State to fund up to 3 billion per top science and technology PhD student under the VREF program

The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued Decision 2103/QD-BKHCN dated April 13, 2026, officially approving the “Program to support excellent PhD students, 2026-2030” (VREF). The program is designed to shift policy from supporting training toward direct investment in excellent research, with the goal of forming a young scientific workforce capable of independent research and strengthening technology autonomy and national competitiveness.

Funding and support duration

Under the VREF program, the State will support up to 1 billion dong per year for one excellent PhD student, with a support duration of up to 3 years. If necessary, research tasks may be extended for up to 2 additional years, but this extension does not increase the funding from the state budget.

Targets and selection priorities

The program aims to recruit and fund about 100 excellent PhD students annually. Priority will be given to candidates directly involved in tasks that master core technologies, create core technologies, and develop strategic technology products. The remaining slots will be allocated to those conducting breakthrough research in other fields.

Required measurable outputs

VREF sets clear performance indicators to ensure investment effectiveness and improve research quality:

• At least 60% of research results must be published in prestigious international journals (Q1 or reputable listings such as Nature Index).
• At least 20% of results must be registered for intellectual property (patents, utility solutions, or equivalents).
• At least 15% of results must be transferred, commercialized, or applied in production and business.

Program design and implementation approach

Beyond individual support, VREF also seeks to build a network of young scientists to help develop strong research groups. The program encourages co-mentorship mechanisms with foreign experts and Vietnamese scholars abroad, enabling PhD students to access global scientific standards during the project.

Implementation will be nationwide, involving PhD students, higher education institutions, research institutes, scientific and technological organizations, and participation from domestic and international experts as well as the business community.

Resource mobilization and use of funds

The state budget is identified as the leading funding source, alongside efforts to mobilize social resources from businesses and organizations domestically and abroad.

Funding can be flexibly used for research-related activities, including product development, scientific publications, IP registrations, technology testing, and international collaboration. Disbursement is tied closely to progress and outputs.

Accountability, monitoring, and risk management

Funds will be allocated and adjusted based on progress and results. Tasks that do not meet requirements will be adjusted or terminated. Scientific risk arising from the nature of research is considered acceptable, provided it complies fully with relevant regulations.

While the program grants greater autonomy to training and research institutions, it also requires high accountability for scholarship quality, efficient use of resources, and the impact of research results.

Role of NAFOSTED

The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) is assigned to lead comprehensive implementation, including policy development, selection, funding allocation, and monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment of the program. Ministries’ functional units and related organizations will coordinate to ensure effective operation and alignment with the program’s intended direction.

Expected impact

With core technology, products, and markets set as end goals, VREF is expected to serve as a strategic lever for developing high-quality scientific human resources, supporting strengthened technology self-reliance, and gradually positioning Vietnam within the global science, technology, and innovation value chain.