The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) consistently pursues the goal of enabling all students – especially those with difficult economic circumstances and those belonging to low-income households (bottom 20%) – to study, develop, graduate, and obtain employment successfully. UEH focuses on building comprehensive financial support policies, an inclusive learning environment, and a learner-support ecosystem. In 2024, UEH set a target to achieve a 90% graduation rate and stable employment within six months for students from the bottom 20% of households, ensuring equitable learning opportunities and that no one is left behind in the education journey.
To achieve this target, UEH has built an integrated and comprehensive support ecosystem (financial and non-financial) ranging from scholarships, study credit, tuition waivers and reductions, and support for basic services and essential utilities (housing, transportation, etc.) to counselling, healthcare, inclusion support, gender equality, support for learners with disabilities, emergency assistance, skill-building and capacity-enhancement programmes, orientation and career connection. This forms a continuous chain of support from enrolment through post-graduation, directly addressing financial barriers while strengthening capabilities and employability so that students in poor and vulnerable groups are not left behind due to financial reasons.
In 2024, UEH promulgated a comprehensive Scholarship Policy with a total budget of VND 70 billion per year for student of all models of training , prioritising students from the bottom 20% of households (those in difficult circumstances, with poor/near-poor certification under national standards, equivalent documents such as social assistance status, special circumstances, or residence in extremely disadvantaged areas). The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) directly implements this policy, verifies each semester the learners who are in the bottom 20% by income in the system, and delivers financial support programmes to learners. In addition, UEH implemented a study credit programme of over VND 1 billion for 65 students, supported 499 tuition waivers/reductions (~VND 6 billion), subsidised nearly VND 1 billion for the UEH Shuttle Bus service, granted dormitory fee waivers/reductions for 140 students, and expanded international exchange opportunities with more than 180 scholarships. Moreover, UEH provided emergency support for students from 26 provinces affected by Typhoon Yagi with 100 scholarships (VND 10 million each). These interventions strengthen income equality and wealth distribution outcomes for disadvantaged classes in developing countries.
| Policy / Initiative | Beneficiaries | Implementation | Outcomes / Impact |
| Scholarship Policy with a total budget of VND 70 billion per year for student of all models of training | All UEH students, with priority given to those in the bottom 20% household income group, including low-income, near-poor, ethnic minority, students with disabilities, and those from remote or disadvantaged regions. | UEH allocates 70 billion VND annually across multiple scholarship schemes. Selection criteria combine financial circumstances and academic performance, ensuring equal access and continuity of education for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups until graduation.
– The Study Support Scholarship: Designed to assist students from households in the bottom 20% income quintile or facing financial hardship. Eligibility expanded to include transfer and part-time undergraduate students. In 2024, 807 scholarships were granted, including 165 awards to first-year students from low-income backgrounds. – The Emergency Support Scholarship: Provides immediate assistance to students encountering unexpected financial shocks such as natural disasters or illness. In 2024, UEH implemented the “Emergency Support” and “Tuition Payment Extension” programs to aid students from 26 northern provinces affected by Typhoon Yagi, with a total budget of 1 billion VND (100 scholarships of 10 million VND each). – External Scholarships: Over 3.5 billion VND in external sponsorships from corporate and social partners were distributed to financially disadvantaged and high-achieving students, enabling them to continue their studies without interruption due to financial constraints. For example, cooperation with KEB Hana Bank resulted in 25 scholarships supporting poor and vulnerable students, encouraging persistence in education. UEH also offers various personal development scholarship programs for all students, prioritizing those from low-income, minority, and disabled groups. – The Academic Encouragement Scholarship is for full-time undergraduate students with fair academic records or without discipline at the level of reprimand or higher during the semester of scholarship consideration and within the scholarship quota; new full-time undergraduate students with high entry scores and within the scholarship quota. In 2024, 626 Entrance Scholarships were granted to outstanding new students with high admission results. – The Dual Degree Scholarship is for UEH students who have graduated from the first program, are studying the second program, and meet the regulations. The new scholarship policy aims to encourage UEH students to expand their knowledge and skills in different fields by studying more than one program at the same time. In particular, students with dual degrees are also given priority in considering UEH Academic Encouragement Scholarships, UEH Study Support Scholarships, and external scholarships. – UEH International Student Exchange Scholarships include full and partial scholarships that cover a portion of living expenses and exempt course tuition fees to support UEH students participating in international student exchange programs at partner universities, with over 180 scholarships in 2024 from global partner universities, covering full or partial tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. 
Comprehensive, timely scholarship policy that plays a vital role in supporting learners, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and motivation for pursuing education at the university |
UEH’s comprehensive and timely scholarship system functions as an extended social protection mechanism, mitigating economic barriers and ensuring that poverty does not prevent educational attainment.
• 309 external scholarships totaling 3.81 billion VND were awarded. • More than 10,000 students/year are supported. • 96.8% of students from the bottom 20% income group are granted scholarships or financial support. • The financial dropout rate was reduced to 0%. |
| UEH’s Student Credit Program | Students from low-income households, near-poor families, and those facing temporary financial difficulties (bottom 20%) | UEH implements a flexible loan-study-repayment credit program, enabling learners to borrow at the lowest possible interest with simplified procedures. The programme is announced at matriculation so students can register immediately. Academic advisors follow up, provide academic counselling, and monitor progress to minimise dropout risk.
UEH also partners with banks to support 0% instalments via credit cards to help learners access suitable credit when facing tuition payment difficulties. The University supports loan interest for participants in the Tuition Loan Programme (students repay principal; UEH pays bank interest) to reduce financial burden. UEH also provides loan-verification letters via the e-portal: Es.ueh.edu.vn to facilitate borrowing from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies, enabling access to preferential State credit for tuition and study costs. UEH additionally identifies emergency hardship cases and proposes timely policies for support and encouragement. These measures improve access to economic resources for poor and vulnerable students within social protection systems. |
65 students benefited from the study credit program, with more than 1 billion VND lent in 2024 (VND 1,220,437,400),
Support was extended to 26 students for tuition fee installment payments via Sacombank credit cards, offering flexible financial resources and reducing the burden on poor and vulnerable learners. With loan interest support policy, UEH supported interest rates for 32 students, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations, contributing to poverty eradication and income equality.
These sustainable financial aid mechanisms help improve quality of life and educational equality, alleviate financial pressure during studies, and ensure optimal conditions for on-time course completion.
Such initiatives contribute to raising the student retention rate to 98.5%, playing a significant role in ending extreme poverty and supporting vulnerable groups in the academic environment. |
| Tuition Fee Exemption and Study Cost Support Policy | Students eligible for tuition exemption, reduction, and study cost support according to government regulations (such as orphans, ethnic minority students, poor households – bottom 20%). | UEH consistently gives special attention to students facing difficult circumstances, especially those eligible for tuition exemption, reduction, and study cost assistance according to government regulation (for example, orphans, ethnic minority students, poor households, etc.). In 2024, UEH implemented 499 scholarships of tuition exemption, reduction, and study cost support for students as regulated, with a total budget of nearly VND 6 billion, including about VND 800 million (75 scholarships) specifically for poor students. | Students eligible for tuition exemption, reduction, and study cost support in three rounds in 2024: 499 scholarships, VND 5,963,680,500; VND 800 million (75 scholarships) allocated for poor students. |
| Initiative “Connecting Communities – Spreading Knowledge – Acting for Sustainability” | Students in difficult financial circumstances, especially those from poor and near-poor households | UEH actively strengthens partnerships with government agencies, scientists, associations, businesses, and the alumni community through the “Connecting Communities – Spreading Knowledge – Acting for Sustainability” program. This program aims to spread academic knowledge and embed sustainable values into the community, contributing to social development and inclusive education.
In 2024, UEH received contributions from businesses and presented Letters of Appreciation to partners, enterprises, organizations, and individuals who committed to accompany the program throughout the year. In 2024, the Giving to UEH Program continued to recognize significant contributions from partner communities, enterprises, organizations, and individuals, granting more than VND 63 billion in scholarships (nearly VND 8 billion from partner contributions and over VND 55 billion from UEH’s own funds) to empower thousands of disadvantaged students to overcome obstacles, develop their talents, and pursue academic dreams.
UEH Golf Tournament – Swing for Future 2024 contributed VND 850 million to the UEH Talent Nurturing Scholarship Fund from individuals and organizations participating in the tournament. |
UEH strengthens community-based socialization models that connect stakeholders and mobilize resources to support students from vulnerable and low-income backgrounds. Through the Talent Nurturing Scholarship Fund , UEH provided VND 63 billion in scholarships to empower underprivileged students to overcome economic challenges and thrive academically. |
| Program for Supporting Students with Disabilities | Students with disabilities | In 2024, UEH introduced accessibility guidance systems across its campuses at Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nguyen Tri Phuong, and Nguyen Van Linh, ensuring safe and convenient mobility for students and visitors with disabilities.
Besides, UEH also provides specialized support services to promote the full inclusion and equal participation of students with disabilities in both academic and professional activities, including:
Guide to convenient routes for people with disabilities at UEH |
The program ensures comprehensive accessibility for students with disabilities.
100% of disabled students receive equitable academic support and successfully graduate. |
| Basic Support Services (Food, accommodation, transportation, legal assistance) | Economically disadvantaged, near-poor, and disabled students | UEH provides Dormitory accommodation for students in difficult circumstances with affordable fees, while ensuring safety, convenience, and community connection. Living in dormitories enables students to exchange knowledge and support each other in a collective, student-centered environment.
In addition, UEH offers a transportation subsidy through the UEH Shuttle Bus service, with a ticket price of only 5,000 VND per student per trip, helping reduce commuting costs for learners. Designed exclusively for UEH students, learners, and staff, this service ensures safe, convenient, and cost-effective transportation between campuses and central city areas. The Shuttle Bus program also includes preferential policies for students in need, ensuring equal access to education and services. |
In 2024, UEH supported 140 disadvantaged students from policy-prioritized groups by covering dormitory fees, with a total value of 212,090,000 VND, helping them stabilize their living conditions and focus on academic and community activities in a safe, inclusive, and dynamic UEH environment.
Nearly VND 1 billion has been subsidized for the UEH Shuttle Bus service. In 2024, 74,000 students had the opportunity to buy tickets at a low price of only 5,000 VND/trip. |
| Health Care Services (physical and mental health) and Integration Support Programs | All UEH students, with priority for disadvantaged, near-poor, disabled, ethnic minority, and remote-area students | UEH has implemented a wide range of comprehensive health and well-being programs, including sports tournaments such as UEH League and UEH Traditional Sports Festival; free eye and health checkups; and psychological workshops, yoga and meditation sessions; and mental health seminars
UEH also organized integration and empowerment programs, such as: multicultural integration programs, “Support to School” Campaign, a series of activities to improve soft skills and professional skills for students in various majors organized by the UEH Youth Union and Student Association. These activities help students develop resilience, empathy, and life skills, while providing a safe and supportive environment for sharing and overcoming academic and emotional challenges. 
Learners are cared for, both physically and mentally, creating a solid foundation for studying and sustainable development. |
– Every year, thousands of students participate in these programs.
– Improving physical and mental health, raising awareness of healthy lifestyle. – Ensuring that all students always receive holistic support, enabling them to study with peace of mind and achieve sustainable personal development. |
| Academic orientation, programme advising, soft-skill training, language enhancement | All UEH students, with priority for disadvantaged, near-poor, disabled, ethnic minority, and remote-area students | – UEH organized academic-year orientations, academic advising, programme-choice counselling, and a wide range of free training programmes in 2024 to equip learners with problem-solving skills such as digital technology application, systems thinking, intercultural communication, and English improvement.
– UEH cooperated with competent authorities in cybersecurity for expert talks on responding to high-tech crime threats. – The UEH English Zone organized activities to enhance English proficiency and cultural exchanges with international students from countries such as the United States, the Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, etc. These activities strengthen financial inclusion indirectly by improving employability and income prospects.
Programs are held regularly throughout the school year, equipping learners with the necessary skills to become global citizens |
30 career-orientation and soft-skill programmes for 19,700+ students in 2024, including:
– Free soft-skill classes organized for 9,557 students, with 932 certificates issued;; – Three classes on personal financial planning and management, attended by 270 to 300 students each. These initiatives enhance global skills and language ability for learners, helping them gain confidence to enter the digital labor market. |
| Connecting learning and employment through the UEH Job Portal and the Sharing & Career Fair 2024 as well as company visit programs | Final-year students, students needing employment support and career connections | UEH connected with enterprises to bring thousands of internships and jobs in 2024 via the UEH Job Portal (vieclam.ueh.edu.vn) and enterprise–student–alumni events, mobilising nearly VND 6 billion and over 5,000 job opportunities, helping ensure outcomes for students in hardship.
Moreover, UEH successfully conducted 03 mock interview sessions in March, July, and November 2024 with top enterprises across various industries, supporting learners to connect, practice real-world exposure, and conquer employers while still at university. Company visit programs and enterprise semesters offer students the chance to update practical knowledge and gain close insights into sectors including Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), manufacturing and distribution, Finance and Banking, Accounting and Auditing, E-commerce, affirming the university’s commitment to training a high-quality, dynamic workforce ready to integrate and contribute actively to sustainable development.  
UEH provides all opportunities for learners to reach their dream jobs and build quality relationships with partner enterprises |
– The number of applicant profiles on the system increased by 80% compared to the previous year, reaching 9,118 new profiles created in 2024. – 3,436 enterprises participated in enterprise semesters, engaging in projects integrated into courses and assignments; 4,031 students joined enterprise semesters; 1,147 students attended company tours.– An employment rate immediately after graduation is raised to 98%, with the bottom 20% income group graduation rate reaching 96.7%. |
| Supporting for part-time jobs during study time | Disadvantaged students | UEH creates many job opportunities to provide optimal financial support for students, especially through student assistantships to support unit operations. By participating in these activities, students not only gain opportunities to develop communication, management, and student activity organization skills but also receive financial support policies – a form of recognition and encouragement for their positive contributions to the UEH community. | Nearly 100 collaborators and student self-managers are currently working at dormitories and the Department of Student Affairs.
This support has material significance but also offers great spiritual encouragement, helping students focus on studying, confidently develop themselves, and continue accompanying the university in caring and supporting learners. |
| Post-graduation accompaniment: Alumni and lifelong-learning encouragement | recent graduates | UEH invites recent graduates to join the UEH Alumni community and subscribe to the monthly eNews to receive knowledge from UEH after graduation, attend free seminars, and receive information encouraging study at higher levels.
The UEH eNews is delivered monthly to alumni |
In 2024, 11 issues were published, connecting the UEH alumni community and spreading knowledge. |
These evidences confirm that UEH not only sets goals but also implements them effectively and measures specific outcomes, ensuring that students from low-income groups complete their educational journey and sustainably integrate into the labor market.
Target and Results 2024
| Indicator | Target (2024) | Actual Results (2024) |
| Share of “bottom 20%” students receiving at least one form of support (Coverage) | ≥ 95% | 96.8% |
| First-year to second-year retention rate (Retention Y1 → Y2) | ≥ 98% | 98.5% |
| On-time or delayed graduation within 0.5 years rate (Graduation ≤ N+0.5) | ≥ 95% | 96.7% |
| Employment within 6 months after graduation | ≥ 95% | 97% |
| Number of cases dropping out for financial reasons (Financial Dropout) | 0 | 0 cases (cross-checked with file withdrawals for financial reasons) |
* All Coverage/Retention/Progression/Graduation/Employment/Dropout indicators are calculated for “bottom 20%” students, identified via poor/near-poor household records or equivalent (source: Leaner-management system in 2024 of “UEH Department of Training”, employment rate measured at 6 months post-graduation by the Department of Quality Assurance and Internal Control.
* “Bottom 20%” is defined by UEH according to Vietnamese law with corresponding priority groups (poor/near-poor households; ethnic minorities in Region 01; residents living for over 18 month in extremely disadvantaged communes; people with disabilities; relatives of contributors to national service; military personnel serving in Region 01, etc.).
Compared with the previous year, UEH expanded the financial scale supporting low-income students to graduate (from approximately VND 10 billion to VND 70 billion/year in scholarships and significant socialised mobilisation). A major innovation in the comprehensive scholarship policy is the broadened support coverage across diverse undergraduate modalities: Full-time undergraduate degree (Regular Bachelor’s Degree); Undergraduate transfer to regular bachelor’s degree (Transfer to Full-time Bachelor’s Degree); Part-time undergraduate degree (Work – Study Bachelor’s Degree); College-to-working-study university transfer (Transfer to Working-Study Bachelor’s Degree from College); Vocational-to-working-study university transfer (Transfer to Working-Study Bachelor’s Degree from Vocational School).
In particular, the policy now includes dedicated support for students with disabilities, emergency aid for natural disasters, and enhanced international scholarship offerings, while building a comprehensive and sustainable support system for students from matriculation to graduation. The graduation rate for bottom-20% students rose from 80% (2023) to 96.7% (2024), and the employment rate increased from 95% (2023) to 97% (2024).
These results demonstrate the commitment of UEH to building an effective system for supporting low-income students. Through financial policies and comprehensive assistance, the university gives opportunities for disadvantaged students to overcome financial barriers, maintain their studies, and successfully graduate.
Open related links:
1. August 15, 2024 – UEH’s Comprehensive Scholarship Policy: 70 Billion VND Scholarships for Students of All Modes of Training – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/uehs-comprehensive-scholarship-policy-70-billion-vnd-scholarships-for-students-of-all-modes-of-training-72290
2. August 17, 2024 – UEH announces benchmark scores for 2024 regular university admission methods, admission plan and scholarship and study credit programs – https://tuyensinh.ueh.edu.vn/bai-viet/ueh-cong-bo-diem-chuan-cac-phuong-thuc-xet-tuyen-dai-hoc-chinh-quy-2024-ke-hoach-nhap-hoc-va-chuong-trinh-hoc-bong-tin-dung-hoc-tap/
3. Financial support policy of the Department of Student Affairs – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/chuyen-trang-chinh-sach-ho-tro-tai-chinh/
4. February 7, 2025 – Looking back on a year of accompanying learners at UEH: A journey of comprehensive care and support, towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/looking-back-on-a-year-of-accompanying-learners-at-ueh-a-journey-of-comprehensive-care-and-support-towards-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-73361
5. December 18, 2024 – UEH spreads humanistic values - Accompanying students in difficult circumstances in 2024 – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/ueh-lan-toa-gia-tri-nhan-van-dong-hanh-cung-sinh-vien-co-hoan-canh-kho-khan-nam-2024/
6. January 26, 2025 – UEH has been striving towards: Connecting the community – Spreading knowledge – Sustainable actions – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-has-been-striving-towards-connecting-the-community-spreading-knowledge-sustainable-actions-73371
7. April 04, 2024 – The Success of UEH Sharing – Career Fair 2024: Nearly 6 Billion VND Contributed to Future Generations, Connecting More Than 5,000 Job Opportunities – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/the-success-of-ueh-sharing-career-fair-2024-nearly-6-billion-vnd-contributed-to-future-generations-connecting-more-than-5000-job-opportunities-71642
8. November 05, 2024 – UEH Golf Tournament – Swing for Future 2024: 850 million VND Raised for UEH Talent Nurturing Scholarship – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-golf-tournament-swing-for-future-2024-850-million-vnd-raised-for-ueh-talent-nurturing-scholarship-72967
9. March 18, 2024 – UEH organizing UEH League – Student Football Tournament for the first time – https://ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-organizing-ueh-league-student-football-tournament-for-the-first-time-71528
10. May 17, 2024 – UEH Sports Awards 2024 – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/ueh-sports-awards-2024/
https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/mental-and-well-being-support-for-students-at-ueh/
11. April 18, 2024 – Taking care of mental health during exam season with meditation – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/cham-soc-suc-khoe-tinh-than-mua-thi-voi-thien/
12. December 10, 2024 – Mental and well-being support for students at UEH – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/tin-tuc/mental-and-well-being-support-for-students-at-ueh/
13. Multicultural integration – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/hoa-nhap-da-van-hoa/
14. January 23, 2024 – Youth of UEH and the Journey of Implementing 17 SDGs According to the Sustainable Development Strategy of UEH – https://www.ueh.edu.vn/en/news/youth-of-ueh-and-the-journey-of-implementing-17-sdgs-according-to-the-sustainable-development-strategy-of-ueh-73380
15. Department of Student Affairs, English Zone – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/english-zone/
16. Department of Student Affairs, Student Activities and Events – https://dsa.ueh.edu.vn/en/student-activities-and-events/
17. UEH News – https://news.ueh.edu.vn/en
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