The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) has officially announced its 2026 funding plans across four programmes: Basic Research, Applied Research, Technology Development Research, and Social Solution Development. Together, these calls span the full spectrum from foundational science to commercialization-ready technology and evidence-based social solutions. Faculty and researchers across all disciplines are encouraged to review the details below and identify the call that best matches their current or planned research.
| Call | Max. Funding | State Share | Duration | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Research | VND 1.5B (moderate) / 3.0B (high complexity) | Co-funding encouraged, not mandated | 24–36 months (+12) | 13 Aug 2026 |
| Applied Research | VND 8B / project | Up to 80% (min. 20% co-funding) | Up to 36 months (+12) | 10 Aug 2026 |
| Technology Development | VND 10B / project | Up to 50% (min. 50% co-funding) | Up to 36 months (+12) | 10 Aug 2026 |
| Social Solution Development | VND 5B / project | Up to 80% (min. 20% co-funding) | Up to 36 months (+12) | 14 Aug 2026 |
1. Basic Research Projects
FOUNDATIONAL SCIENCEFunding Scope
- Individual projects or project clusters (up to 5 projects per cluster).
- Eligible fields: Natural Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Medical Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Social Sciences, and Humanities.
- Priority given to Vietnam’s key research strengths and strategic technologies: AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors, biotechnology, and advanced materials.
Funding Level & Duration
- Up to VND 1.5 billion for projects of moderate complexity; up to VND 3.0 billion for high-complexity projects.
- Co-funding from enterprises or other organizations is encouraged (not mandatory).
- Duration: 24–36 months, extendable by up to 12 months.
Application & Timeline
- Submit via the STM online system: stm.mst.gov.vn (digitally signed) or hard copy.
- Package: application form and declarations, full project proposal, CVs, and supporting documents. Detailed budget follows NAFOSTED’s Reference Budget Framework, finalized after funding is recommended.
- Deadline: 13 August 2026, 17:00. Results expected before 15 October 2026.
2. Applied Research Projects
SOCIO-ECONOMIC & POLICY APPLICATIONFunding Scope
- Projects with strong application potential addressing socio-economic, industrial, policy, and national security needs.
Funding Level & Duration
- Up to VND 8 billion per project (max. 80% of total budget); project clusters of up to 5 projects.
- Minimum 20% co-funding required from non-state sources.
- Duration: up to 36 months, extendable by up to 12 months.
Eligibility
Host organizations must meet requirements under the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation and Article 5 of Decree No. 267/2025/ND-CP.
Application & Timeline
- Submit via STM (digitally signed) or hard copy.
- Package: application forms, project proposal, CVs, supporting documents. Detailed budget submitted after the project is recommended for funding.
- Opens 10 July 2026; deadline 10 August 2026, 17:00. Results expected before 10 November 2026.
3. Technology Development Research Projects
COMMERCIALIZATION-READY TECHNOLOGYFunding Scope
Technology development and improvement, prototyping, pilot production, and development of products, equipment, software, platforms, and technical solutions with strong application and commercialization potential. Priority areas include AI, big data, cloud/edge computing, IoT, blockchain, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, 5G/6G, semiconductors, robotics, UAVs, biotechnology and medical devices, renewable energy and smart grid, advanced materials, aerospace, marine and railway technologies, and smart manufacturing/logistics/precision agriculture.
Funding Level & Duration
- Up to VND 10 billion per project.
- State funding covers up to 50% of total budget; host organization must secure at least the remaining 50% from non-state sources.
- Duration: up to 36 months, extendable by up to 12 months.
Eligibility
Host organization and applicant must meet requirements under the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation; Articles 6 and 7.3 of Decree 267/2025/ND-CP; and Article 4.3 of Circular 44/2025/TT-BKHCN.
Application & Timeline
- Submit via STM (digitally signed) or hard copy.
- Package: required application forms, project proposal, CVs, supporting documents. Detailed budget submitted after the project is recommended for funding.
- Opens 10 July 2026; deadline 10 August 2026, 17:00. Results expected before 10 November 2026.
4. Social Solution Development Projects
EVIDENCE-BASED POLICY & GOVERNANCEFunding Scope
Innovative social solutions addressing practical socio-economic challenges, contributing to evidence-based policies, governance models, and high-impact public solutions. Priority given to proposals aligned with national strategic priorities.
Funding Level & Duration
- State funding covers up to 80% of total budget; maximum VND 5 billion per project. Project clusters of up to 5 projects.
- Host organization must secure at least 20% from non-state funding sources.
- Budgeting complies with Circular No. 39/2025/TT-BKHCN. Duration: up to 36 months, extendable by up to 12 months.
Eligibility
Open to organizations, enterprises, and individuals conducting science, technology, and innovation activities in or related to Vietnam, meeting applicable host-organization requirements.
Application & Timeline
- Submit via STM (digitally signed) or hard copy.
- Package: application form, project proposal, CVs, information on host organization’s capacity and facilities, supporting documents. Detailed budget follows NAFOSTED’s Reference Budget Framework.
- Opens 14 July 2026; deadline 14 August 2026, 17:00. Results expected before 13 November 2026.
How to Apply Through VinUniversity
- Review the official NAFOSTED notice for your chosen call (linked above) for full eligibility and technical requirements.
- Prepare your complete application package as specified for that call.
- Submit your package to the Research Management Office: Ms. Trang Ngô ([email protected]), at least five (5) working days before the NAFOSTED deadline, to allow time for institutional review, digital signatures, and the official seal.
- Submit your finalized application to NAFOSTED via the STM online system: stm.mst.gov.vn.
VinUniversity · R519, Building I, Vinhomes Ocean Park, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, Vietnam
Email: [email protected] ·
Web: research.vinuni.edu.vn
Deadlines and funding levels are current as of the official NAFOSTED announcements (July 2026). Applicants should confirm details on the linked NAFOSTED pages before submission.