Low tuition draws more Vietnamese students to Europe

European universities are becoming increasingly appealing to Vietnamese students thanks to their affordable tuition fees and strong programs in technology and engineering, according to representatives from several institutions.

The European Education Fair, organized by the European Union (EU) Delegation and featuring representatives from more than 60 universities, drew thousands of students and parents in Hanoi on Sunday despite the rainy weather.

A woman who came with her younger brother — a 12th grader at Quang Trung High School in Dong Da District — said they were particularly interested in technology programs in Poland.

"At the beginning of the school year, my brother started looking into studying abroad. He quickly chose Poland because tuition and living costs are much lower than in many other countries, even in Europe, which suits our family's budget," she said.

Ngoc Diep, an 11th grader at Vinschool High School, and her friends explored undergraduate programs in Fine Arts and Design in Italy and Sweden. Diep said she hopes to study in the U.S. but is also considering scholarships and tuition fees in European countries.

"Programs in the U.S. are broader, but I have to consider scholarships and costs because it depends on my parents' financial situation," Diep said.

Throughout the fair, information booths were crowded with students and parents seeking advice on tuition, programs, and scholarships.

Rafael de Bustamante, a representative of the EU Delegation in Vietnam, said Europe attracts international students partly thanks to government support policies that make higher education highly affordable.

"International students can benefit from very low tuition fees, or even study for free," he said.

Germany waives tuition fees for international students at public universities, regardless of their country of origin. In Italy, tuition for students from non-OECD countries ranges from $150-300 per year.

Many universities and governments also offer scholarships for students needing financial assistance or demonstrating strong academic performance. Poland’s government scholarship, the Banach NAWA, provides a monthly allowance of PLN2,500 ($675), travel grants, and full tuition coverage at public universities.

Beyond financial considerations, academic approach and learning environment also influence students’ choices. Mai An, an 11th grader at the Foreign Language Specialized High School, said she would choose Europe even without financial concerns because she appreciates its "disciplined, research-oriented approach."

This year marked the second European Education Fair in Vietnam. According to Bustamante, the participation of new universities reflects their growing interest in attracting international students and promoting cultural exchange.

"International students now have many job opportunities in technology in Europe. Vietnamese students are persistent and dynamic — qualities that Europe currently lacks," he said.

European universities are actively seeking young foreign talent, particularly in IT, biotechnology, fintech, engineering, and healthcare. Representatives from the University of Galway (Ireland) and the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt (Germany) praised the energy and contribution of Vietnamese students to the EU academic and professional environment.

"Vietnamese students are more diligent and ambitious than many local students. We look forward to welcoming more of them to bring diversity to the classroom and foster mutual learning," said a representative from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden.

About 1.76 million international students are pursuing higher education in EU countries, with the largest numbers in Germany and France (around 450,000 each). In Germany, the number of Vietnamese students has increased by more than 30% compared to before the Covid-19 pandemic.

On average, students in Europe spend 1,000–1,600 euros ($1,150–1,840) per month on living expenses, including rent, food, transportation, and other costs.