Vietnam sees surge in students opting for vocational schools after middle school

In the 2026‑2027 enrolment cycle, about 13‑14% of recent secondary school graduates in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City—roughly 17,000 students per city—have chosen vocational education instead of the traditional public high‑school track. The shift reflects families’ economic considerations and the appeal of free tuition for the vocational portion, allowing students to obtain a middle‑level certificate and enter the labour market around age 18.

Parents cite high living and university costs as a burden. One mother said, "If my child studies a trade, he can finish secondary school, get a certificate, and start working, relieving the family’s financial pressure." Many also note that vocational programmes emphasize hands‑on training, with more than 70% of the curriculum in practical work, and align with strong demand for technicians in automotive, electronics, logistics, precision engineering, graphic design and food processing sectors. School leaders report increased intake numbers, signalling growing confidence in vocational pathways as a viable and proactive choice for many Vietnamese families.