80% of Self-Funded Vietnamese Students Abroad Choose Not to Return, Raising Talent Loss Concerns

By Neerav November 2, 2024
Alarm 2 Min Read
Copied
Featured

A recent report from Vietnam’s Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reveals that 80% of self-financed Vietnamese students studying abroad choose not to return home after completing their education. This trend is largely driven by the allure of higher salaries, better benefits, and favourable visa policies in foreign countries.

The report highlights a consistent rise in the number of Vietnamese students pursuing education overseas, with over 250,000 currently enrolled in foreign institutions. Of these, approximately 10,000 students self-finance their studies each year, while another 6,800 received scholarships between 2017 and 2022, primarily in countries like Russia and Hungary.

However, the retention rate of returning students remains a concern. In 2022, surveys across 12 Vietnamese localities showed that only 1,160 out of 8,850 students returned after studying abroad. This figure fell further to 543 in 2023, sparking worries about a significant “brain drain” affecting Vietnam’s skilled workforce.

Phan Thi Minh Giang, Deputy Head of the Consular Department, pointed to nations like Germany, where international graduates can extend their residential visas for up to 18 months to aid job searches, as examples of attractive post-study policies.

With Vietnam ranked among the top 10 countries for students studying abroad, experts are calling for comprehensive reforms to encourage more Vietnamese students to return and contribute to the nation’s development.

Source: VN EXPRESS

More Articles