As of August 21, the number of confirmed enrolments was about 4.2 per cent higher than in the first admission round of 2025, said Nguyen Tien Thao, head of the ministry's Higher Education Department.
Thao said STEM covers a broad range of disciplines and admission scores vary widely. However, several programmes in artificial intelligence and data science recorded admission scores above 25 points.
More than 60 per cent of semiconductor and integrated circuit programmes had admission scores of at least 22.5, while computer science, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering and materials science also attracted strong applicants.
Meanwhile, maritime and railway-related programmes drew significant numbers of students, suggesting growing interest in fields linked to Vietnam's long-term development projects.
Thao noted that university admissions in 2026 were broadly stable, but student choices were shifting more clearly towards science, technology and other areas where demand for skilled workers is growing.
Over 121,000 choose strategic fields
More than 121,000 students, or about 19.1 per cent of confirmed enrolments, chose programmes in 15 groups of basic sciences, key engineering fields and strategic technologies covered by Government Decree 179/2026.
Of these, about 11,400 enrolled in basic sciences and nearly 109,700 in key engineering and strategic technology programmes.
Thao said scholarships under the decree had provided an initial boost, offering monthly financial support of about VND 3.7 million (USD 141) to VND 8.4 million, depending on the student and level of study.
Based on preliminary calculations using academic criteria and an admission score threshold of 22.5 points, around 23,000 students could be considered for scholarships in the 2026-2027 academic year, he said.
Thao advised students who have confirmed enrolment online to complete procedures required by their universities and carefully check information on tuition fees, scholarships, accommodation and other payments.
Students should also be wary of unofficial links, accounts or payment requests, as well as fake admission notices and fraudulent scholarship offers, he added.
He added that self-learning, foreign-language skills, discipline and academic integrity would be crucial for new students, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes education and the labour market.