Free tuition for public school students: A humane policy, parents are stimulated

The recent announcement that the Politburo has unanimously decided to eliminate all tuition fees for students from kindergarten to high school across the country, starting from the 2025-2026 school year, has garnered significant public attention. In Binh Duong, a region with a large student population at all educational levels, this decision has brought joy and excitement to many parents.

 Humane decision

Pursuant to Resolution No. 29, Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW dated August 12, 2024 of the Politburo on continuing to implement Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW, Resolution 42-NQ/TW dated November 24, 2023 on continuing to innovate and improve the quality of social policies, meeting the requirements of national construction and defense in the new period, to demonstrate the superiority of the regime and the policy of ensuring fairness in access to education, leaving no one behind, the Ministry of Education and Training proposed that the Politburo and the Government Party Committee consider a policy of exempting tuition fees for students from preschool to general education.

At the Politburo meeting on February 28, after listening to the Government's report on the ability to balance finances during and after the process of streamlining the political system's apparatus, the Politburo decided to exempt all tuition fees for students from kindergarten to high school nationwide. This policy will take effect at the beginning of the new school year 2025-2026, starting from September 2025 onwards.

In summary, students in private schools will receive compensation for tuition fees equivalent to what is charged in public schools according to legal provisions, with families covering the remaining difference.

The tuition fee exemption policy clearly reflects the humane spirit of the Party and State, and aligns with the aspirations of the people. While tuition fees represent just a portion of the overall costs for students, they can be a significant burden for families facing financial difficulties, working-class families, or those with multiple children.

By exempting these fees, the policy helps alleviate financial strain and allows families to care for their children more effectively. Tuition exemptions provide students with the opportunity to access education without being hindered by their family circumstances. Additionally, this initiative underscores the State's commitment to investing in future generations, recognizing education as a top national priority.

Expectation and exhilaration

Following the media announcement, people in Binh Duong province, along with citizens nationwide, expressed their agreement and joy with this decision.

Binh Duong, with its numerous industrial parks and clusters, is seeing a rapid increase in the number of students each year. This includes many children of workers who have moved from other provinces. Exempting tuition fees not only supports local families but also provides reassurance to workers from other areas, making them feel more secure when sending their children to study here.

Mr. Hoang Van Tap, a worker at Song Than Industrial Park (Di An City), could not hide his joy. “I have two children who are both in junior high school. In the past, I had to pay tuition and other fees each year. While the costs were not excessively high, they still placed a burden on families like ours. Now that the government has decided to exempt tuition fees for all public school students, we are very excited. We hope this decision will help us reduce our financial burden and allow us to work with more peace of mind," Mr. Tap shared.

Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Tam, who lives in Phu Loi Ward, Thu Dau Mot City, couldn't hide her joy as she spoke about this new policy. They have three children enrolled in different educational levels: preschool, junior high school, and high school. Every month, her family spends about 5 million VND on tuition and boarding for their children. In addition to these costs, they also have to manage expenses for food, rent, and various other necessities. Unfortunately, the couple's income is only just enough to cover their living expenses. 

“After hearing the news that all tuition fees for students from kindergarten to high school in public schools nationwide would be waived, my husband and I were very happy. For middle-income families like ours, this decision makes a significant difference. Exempting tuition fees will alleviate some of our financial pressure, allowing our family to invest more in other educational activities for our children," Ms. Tam shared.

Both parents and school management team, along with teachers and students, expressed their excitement upon learning that all tuition fees for students will be waived starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Mr. Tran Vinh Liem, Head of Education Training Office of Di An City, stated that this decision to exempt tuition fees for preschool through high school students not only demonstrates compassion but also reflects the Party and State's commitment to education. Waiving tuition fees alleviates the financial burden on families and provides students with more learning opportunities. “In particular, if this policy is implemented, it will facilitate the recruitment of students in local areas, thereby enhancing the effective delivery of teaching and learning,” Mr. Liem added.

Nguyen Hoang Phuc, a student at Binh Chuan 2 Junior High School in Thuan An City, shared, "This is very meaningful information. My parents work as factory workers and are focused on my two sisters' education. With the exemption of tuition fees, my parents are less worried, and I feel more motivated to study better."

It is clear that exempting tuition fees for students is not only good news for parents but also represents an important milestone for the education sector. Everyone is looking forward to the new school year, 2025-2026, with hopes for many positive changes and continued progress in education.

Reported by Tue Nhi 

 Translated by Ngoc Huynh