On May 23, 2026, Vietnam announced its decision to grant 40 scholarships to Ukrainian students for the 2026-2027 academic year, as part of its bilateral agreements with Ukraine. These scholarships will cover bachelor’s, master’s, and postgraduate degrees, including a one-year language course for those who do not speak Vietnamese. This move is seen as a significant gesture of support from Vietnam to Ukraine, and is part of a larger effort by the international community to provide assistance to Ukraine. Kazakhstan has also granted 40 scholarships for similar degrees, demonstrating a coordinated effort by multiple countries to support Ukrainian students.
According to Le Thi Thu Hang, spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the scholarships are a demonstration of Vietnam’s commitment to supporting Ukraine during a difficult time. Hang stated that Vietnam and Ukraine have a long history of cooperation, and that the scholarships are a way for Vietnam to contribute to the development of Ukraine’s education system. The scholarships will be awarded to students who wish to pursue degrees in a variety of fields, including science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Vietnam’s decision to grant these scholarships has been welcomed by the international community, with many seeing it as a positive step towards strengthening ties between Vietnam and Ukraine.
Vietnam’s International Relations
Vietnam’s decision to grant scholarships to Ukrainian students is part of a broader effort by the country to strengthen its international relations. In recent years, Vietnam has sought to diversify its diplomatic relationships, seeking to balance its ties with neighboring countries such as China with relationships with other countries around the world. Vietnam has been a key partner for the United States in Southeast Asia, and has also strengthened its ties with other countries in the region, including Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. According to Carl Thayer, a professor at the University of New South Wales, Vietnam’s decision to grant scholarships to Ukrainian students is a sign of the country’s growing confidence on the international stage.
Vietnam’s relationships with other countries in the region are complex and multifaceted. The country has a long and sometimes contentious history with China, with which it shares a border and has competing claims in the South China Sea. However, Vietnam has also sought to strengthen its ties with other countries in the region, including Japan and the Philippines, with which it shares a commitment to upholding international law and promoting regional stability. Vietnam has also been a key partner for the European Union, with which it has a number of trade and investment agreements. According to Nguyen Quoc Dung, deputy minister of foreign affairs, Vietnam’s relationships with other countries are guided by a commitment to independence, self-reliance, and international cooperation.
The United States has welcomed Vietnam’s decision to grant scholarships to Ukrainian students, seeing it as a positive step towards strengthening ties between the two countries. According to a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, the United States values its relationship with Vietnam and sees the country as a key partner in Southeast Asia. The spokesperson also noted that the United States is committed to supporting Ukraine and welcomes efforts by other countries to provide assistance. The U.S. president has stated that the United States will continue to work with its allies, including Vietnam, to promote regional stability and uphold international law.
As Vietnam continues to strengthen its international relationships, it is likely that the country will play an increasingly important role in regional and global affairs. With its growing economy and strategic location, Vietnam is well-positioned to serve as a bridge between different regions and cultures. According to Pham Binh Minh, Vietnam’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister, Vietnam’s goal is to become a prosperous and integrated member of the international community, and to contribute to the promotion of peace, stability, and cooperation around the world. The country’s decision to grant scholarships to Ukrainian students is a significant step towards achieving this goal, and demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to supporting the international community and promoting education and development.
