Why Did 53% of 2026 University Applicants Choose STEM Fields?

Breaking Records: 53% Statistics in 2026 According to official reports published on July 16, 2026, university applicant statistics indicate a major transformation in the choice of academic fields. According to data from the Ministry of Education and Training, out of 874,811 candidates who registered for admission to university courses, 467,590 (equivalent to 53.4%) included at least one STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field in their priority list [1]. This figure represents a significant increase compared to previous years and confirms that more than half of future students are seeking their path in technical and scientific fields.

Professor Nguyen Tien Thao, Director of the Higher Education Department, noted that this trend is not just a passing wave, but the result of growing awareness among parents and students of the vital role of basic sciences and engineering in the digital economy [3].

Main Drivers: From Artificial Intelligence to Support Policies One of the main reasons for this widespread reception is the approval and implementation of Decree No. 179/2026/ND-CP, which provides government scholarships and special support for 15 key fields in basic sciences, engineering, and strategic technologies [2]. These policies have led approximately 38% of all candidates to choose government priority fields.

In addition to financial support, the emergence and dominance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and semiconductor technologies have doubled the attractiveness of fields such as Computer Science and Information Technology. Statistics show that nearly 18% of all applicants registered computer-related fields as their primary choice [1]. These students are looking to acquire skills that will guarantee their job security in the highly competitive labor market of 2026.

Global Labor Market and Demand for STEM Professionals The popularity of STEM fields is not limited to a specific geographical region but reflects a global shortage of specialized labor in these areas. Labor market reports in 2026 show that STEM-related jobs are growing three times faster than other fields [2].

Abundant job opportunities in emerging industries such as renewable energy, biotechnology, and cloud infrastructure have provided a strong incentive for students to embrace the rigors of studying technical fields. Furthermore, the stark difference in the starting salaries of STEM graduates compared to other fields has been another decisive factor in this decision-making process [3].

Challenges and Future Outlook Despite this widespread reception, educational authorities emphasize that the goal is not only to increase the quantity of students, but that qualitative improvement and smart selection of applicants are priorities. In 2026, governments are seeking to selectively increase university capacity in key technical fields to prevent market saturation in some areas and shortages in others [1].

This trend suggests that in the coming years, interdisciplinary specializations that combine technical knowledge with management skills will return to the top of the popularity charts. The success of these 53% of candidates depends on the ability of educational systems to provide laboratory infrastructure and direct links with industry.