The trend reflects changing priorities among students and parents, with greater emphasis on affordability, career preparation, and access to international learning environments without the immediate costs associated with studying abroad.
The shift was evident at a recent scholarship ceremony held by British University Vietnam (BUV), where nearly 40% of scholarship recipients came from specialized schools, including Foreign Language Specialized School, Chu Van An High School for the Gifted, Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted, and Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted.
Many high school students are rethinking their international education pathway. Photo courtesy of BUV
For many years, overseas study was widely viewed as a common next step for students from Vietnam's leading schools. However, some students are now exploring alternative routes to international education.
"I used to think there was a fairly typical path for students from specialist schools, either getting into one of the country's top universities or studying abroad," said Phan Dieu Linh, a student at Foreign Language Specialized School. "But the more I explored my options, the more I realized that what matters most is finding an environment that aligns with my long-term goals."
