Under the draft decree, students on government-funded undergraduate, master's or doctoral programmes would receive support to study in developed countries, those with longstanding ties with Vietnam or strengths in priority fields.
Eligible courses at overseas institutions must rank among the world's top 500 in their respective fields under recognised international rankings at the time candidates are approved.
The proposed support includes two return economy-class air tickets during the course of study, passport and visa fees, transport between the airport and place of study, health insurance and tuition fees.
Monthly living allowances would be set at 1.5 times the highest level currently provided to undergraduate students studying overseas under government programmes, and twice that level for master's and doctoral students.
Master's and doctoral students employed by state agencies, state-owned enterprises or educational institutions would retain their salaries and allowances while studying abroad, while those without an employer would receive preference in public-sector recruitment.
The draft also proposes support for doctoral-level lecturers at higher education and vocational institutions undertaking guest lecturing, research or academic exchanges overseas under bilateral or international cooperation programmes.
Eligible lecturers would continue to receive their salaries and allowances and would be provided with one return economy-class air ticket, passport and visa fees, airport transfers, health insurance and a monthly living allowance.
The allowance would be equivalent to the highest level currently provided to Vietnamese citizens studying abroad under government-funded programmes. If an overseas institution or another organisation or individual covers part of the costs, the state budget would cover only the difference.
Lecturers would also be required to meet conditions and output commitments to be specified by the education ministry.
People eligible for more than one support scheme would receive only the one offering the highest level of assistance.
The education ministry will determine eligible countries in consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as priority fields and recognised international rankings.
The ministry plans to submit the draft decree to the government for consideration in November, with the proposed policies expected to apply to those sent overseas for study, research, guest lecturing or academic exchanges from 2027.
