Vietnam Enhances Support for Boarding Students

The Vietnamese government has rolled out an extensive support initiative aimed at students in boarding schools and those in land border areas. This initiative is part of Decree 188/2026/ND-CP, effective from May 27, 2026, aimed at enhancing educational access and overall living conditions for children in remote and underserved regions.

Under the new measure, students enrolled in midday boarding programs will benefit from a monthly meal allowance of 450,000 Vietnamese Dong for a maximum of nine months during the academic year. Boarding students will receive a greater food allowance of 1.17 million Vietnamese Dong each month during the same period, alleviating family financial burdens and promoting sustained school attendance.

To bolster food security, the decree includes rice support for eligible students. Midday boarding students will be entitled to eight kilograms of rice monthly, while full boarding students will receive fifteen kilograms each month. This support, available for up to nine months per school year, ensures that nutritional needs are met throughout their educational journey.

Moreover, the government will extend financial assistance for school supplies and personal necessities. Each academic year, students in boarding schools will be granted 2.05 million Vietnamese Dong to procure uniforms, notebooks, stationery, and other learning materials. Additionally, students will receive a one-time support package at each educational tier covering blankets, mosquito nets, and other essentials, also valued at 2.05 million Dong.

Special provisions are made for first-grade ethnic minority students who participate in Vietnamese language preparation before entering primary education. These students will receive an extra month of meal and rice assistance, facilitating their transition into the school environment and enhancing educational outcomes.

The decree also aims to bolster boarding schools themselves through enhanced government support. Schools will be prioritized for infrastructural advancements, educational equipment updates, and ongoing maintenance. Each institution will receive operational funding of 100,000 Vietnamese Dong per student monthly for up to nine months each year, sustaining stable operations while improving learning environments.

Additional financial support will cater to health examinations, student welfare services, cultural and sports initiatives, educational programs, and operational costs like electricity and water expenses. The authorities have stated that this policy is designed to uphold transparency in its execution while reinforcing educational opportunities in some of Vietnam's most geographically challenging areas. Officials believe this expanded support framework will help mitigate educational inequalities and promote long-term socio-economic growth throughout the nation.