowers reduce the pressure of debt repayment, especially after graduating and looking for a job.

- How is the loan procedure carried out, sir?

- To create the most favorable conditions, the Social Policy Bank will be the direct lending unit, mainly through households. Loan procedures are simplified, requiring learners to fill out an information form and have it confirmed by the educational institution. The loan term is flexibly designed, including disbursement time, grace period and repayment period. In particular, borrowers are given a grace period of 12 months from the end of the course before they have to start paying the principal and interest. This gives students enough time to stabilize their jobs and finances before starting to fulfill their debt repayment obligations, minimizing risks.

Currently, the loan program for students in difficult circumstances in the province has an outstanding debt of 456.2 billion VND, with 8,055 customers still in debt. The program has helped families in difficult circumstances reduce the burden of study costs, helping many students have the opportunity to continue pursuing their dream of going to school, completing their training program and having a better job in the future.

In addition to the loan program for students in difficult circumstances that has been and is being implemented, the Prime Minister's issuance of the credit policy under Decision No. 29 not only shows concern and financial support for the future generations of the country but also shows respect for those who are making efforts to contribute to the development of science and technology in the country. The Social Policy Bank will closely coordinate with agencies and organizations to bring the policy closer to the people, ensuring that all talented students, master's students, and doctoral students have the opportunity to study and develop.

Thank you!

HOANG DUNG (Implementation)

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/kinh-te/tai-chinh-ngan-hang/202509/tin-dung-chinh-sach-xa-hoi-tao-don-bay-cho-the-he-stem-dba26c1/