Representatives from universities point to tuition costs and alternative paths as major factors influencing this trend. Additionally, some students only viewed university applications as a backup plan while pursuing other options.

University representatives have identified high tuition fees as a significant factor behind the decision of many students, despite being accepted, to forgo higher education. Additionally, some students treat university applications as a backup plan while pursuing other goals.

Data from the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) indicates that 673,586 students were accepted into universities in the first round of 2024, marking an increase of 58,116 students compared to 2023. However, only 551,479 students confirmed their enrollment, accounting for 81.87% of those accepted. This leaves 122,107 students, or 18.13%, who opted not to enroll.

While the enrollment rate after acceptance has slightly improved compared to the previous year (from 80.34% in 2023 to 81.87% in 2024), the question remains: Why are over 120,000 students not enrolling?

Pham Thai Son, Director of Admissions at Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry, noted that it’s not unusual for more than 120,000 accepted students to decline university admission.

"Many students have chosen to study abroad, pursue vocational training, or work overseas, particularly those from provinces like Ha Tinh, Nghe An, and Thanh Hoa. In more affluent areas like Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, or Hanoi, many students opt for international universities. Despite having other options, these students still apply to domestic universities as a 'safe backup'," Son explained.

Phung Quan, an admissions expert at the University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, added that students might refuse university admission due to various reasons such as family obligations, financial constraints, or alternative educational paths like vocational training or studying abroad.

Nguyen Trung Nhan, Head of Training at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, pointed out that some students decline admission because they were accepted into programs they are not passionate about. Additionally, many students apply to universities as a formality, having already decided to study abroad.

According to Pham Thai Son, while some families are financially secure, many others face economic challenges, making tuition fees a significant barrier for their children.

"High tuition fees and the cost of living for new students are substantial obstacles. On average, a student at a public university needs around 10 million VND per month for tuition, rent, and living expenses. The costs are even higher at private universities," Son noted.

Son also mentioned that the current student loan system is insufficient. He believes that commercial banks should get involved to address this issue. While supporting the idea of higher tuition fees, Son argues that a proper student loan policy should be in place to cover the necessary costs of education.

Phung Quan agreed, stating that tuition fees particularly affect students from remote areas. However, he added that academically gifted students could secure scholarships and financial support from schools, businesses, alumni, and other organizations.

Nguyen Trung Nhan emphasized that while tuition fees can be a barrier, many universities offer financial aid, including scholarships for students in need. He pointed out that tuition fees are transparently communicated in admission plans, giving students ample time to research before applying. However, the tuition barrier might be more significant for students accepted into private institutions, which generally offer fewer financial aid options.

Associate Professor Do Van Dung, former Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, analyzed that the 120,000+ students who declined university admission do so for several reasons.

First, students with high scores may have already planned to study abroad, using domestic university applications as a backup. This group accounts for about 20,000-30,000 students annually, with Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom being popular destinations.

Second, financial constraints play a role. While universities are becoming more financially independent, students from low-income families may be deterred by high tuition fees. Some students might choose to apply for supplementary admissions to local universities or institutions with lower tuition fees.

Third, some students opt for vocational training close to home, with shorter study periods and the opportunity to work sooner. Others pursue labor export opportunities, a trend that is increasingly common. The remainder might have been accepted into programs they are not interested in or that offer limited career prospects.

"Currently, social policy banks can lend up to 8 million VND per month, but many families and students are hesitant to take on debt for education. This reluctance to borrow is a significant barrier, causing some students to forgo university even after being accepted," Dung concluded.

Le Huyen