VietNamNet Bridge - Experts and students both say Vietnamese universities that offer undergraduate honors programs need more government funding.

The government has been giving financial support to 23 universities across Vietnam under an 8-year project starting two years ago to provide high quality education for talented students.

Bui Van Ga, Deputy Minister of Education and Training, says the ministry alone spends VND50 million each year on teaching a student of the honors programs, ten times more expensive than on a student of a regular program.

But most of the students following the honors programs expressed concerns over funding at a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan at the Ho Chi Minh City-based University of Science yesterday.

Pham Tan Vu, a senior student, said the programs should offer more scholarships.

Tuition fees of the programs are so high while scholarships are limited, junior Le Hoang An echoed.

Hoang Xuan Hung, a sophomore, said stronger links with international universities and businesses would bring more scholarship and career opportunities for the students.

Nhan, of the government cabinet, revealed that government contributes 60 percent, the universities themselves 15 percent while the remaining 25 percent must be covered by students’ tuition fees.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Truong Giang, of the Finance Ministry, suggested that raising more funds from the whole society would solve the problem in the long run.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Duong Ai Phuong, president of University of Science in Ho Chi Minh City, proposes Vietnam should also offer graduate honors programs since most graduates from the honors program want to continue with their learning.

It is a huge waste to let them go overseas for further study where they could stay to work, Dr Phuong said.

Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, director of John Von Neumann center under Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City, suggests the government should subsidize the graduate honors programs as well.

Source: Tuoi tre