The Growing Debate on the Value of Higher Education
The excitement of entering higher education is increasingly overshadowed by doubts about whether the investment is truly worth it. With soaring tuition fees and uncertain job prospects, many are asking: what exactly are we paying for?
The Rising Costs of Education
Universities have become financially autonomous institutions, leading to dramatic increases in tuition fees. In Vietnam, for instance, these fees have risen by as much as 40 times compared to earlier decades. This steep hike might seem justified if the quality of education had improved correspondingly. However, graduates often emerge from these institutions burdened with debt, finding themselves unable to secure jobs that align with their qualifications. Many are forced to accept low-paying or unrelated work, highlighting a troubling disconnect.
Disheartening Employment Statistics
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) reported that 60% of graduates are working in fields unrelated to their studies. This shocking statistic reflects a systemic failure that has worsened over recent years, pointing to a disconnection between educational outcomes and employment opportunities.
Universities as Businesses
One contributing factor is that universities in Vietnam often operate like businesses, focusing on revenue generation rather than student success. Many students choose majors based on trends or familial advice rather than the quality of education or job market demand. This approach contrasts sharply with practices in developed countries, where employability assessments are common. For instance, Australia employs the Quality Index for Learning and Teaching (QILT) to survey graduate employment rates across various fields, ensuring that educational programs align with market needs.
Declining Quality vs. Rising Requirements
While job requirements have become more stringent, the quality of education is in decline. Universities admit students en masse, driven by economic pressures rather than aligning with labor market needs. Admission standards have dropped, allowing students to pass with minimal knowledge. This grade inflation, coupled with the complexities of today’s job market, results in only a select few graduates—often those with connections or prior work experience—quickly landing job placements.
Outdated Curriculums
The curricula taught in Vietnamese universities are frequently outdated and misaligned with employer demands. Even as developed countries seek to keep pace with rapid job market changes—introducing subjects like artificial intelligence—Vietnamese students often contend with irrelevant courses. While soft skills and general education are valuable, they do not fulfill the urgent requirements of today’s competitive job market.
Lack of Employer Involvement
Another pressing issue is the minimal involvement of employers in shaping educational programs. In nations like Australia, industry advisory boards play a crucial role in ensuring curricula meet market requirements, allowing for practical experiences through internships. Conversely, in Vietnam, students often graduate lacking the necessary skills or experience to secure jobs, leaving them underprepared for the workforce.
The Philosophy Behind Education
Many educators in Vietnam adhere to an outdated philosophy, viewing university as merely a general training phase. This perspective assumes employers will provide specialized training, which is impractical in a fast-paced job market. Businesses often seek graduates who can immediately contribute, rather than invest time in extensive training.
The Value of a Degree
So, is a university degree still worth pursuing? Despite its pitfalls, a degree remains valuable in Vietnam, where self-study habits are generally weak. Without a degree, career opportunities shrink significantly, and prospects for upward mobility diminish. However, this reliance on traditional academic routes is not a sustainable model for the future.
Exploring Alternative Pathways
From a personal perspective, various paths to success exist, including vocational training and entrepreneurship, which may offer more viable options for some students. Yet, from a national viewpoint, cultivating a high-quality workforce is pivotal for economic advancement. A university degree constitutes an integral piece of that puzzle, provided educational institutions are willing to adapt and innovate.
The educational landscape in Vietnam is at a crossroads, and the future workforce, along with the economy, hinges on necessary changes.