The race to attract university applicants in Dong Nai

(ĐN) - In the 2025 university admissions season, six universities and university branches in Dong Nai Province are projected to enroll nearly 10,000 students across various training disciplines. These institutions are implementing numerous solutions to attract applicants amid an increasingly competitive admission landscape, particularly when compared to Ho Chi Minh City, the country's leading higher education hub.

Dr. Doan Manh Quynh, Principal of Dong Nai Technology University (Trang Dai Ward, Dong Nai Province), stated: "During this admission session, our university will offer a 20% tuition fee reduction for several programmes. Notably, three programmes will be completely exempt from tuition fees to attract new students. In addition, the university will implement supportive policies for newly admitted students throughout their studies."

An admission consultant from Mien Dong Innovative Technology University (Dau Giay Commune, Dong Nai Province) provides guidance to a candidate regarding the university's admission procedures. Photo: PHUONG NAM

Multiple incentives available for new students

Dong Nai Technology University expects to offer 2,000 enrolment slots for the 2025 admissions season, in accordance with approval from the Ministry of Education and Training. Alongside disciplines also offered by other universities, the institution has introduced several innovative majors, including Multimedia Communication Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Arts. Rather than waiting for applicants to come to the university, its admissions department has proactively visited high schools both within and outside the province from the first semester of the 2024–2025 academic year to introduce the university and its training majors to the 12th graders.

Dr. Doan Manh Quynh added: "This year, we have made certain adjustments to our admission policies to attract applicants, with a focus on technical and technological fields. For example, female candidates admitted to the Automotive Engineering major will receive a 20% tuition fee reduction, while male students admitted to the Medical Laboratory Technology programme will also enjoy a 20% discount. Particularly, for majors such as Environmental Technology, Biotechnology, and Chemical Engineering, tuition fees for the first year will be fully waived."

As a multi-disciplinary private university not located in the provincial centre like many others, Mien Dong Innovative Technology University (Dau Giay Commune, Dong Nai Province) faces strong competition in attracting applicants. According to its admission department, the university will offer 19 full-time undergraduate programmes in 2025. Its strengths lie in the fields of engineering, technology, economics, and languages. To maximise enrolment, the university is applying all admission methods permitted by the Ministry of Education and Training, with three key approaches being: evaluating national high school graduation exam scores, reviewing grade 12 academic transcripts, and considering scores earned by applicants on competency assessment exams.

At Lac Hong University (Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province), the first private university established in the province, various "incentive packages" have been introduced for its 34 academic programmes, aiming to attract over 2,000 new students in 2025. In addition to applying all current admission methods, the university offers supportive packages for early-enrolled freshmen, such as scholarships, free transportation for starting school, three months of free dormitory accommodation, and one year of English-speaking practice.

Compared to tuition fees and living expenses in Ho Chi Minh City, studying in Dong Nai is much more affordable and stable. Furthermore, the quality of education offered by universities and colleges in Dong Nai is commendable. What matters most is the students' dedication and willingness to learn; it's not always the case that students studying in Ho Chi Minh City achieve better outcomes after graduation. Students should consider enrolling in universities in Dong Nai to reduce the financial burden on their families and become better prepared for their future working environment."

Dr Lam Thanh Hien, Principal of Lac Hong University: The cost of studying in Dong Nai is significantly lower than in Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyen Van Trung, Head of Admissions and Public Relations at Lac Hong University, said: "In recent years, the university has had relatively smooth admissions, thanks to a diverse curriculum, new academic programmes aligned with science and technology, and stable tuition fee policies. However, due to significant changes in the 2025 admissions regulations, the university must continue offering additional support to attract students."

Expectations of enhanced appeal from the newly-formed Dong Nai province

Following the merger of the former Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces into the new Dong Nai Province, the region is now home to six universities and university branches, including: Dong Nai University, Lac Hong University, Dong Nai Technology University, Mien Dong Innovative Technology University, the Dong Nai branch of Vietnam National University of Forestry, and the Dong Nai branch of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education. Collectively, these institutions are expected to enrol around 10,000 students. Furthermore, there are more than 10 vocational colleges in the province offering a wide range of programmes, many of which meet international vocational training standards certified by Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

During this admission season, leaders of universities and colleges in Dong Nai have expressed optimistic expectations for student recruitment, as the newly formed Dong Nai Province encompasses a wider area and a significant increase in the number of high school graduates. According to the provincial Department of Education and Training, nearly 49,000 students graduated from high schools in the new Dong Nai Province (with approximately 37,000 from the former Dong Nai province and over 12,000 from the former Binh Phuoc province). The majority of these graduates intend to pursue further education at universities or vocational colleges to improve their future career prospects.

Dr. Vo Van Ly, Principal of Dong Nai University, explained that the quality of admissions at his institution is expected to significantly improve this year, particularly in education-related disciplines, following the merger of the former Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai provinces. He said: "Before the merger, Dong Nai University only admitted students into education-related programmes if they held household registration in Dong Nai. Now that the two provinces have been unified, students from the former Binh Phuoc area are eligible to apply for all programmes offered by the university."

Dr. Vo Van Ly also shared encouraging news: "Dong Nai University has just been granted a new academic program code from the Ministry of Education and Training for Natural Sciences Education, with over 50 enrollment slots. This increases our total number of enrollment quotas for education majors from 6 to 7 for 2025, with more than 700 pedagogical students out of a total intake of 1,560 enrollment targets. Those admitted into education programmes may also benefit from favourable tuition policies under Decree No. 116/2020/ND-CP dated 25 September 2020, which provides financial support for tuition and living expenses to students enrolled in teacher training. Under this policy, eligible students may receive up to VND 3.63 million per month to cover study and living costs for up to 10 months per academic year."

Meanwhile, Dr. Mai Hai Chau, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai branch of Vietnam National University of Forestry (Trang Bom Commune, Dong Nai Province), commented: "This year, admission conditions of universities may become more favourable due to the expanded recruitment area following the provincial merger. Additionally, the new Dong Nai Province is undergoing rapid infrastructure development, attracting significant investment and creating more industrial zones. Notably, the Long Thanh International Airport is expected to commence operations in 2026, which should prompt both students and parents to consider studying in Dong Nai in order to secure high-quality employment opportunities in the coming year."

By Cong Nghia - Translated by My Le - Thu Ha