Nguyen Tien Thao, head of the ministry’s Higher Education Department, said more than 121,000 students had enrolled in 15 strategic fields, nearly a fifth of this year’s university intake.
Under the scheme, students ranked among the top 30 per cent nationwide in each eligible discipline may be considered for government scholarships before starting university.
Preliminary ministry estimates show that around 23,000 students meet the initial criteria of ranking in the top 30 per cent and scoring at least 22.5 points in the relevant entrance examination combination.
“This is only an estimate and does not mean they will automatically receive scholarships, as universities still need to verify the data and assess whether applicants meet all the requirements,” Thao said.
Scholarships range from VND 3.7 million to VND 8.4 million (about USD140-320) per month, depending on the recipient and level of study.
According to Thao, the financial support was expected to help attract talent to basic sciences and strategic fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, nuclear power, railways, new energy and marine technology.
He said clearer financial support was making demanding fields, including those requiring longer periods of study or offering less immediate appeal in the labour market, more attractive to high-performing students.
More than 633,000 candidates confirmed university or college enrolment in the first admission round this year, slightly higher than last year.
Of these, more than 121,000 enrolled in the 15 groups of basic sciences, key engineering disciplines and strategic technologies. Fields related to the maritime sector and railways also attracted significant numbers of students.
Thao said the figures suggested growing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with some fields beginning to attract students with stronger academic results.
However, he said the trend would need to be monitored over several years as students' choices also depend on labour-market prospects, university reputation and career expectations.
Two groups of students are eligible for consideration for government scholarships. The first comprises students who have won first, second or third prizes in national or international academic competitions.
The second includes students scoring at least 22.5 points in mathematics and two of physics, chemistry, biology or English, excluding priority, bonus and converted points.
They must also rank among the top 30 per cent nationwide in their respective groups of disciplines.
