Decision 1002/QD-TTg 2025 approving the Scheme on training of human resources to serve hi-tech development in 2025-2035

DECISION

Approving the Scheme on training of human resources to serve hi-tech development in the 2025-2035 period and orientations toward 2045^[1]

THE PRIME MINISTER

Pursuant to the February 18, 2025 Law on Organization of the Government;

Pursuant to the June 14, 2019 Law on Education;

Pursuant to the June 18, 2012 Law on Higher Education, and the November 19, 2018 Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Higher Education;

Pursuant to the Government’s Action Program to implement the Political Bureau’s Resolution No. 52-NQ/TW of September 27, 2019, on a number of guidelines and policies for proactive participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution;

Pursuant to the Government’s Resolution No. 58/NQ-CP of June 8, 2021, on the Government’s May 2021 regular meeting;

Pursuant to the Government’s Resolution No. 111/NQ-CP of July 22, 2024, promulgating the Government’s Action Program to implement Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW of November 17, 2022, of the 6^th Plenum of the 13^th Party Central Committee, on continuing to accelerate national industrialization and modernization through 2030, with a vision toward 2045;

Pursuant to the Government’s Resolution No. 189/NQ-CP of November 16, 2023, promulgating the Government’s Action Program to implement the Political Bureau’s Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW of January 30, 2023, on the development and application of biotechnology to serve the country’s sustainable development in the new situation;

Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 127/QD-TTg of January 26, 2021, promulgating the National Strategy on research, development and application of artificial intelligence up to 2030;

Pursuant to the Government’s Resolution No. 51/NQ-CP of March 18, 2025, promulgating the Government’s Action Program to implement the Political Bureau’s Conclusion No. 91/KL-TW of August 12, 2024, on continuing to implement Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW of November 4, 2013, of the 11^th Party Central Committee;

Pursuant to the Government’s Resolution No. 71/NQ-CP of April 1, 2025, promulgating the Government’s Action Program to implement the Political Bureau’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation;

Considering the proposal of the Minister of Education and Training in Document No. 1688/BGDDT-GDDH of April 14, 2025, and Report No. 1947/TTr-BGDDT of December 31, 2024, enclosed with the Scheme on training of hi-tech human resources for the 2025-2035 period and orientations toward 2045,

DECIDES:

Article 1. To approve the Scheme on training of human resources for hi-tech development for the 2025-2035 period and orientations toward 2045 (below referred to as the Scheme) with the following contents:

I. VIEWPOINTS

1. Training high-quality human resources to serve the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation is a crucial task, requiring breakthrough policies, specific mechanisms, appropriate investment resources, urgent and long-term solutions, and appropriate implementation roadmaps.

2. The State plays the role of facilitator and coordinator, providing key resources for investment and support in training in basic sciences, doctoral programs, and advanced research to serve the development of high technologies and strategic technologies, while maximizing the participation and contribution of domestic and foreign enterprises and investors.

3. To expand advanced, high-quality training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines to meet the diverse human resource needs of hi-tech fields; to focus on training and further training a contingent of talents in basic sciences, engineering and key technologies that directly serve the development of priority strategic technologies and high technologies.

4. To closely link training with the attraction of, and preferential treatment for, talented individuals, while promoting scientific research, technology development and innovation at higher education institutions; and with attracting investment in hi-tech industries and strategic technologies.

5. To strengthen international cooperation with reputable training and research institutions and big technology enterprises in training high-quality human resources, especially those serving the development of priority strategic technologies and high technologies, in line with Vietnam’s priority orientations in each period.

II. OBJECTIVES

1. General objectives

Preparing STEM human resources who possess high professional qualifications and technical skills to meet the demand for expanded investment in hi-tech industries, with a focus on building a contingent of talented personnel capable of deeply engaging in research and development of priority strategic technologies and high technologies, thereby creating a national competitive advantage in attracting investment from big technology corporations in the world, and contributing to economic restructuring and sustainable development of the country in the new era based on science, technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transition.

2. Specific targets by 2030

a/ To rapidly increase the scale of advanced training in STEM, especially in basic sciences and disciplines related to digital technology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology:

- The proportion of students enrolled in STEM disciplines at each training level will reach 35%, of whom at least 2.5% are in basic sciences and 18% are in digital technology-related disciplines.

- Out of the total scale of STEM training, students enrolled in engineering and master’s programs will account for at least 10%, and those enrolled in doctoral programs will account for at least 1%; female students will account for at least 20%.

- The number of graduates from information and communication technology training programs will reach 80,000 per year, of whom at least 10% will obtain engineering, master’s or doctoral degree.

- The number of graduates from specialized training programs in artificial intelligence will reach 8,000 per year, of whom at least 20% will obtain engineering, master’s or doctoral degree; 100% of bachelor of science’s, engineering and master’s training programs in STEM disciplines will be integrated with knowledge and skills in data analysis and artificial intelligence.

- The number of graduates from specialized training programs in biology, biotechnology and biomedicine will reach 5,000 per year, of which at least 20% will obtain engineering, master’s or doctoral degree.

b/ To create breakthroughs in training and further training talents in association with the development of strong research groups in basic sciences, key engineering and technological disciplines serving the development of priority strategic technologies and high technologies, as well as national key projects:

- At least 2,000 individuals holding doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines and currently working abroad will be recruited as university lecturers in Vietnam or contracted to teach for at least one semester at a higher education institution.

- The annual number of graduates from talent training programs in strategic technology sectors will reach about 5,000 at engineering and master’s degree and 500 at doctoral degree, of whom at least 20% will come from specialized programs in artificial intelligence.

- At least 30 strong research groups in STEM disciplines will be recognized, including 20 groups in priority strategic technologies and high technologies; international publication rankings in STEM disciplines will be continuously improved.

3. Specific targets for the 2030-2035 period

a/ To continue to expand the scale of advanced training in STEM disciplines, especially in basic sciences and in fields related to digital technology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology:

- The proportion of students enrolled in STEM disciplines will reach 40% at each training level, of whom at least 3% will be in basic sciences and 20% in digital technology-related disciplines.

- Out of the total scale of STEM training, students enrolled in engineering and master’s programs will account for at least 15%, and those enrolled in doctoral programs will account for at least 1.5%; female students will make up at least 25%.

- The number of graduates from information and communication technology training programs will reach 100,000 per year, of whom at least 15% will obtain engineering, master’s or doctoral degree.

- The number of graduates from specialized training programs in artificial intelligence will reach 15,000 per year, of whom at least 20% will obtain engineering, master’s or doctoral degree.

- The number of graduates from specialized training programs in biology, biotechnology and biomedicine will reach 8,000 per year, of whom at least 20% will obtain engineering, master’s or doctoral degree.

b/ To continue expanding training, developing talents, and building strong research groups in basic sciences, key engineering and technological disciplines to serve the development of priority strategic technologies and high technologies:

- At least 3,000 individuals holding doctoral degrees in STEM disciplines and currently working abroad will be recruited as university lecturers or contracted to teach for at least one semester at a higher education institution.

- The annual number of graduates from talent training programs in strategic technology sectors will reach 8,000 at engineering and master’s degrees, and 1,000 at doctoral degree.

- At least 50 strong research groups in STEM disciplines will be recognized, of which 30 will be specialized in priority strategic technologies and high technologies; international publication rankings in STEM disciplines will continue to be improved.

4. Orientations toward 2045

a/ The scale and proportion of STEM training will continue to increase, with the rate of students pursuing master’s and doctoral programs reaching the average level of high-income developed countries.

b/ The contingent of lecturers and physical facilities serving training and research in STEM disciplines will receive greater investment and be developed to meet standards comparable to those of advanced countries.

c/ The scope and scale of talent training programs will continue to be expanded to all sectors of priority strategic technologies and high technologies, especially at engineering, master’s and doctoral degrees.

d/ High-level, high-quality STEM human resources will become Vietnam’s core competitive advantage in attracting investment in hi-tech industries, particularly in strategic technology industries.

dd/ Vietnam’s higher education system will be ranked among the top institutions in Asia in training and research in STEM disciplines, particularly in digital technology, artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

III. TASKS AND SOLUTIONS

1. Strengthening investment policies for STEM education and financial support for STEM learners

a/ To strengthen STEM education and career guidance by consolidating the knowledge base and fostering the interest of high school students in STEM disciplines and careers through such solutions as enhancing teacher training, investing in physical facilities and technology for STEM education, and raising awareness about STEM disciplines and careers.

b/ To study and revise regulations on preferential credit for learners in the direction of expanding eligible beneficiaries and loan conditions, lowering interest rates, increasing loan amounts and repayment terms, and providing special incentives for those pursuing STEM disciplines.

c/ To study amending and supplementing regulations on study encouragement scholarships in the direction of expanding eligible beneficiaries and funding sources from the state budget, with preferential treatment based on training subjects and disciplines; with the highest level of scholarships prioritized for learners enrolled in talent training programs under the Scheme.

d/ To study amending and supplementing regulations on tuition exemption or reduction applicable to learners of talent training programs under the Scheme and human resource training programs in disciplines and majors identified in programs, strategies and schemes approved by the Prime Minister.

2. Completing, and accelerating the implementation of, policies to support training and attract excellent lecturers

a/ To develop specific mechanisms and policies, and provide financial support to attract, recruit and hire outstanding overseas STEM lecturers to work and teach at domestic higher education institutions, particularly in talent training programs.

b/ To amend and improve regulations on standards and procedures for recognition and appointment of professors and associate professors; to increase the autonomy of higher education institutions in attracting and recruiting excellent lecturers to academic management positions, in connection with the appointment of professors and associate professors.

c/ To provide support for lecturers of talent training programs in attending overseas short-term training courses under the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 89/QD-TTg of January 18, 2019 (an average of 2 lecturers per program per year).

3. Increasing investment in physical facilities and technology serving training and research activities at higher education institutions

a/ To invest in upgrading laboratories, technology and learning materials for training and research in STEM disciplines in service of hi-tech development; to prioritize investment capital to modernize training institutions selected to implement talent training programs.

b/ To study amending regulations on the re-borrowing rate of ODA loans and other concessional loans, in the direction of applying the highest preferential rate to public higher education institutions regardless of their level of financial autonomy; to study and submit to the Government for approval the lowest re-borrowing rate applicable to investment projects under the Scheme.

4. Implementing talent training programs associated with scientific research and technology development outcomes

a/ To implement 100 talent training programs at engineering and master’s levels and 100 talent training programs at doctoral level in STEM disciplines, linked with the development of strong research groups in prioritized strategic technologies and high technologies.

b/ To amend and supplement conditions and criteria for postgraduate training, especially doctoral training, in regulations on the assessment and selection of research topics, the selection or assignment of organizations and individuals to perform scientific and technological tasks at all levels, and regulations on the evaluation of scientific and technological outcomes.

c/ To prioritize the assignment of scientific and technological tasks to training institutions that are in charge of implementing multiple talent training programs, as well as to research groups and research theme leaders who serve as supervisors for graduate students under talent training programs.

d/ To formulate policies to encourage graduate students to undertake scientific and technological tasks; and policies to encourage cooperation in master’s and doctoral training linked with collaboration in scientific research and technology development between higher education institutions and enterprises.

5. Promoting international cooperation in training and research in STEM disciplines and in high technologies and strategic technologies

a/ To strengthen and expand international relations at all levels, particularly with countries and economies highly advanced in science and technology, big technology corporations, and international organizations, in order to exchange experiences and cooperate in human resource training associated with hi-tech research and development.

b/ To prioritize grant of scholarships for postgraduate training to serve the development of strategic technologies, especially scholarship programs under intergovernmental agreements.

c/ To amend and improve regulations on application for permits for the organization of international scientific seminars and conferences in the direction of creating favorable conditions and delegating greater right to autonomy and accountability to higher education institutions and research institutions, particularly for seminars and conferences in STEM disciplines and hi-tech fields.

6. Strengthening the mobilization and diversification of investment resources

a/ To integrate the tasks and appropriate solutions of the Scheme into relevant programs, schemes and projects approved by competent authorities, so as to effectively use funding sources for implementation of the Scheme.

b/ To study and propose improvements to regulations on the management and use of public assets in the direction of granting greater autonomy to public higher education institutions.

c/ To study and propose policies to encourage enterprises to provide support for internships, scholarships, and loan repayment for graduates they recruit.

V. FUNDS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME

To prioritize the allocation of funds for implementing the Scheme from the state budget, including the central budget and local budgets, in conformity with the fund-balancing capacity of the state budget and the provisions of the Law on the State Budget and the law on public investment; lawful revenues of training institutions; and investment or donation sources from enterprises, organizations and individuals, and other lawful funding sources. In particular, the state budget shall be allocated to support the implementation of the tasks and solutions under the Scheme, including:

1. Funding for implementing preferential credit policies in accordance with the Prime Minister’s regulations, and funding for granting study encouragement scholarships in accordance with the Government’s regulations guiding the implementation of the Law on Education, applicable to all training programs, with priority given to eligible beneficiaries under the Scheme;

2. Funding for placing orders or assigning training tasks by state agencies for high-quality STEM training programs, based on economic-technical norms promulgated by the Ministry of Education and Training;

3. Funding for tuition fee subsidies in accordance with the Government’s regulations for students of STEM talent training programs at training institutions as approved;

4. Funding for doctoral training of lecturers, to be arranged in accordance with the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 89/QD-TTg of January 18, 2019;

5. Funding for sending lecturers to short-term training courses abroad; funding to invite foreign lecturers to teach in Vietnam; and funding to support the attraction and recruitment of excellent overseas lecturers to serve as lecturers for talent training programs under the Scheme;

6. Investment funds to strengthen physical facilities for training institutions, including new investment projects or the upgrading of laboratories serving teaching and research activities under approved talent training programs;

7. Funding for the development of learning materials and the organization of training and further training courses on digital competence, STEM education, educational technology and career guidance for key teachers across the education and training sector;

8. Funding for the implementation of the Program on development of human resources for the semiconductor industry through 2030, with a vision toward 2050, to be earmarked for carrying out semiconductor human resource training activities under such Program.

V. ORGANIZATION OF IMPLEMENTATION

1. The Ministry of Education and Training

a/ To integrate the tasks and solutions of the Scheme into the performance of tasks assigned under the Government’s Action Programs for implementing the Political Bureau’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of December 22, 2024, and Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW of November 24, 2023, of the 8^th Plenum of the 13^th Party Central Committee.

b/ To formulate and promulgate standards for talent training programs and criteria for evaluating and selecting such programs and training institutions; to provide guidance on registration, organize the selection of training institutions, and assign talent training quotas; to guide training institutions in proposing investment projects for building laboratories and implementing talent training programs.

c/ To coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the tasks and solutions of the Scheme; to synthesize and annually report implementation results to the Prime Minister, including proposals to address difficulties and obstacles (if any); to promptly report to the Prime Minister for consideration and adjustment of the objectives, tasks and solutions of the Scheme in order to meet the requirements of human resource training for development of high technologies in each period.

d/ To take full responsibility for the content of reports, proposals and recommendations regarding the approval of the Scheme in Document No. 1688/BGDDT-GDDH of April 14, 2025, and Report No. 1947/TTr-BGDĐT of December 31, 2024.

2. The Ministry of Science and Technology

a/ To integrate the tasks and solutions of the Scheme related to promoting scientific and technological activities in association with training activities at higher education institutions into the performance of tasks assigned under the Government’s Action Programs for implementing the Political Bureau’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of December 22, 2024, and Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW of November 24, 2023, of the 8^th Plenum of the 13^th Party Central Committee.

b/ To guide the implementation of, and give priority to, scientific and technological tasks in strategic technology fields associated with programs on talent training and doctoral training in STEM disciplines.

c/ To develop forecasts on the demand trends for scientific and technological human resources and digital technology industry human resources; to specify human resource needs for each period; to place orders and assign tasks for training scientific and technological human resources in sectors under the Ministry’s management.

3. The Ministry of Finance

a/ To assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with the Ministry of Education and Training and related ministries, agencies and localities in, reviewing, synthesizing, and submitting to competent authorities the allocation of state budget funds for implementing the tasks and solutions of the Scheme in accordance with the law on the state budget, the law on public investment and other relevant laws.

b/ To integrate into the performance of tasks assigned under the Government’s Action Program for implementing the Political Bureau’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of December 22, 2024, the tasks and solutions of the Scheme regarding preferential credit policies for learners (solution III.1.b), the re-borrowing rate of ODA loans and other concessional loans (solution III.3.b), and the mobilization and diversification of investment resources (task III.6).

4. The Ministry of National Defense

To direct its affiliated higher education institutions to strengthen the training of high-quality human resources for the defense industry in accordance with the Political Bureau’s Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW of January 26, 2022, on accelerating the development of the defense industry through 2030 and subsequent years; to provide training in dual-use disciplines to meet the requirements of the country’s socio-economic development, in line with the Political Bureau’s Conclusion No. 91-KL/TW of August 12, 2024, on continuing to implement Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW of November 4, 2013, of the 11^th Party Central Committee, on the fundamental and comprehensive renovation of education and training to meet the requirements of industrialization and modernization in the context of a socialist-oriented market economy and international integration.

5. The Ministry of Public Security

a/ To study and propose visa mechanisms and policies to facilitate the attraction of reputable foreign lecturers, scientists and experts to Vietnam to participate in training, conduct research and work in priority strategic technologies and high technologies.

b/ To identify needs, place orders, assign training tasks, and coordinate in the training of high-quality human resources in the field of cyber security and other hi-tech sciences under the Ministry’s management, serving the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 06/QD-TTg of January 6, 2022.

6. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

a/ To organize external affairs activities, support and promote international cooperation in training hi-tech human resources; to introduce and connect overseas Vietnamese lecturers, scientists and experts with domestic training institutions.

b/ To advise the Prime Minister on amending regulations on the organization and management of international conferences and seminars in Vietnam, thereby creating favorable conditions for foreign lecturers, scientists and experts in STEM fields to come to Vietnam to collaborate in training, research and technology transfer.

7. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies and government-attached agencies

a/ To promulgate plans for implementing the tasks and solutions of the Scheme under their management for each period and each year, proactively integrating the objectives and tasks of the Scheme with relevant programs, schemes and projects.

b/ To direct and guide their affiliated training institutions in implementing the tasks and solutions of the Scheme; to synthesize proposals for investment projects and cost estimates, ensuring funding for the implementation of the Scheme’s tasks and solutions in accordance with regulations.

c/ To identify needs, place orders, and assign tasks for training high-quality human resources in hi-tech fields to meet sector-based demands within their management scope.

d/ To report on the results of the Scheme’s implementation to the Ministry of Education and Training no later than November 30 every year, for synthesis and reporting to the Prime Minister.

8. Provincial-level People’s Committees

a/ Based on the tasks and solutions of the Scheme, to formulate implementation plans for each period and each year, proactively integrating the objectives and tasks of the Scheme with relevant programs, schemes and projects.

b/ To direct provincial-level Departments of Education and Training and affiliated training institutions to organize the implementation of relevant tasks and solutions of the Scheme; to synthesize and propose cost estimates, and ensure funding for the implementation of the Scheme’s tasks and solutions in accordance with regulations.

c/ To identify the demand for high-quality human resources in hi-tech fields in their localities; to formulate, and submit to competent authorities proposals on, specific policies for their localities; to place orders and cooperate with higher education institutions in training activities to meet local human resource needs in hi-tech sectors.

Article 2. This Decision takes effect on date of its signing.

Article 3. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government-attached agencies, chairpersons of provincial-level People’s Committees, and related organizations and individuals shall implement this Decision.-

For the Prime Minister
Deputy Prime Minister
LE THANH LONG