'Heavy' tuition fees, many candidates drop out of university to switch to college

During the time when candidates confirm their admission, many students, although admitted to university, after careful consideration, finally decide to choose to study in college to save costs and get a job soon.

Choose college to "lighten the load"

Pham Minh Hau, a former student of Cau Ke High School, Vinh Long Province (formerly Tra Vinh ), was admitted to the mechanical engineering major at a major university in Ho Chi Minh City this year. However, the tuition fee of about 40 million VND/year has made it difficult for his family to manage. In the end, Hau decided to study automotive technology at Bach Viet Polytechnic College. "After only 2 and a half years, I can start working. The school also guarantees a job after graduation, so I feel somewhat secure," Hau shared.

Le Bao Quyen, a student at Tre Viet Primary, Secondary and High School (in Ho Chi Minh City), is similar. Bao Quyen was admitted to the accounting major at a public university but dropped out to enroll in pharmacy at Vien Dong College. “If I go to university, I will need to pay nearly 20 million VND in tuition and other fees for admission procedures, which is beyond my family’s ability. The college is close to home and has a job commitment, so I find it more suitable,” Quyen said. Currently, Quyen’s younger sister is also studying in the 9+1 program at this school.

Another male candidate from Vinh Long also decided to change direction. The male student said he was admitted to a public relations major at a private university with a tuition fee of nearly 27 million VND/semester. After considering, he switched to a similar major at Van Lang Saigon College. "College tuition is 3 times lower, reducing the burden on my family. After finishing school, I will go to work and then consider transferring later," the male student shared.

In addition to registering for admission on the general admission system of the Ministry of Education and Training, many candidates come directly to colleges.

PHOTO: YEN THI

Short study time, early employment

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Mong Lanh, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center of Saigon Polytechnic College, the school has recruited over 85% of its target. Notably, among them are many candidates who have passed the university entrance exam but choose to study at college. "Studying at college helps save costs and takes a short time, so students can enter the labor market early. Transferring to university later is also very easy," Ms. Lanh emphasized and added. The school also has many preferential policies on tuition fees and scholarships for students entering the last batch, expected to open on September 8.

Ms. Vo Thanh Huong, Head of Admissions and Communications, Ho Chi Minh City International College, said that this year, many students have very clear goals and have decided to study at college from the beginning. "For many students, we do not need to advise too much about the major because they have researched very carefully from the beginning. We only advise on tuition fees, analyze the study path, and if they find it suitable, they can register to study right away," Ms. Huong added.

According to Ms. Huong, many students tend to work and study at the same time without financial support from their families. Therefore, the school must analyze the most suitable study schedule and part-time work schedule for students, thereby helping them to be more confident and feel secure in studying.

Dr. Tran Manh Thanh, Principal of Bach Viet Polytechnic College, said that the trend of choosing to study at college instead of university is not new but is becoming increasingly clear. “You have learned to set more realistic goals, consider your financial capacity and study time. After only 2 - 2.5 years, students can graduate, go to work immediately, even have the opportunity to intern abroad and earn an income. Later, when conditions permit, studying in a university is not difficult at all,” Dr. Thanh analyzed.

According to Dr. Thanh, this choice is in line with the State's human resource development orientation: College is the level of education that provides the main human resource for society, while University focuses on innovation, research and development. "Candidates choosing College is no longer a matter of formality, but a decision that suits their conditions and personal goals. This is a positive signal in the past few years," Dr. Thanh affirmed.

Some colleges have almost reached their enrollment target.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mong Lanh, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center, Saigon Polytechnic College, said that up to now, the school has recruited over 85% of the quota for both forms of enrollment. "Currently, some majors have very few quotas, some majors have run out of quotas, if you are still wondering, you can contact the school for support and advice," Ms. Lanh added.

Master Nguyen Thuy Vuong Khanh, Director of the Center for Communication and Admissions, Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics , informed that the school recorded 800 candidates admitted to the school through the admission process on the Ministry of Education and Training's general admission portal, so in recent days, the school has been welcoming this group of candidates to complete admission procedures. In addition, the school continues to welcome candidates to register for study through the school's own admission process. To date, the school has enrolled more than 80% of its target.

“In recent days, the school has also supported parents and students in completing admission procedures, providing online consultation, and helping students find accommodation…”, Master Khanh added.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nang-ganh-hoc-phi-nhieu-thi-sinh-bo-hoc-dh-chuyen-sang-cd-185250828144419009.htm