HCM CITY — The Việt Nam National University – HCM City (VNU-HCM) and Asia Commercial Bank (ACB) on July 25 signed a cooperation agreement to launch a programme called "ACB accompanies VNU-HCM students", offering affordable and student-friendly credit for tuition.

The initiative, set to pilot during the 2025–26 academic year, aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable financial aid model for higher education in Việt Nam.

It offers a total credit limit of up to VNĐ50 billion (US$1.96 million) for full-time undergraduate students across VNU-HCM’s member institutions.

Eligible students can borrow up to VNĐ30 million ($1,175) per semester, or VNĐ50 million ($1,960) per academic year, without the need for collateral or proof of income.

The application process is streamlined and transparent to ensure accessibility.

A standout feature of the programme is its highly preferential interest policy.

While the official unsecured loan interest rate is 5.5 per cent annually, students will only pay two per cent while studying. The remaining 3.5 per cent will be subsidised by VNU-HCM’s Development Fund through corporate sponsorships.

Upon graduation, borrowers will repay under a preferential base rate with no additional margin, subject to periodic adjustments by ACB.

The programme also incorporates a shared-risk mechanism between ACB and VNU-HCM for overdue loans, underlining both parties' long-term commitment to student welfare and social responsibility.

Notably, the scheme is not restricted to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Instead, it targets all students with financial needs, encouraging responsible financial management and self-reliance from an early stage.

The partnership signifies a strategic alignment between one of Việt Nam’s top university systems and a leading private bank, paving the way for an innovative tripartite credit model involving the State, academic institutions, and the business sector.

According to VNU-HCM, this model marks a major step towards transforming education financing from traditional aid approaches to modern, sustainable solutions.

The university reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with the private sector, not only in research and innovation but also in improving student access and equity in higher education. — VNS