Preferential credit policy helps STEM students feel secure in their studies

The Prime Minister has just issued Decision No. 29/2025/QD-TTg (Decision No. 29) dated August 28, 2025 on credit support for students, master's students, and biological researchers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). One of the policy's breakthroughs is to increase the maximum loan amount to ensure that students' learning and living needs are met.

Mr. Vo Trong Hoa, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies, Dong Nai branch.

Dong Nai Newspaper reporter had an interview with Deputy Director of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) Dong Nai branch VO TRONG HOA about the remarkable new points of Decision No. 29.

* Sir, how is Decision No. 29 being implemented by the Social Policy Bank, Dong Nai province branch?

- Immediately after the Prime Minister's Decision No. 29 was issued, based on the direction of the Central Bank for Social Policies and professional guidance documents, the Dong Nai Provincial Bank for Social Policies quickly organized training for staff, coordinated with educational institutions and local authorities to disseminate to students, parents and people. At the same time, we have begun to complete the documents to disburse loans according to the new policy from the beginning of September 2025. Through a survey of loan demand, we have proposed that the Central Bank for Social Policies allocate about 20 billion VND in capital for early disbursement in this period.

Officials of the Social Policy Bank, Vinh Cuu branch, visited the family of Mr. Mai Tien Huu (Tri An commune) whose two children are receiving loans for their studies. Photo: Kim Lieu

This is a very innovative and practical policy. The Social Policy Bank, Dong Nai branch, coordinates with borrowers to negotiate loan amounts appropriate to each specific case, helping to optimize capital use and limit financial pressure on students.

With high loan amounts, low interest rates, flexible repayment periods and no collateral requirements for loans under VND 500 million, the new credit policy under Decision No. 29 not only provides practical support for learners, but also contributes to training high-quality human resources, contributing to serving socio -economic development in the era of national development.

* What are the new and outstanding features of Decision No. 29 compared to previous credit programs, sir?

- The first highlight is the higher and more flexible loan amount. Specifically, students can borrow the entire tuition fee after deducting scholarships or other support. In addition, students can borrow up to 5 million VND/month to cover living expenses and other study costs.

For example, if the tuition fee is 10 million VND/month, the total loan amount per month can be up to 15 million VND. This is a comprehensive level of support, helping students not only cover the cost of studying but also stabilize their lives. Helping students focus completely on studying and researching.

Recently, the Bank for Social Policies, Dong Nai province branch, has effectively implemented more than 20 policy credit programs, with a total outstanding loan balance of more than 11.5 trillion VND, of which the outstanding loan balance for students is more than 1.4 trillion VND, with more than 21.9 thousand loan customers.

* Could you tell us what are the notable incentives for interest rates and loan conditions under Decision No. 29?

- The loan interest rate according to Decision No. 29 is 4.8%/year, much lower than the current commercial interest rate. In particular, during the study period, the borrower does not have to pay principal and interest.

After graduation, students are given a 12-month grace period, without having to repay the debt immediately, to have time to stabilize their lives and find a job. The repayment period is designed flexibly, up to the time of loan disbursement, divided into several periods to reduce financial pressure.

In addition, loans under 500 million VND do not require collateral, creating favorable conditions for the majority of learners.

* Can you elaborate on the loan recipients and the conditions for accessing this source of capital?

- The loan subjects are students, master's students and postgraduate students who are Vietnamese citizens studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics at universities and vocational training institutions in the national education system established and operating under the provisions of Vietnamese law. Specific training fields and sectors, such as: life sciences, natural sciences, computers and information technology, engineering technology, engineering, architecture and construction, production and processing, mathematics and statistics, financial technology, etc.

Regarding loan conditions: For new students, it is necessary to achieve a good or higher academic performance rating for all 3 years of high school or an average score of 8 points or higher in Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in grade 12. For second-year students and above, it is necessary to have an average academic performance of good or higher in the previous school year and the year immediately following the loan application. Master's and doctoral students must be recognized by training institutions according to regulations. Every year, students must update their information and have confirmation from the school to continue receiving disbursement.

* How is the loan process at the Social Policy Bank, Dong Nai branch? What do students need to prepare, sir?

- The loan process is very clear and easy to implement: Students fill out the information form, with confirmation from the school. The family representative contacts the savings and loan group of the CSXH bank in the residential area to be guided in completing the loan application. After approval, the loan will be disbursed periodically, in accordance with the study plan. In case the student no longer has a family member eligible to be the loan representative, the student can directly apply for the loan and contact the CSXH bank where the school is located or where the student resides.

* Thank you!

Kim Lieu (performed)

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/giao-duc/202509/chinh-sach-tin-dung-uu-dai-giup-sinh-vien-khoi-nganh-stem-yen-tam-hoc-tap-ccd2884/