Universities in Can Tho are adding more programs and new specializations in technology, engineering and healthcare for 2026 to meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce and expand options for applicants.

Students attend class at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Photo: Contributor

Education experts say artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the job market, so students need digital skills, data analysis, language proficiency and adaptability to match employer expectations. In Can Tho, students and parents are shifting their choice of majors.

Nguyen Thi Mai, a graduate of Ly Tu Trong Specialized High School, listed Education Technology at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City as her top choice, followed by Information Technology at Can Tho University. “After the Ministry of Education and Training and universities announced minimum admission score, I chose these fields because they are tied to digital transformation”, Mai said.

To meet the growing demand for a skilled workforce, city universities have added new academic programs. Can Tho University will launch six new programs, including Data Science, Financial Technology, Construction Management, a high-speed railway specialization in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Plant Protection in 2026. The university carefully reviewed the new programs based on available resources and workforce needs at every phase, said Nguyen Hua Duy Khang, deputy head of academic affairs at Can Tho University.

Data Science, for example, centers on big data and building AI applications. Financial Technology blends finance and banking with digital tools to keep up with digital finance. The high-speed railway program aims to supply personnel for upcoming major transport projects.

On the healthcare side, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy is admitting students to 14 programs ranging from Medicine and Dentistry to Pharmacy, Nursing and Medical Technology. A new addition this year is Psychology, added to keep up with the rising need for mental health care. The school expects demand for psychology graduates to keep climbing, with 93.6% of 31 surveyed employers forecasting increased hiring.

Nam Can Tho University will admit students to 48 undergraduate programs in 2026. The school is rolling out new majors that match where the job market is heading, including International Law, Semiconductor Chip Design, Information Security, Biotechnology, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology.

Meanwhile, Tay Do University has added four programs in 2026: Applied Mathematics, E-commerce, Law and International Law. The new majors address strong labor demand and trends in the digital economy, international integration and workforce needs. They also diversify training and give applicants more options in high-growth areas with strong job prospects.

Can Tho City has 8 public and private universities.

B.KIEN (Translated by MAI QUYEN)