Vietnam’s education industry has experienced significant transformation and growth over the past few decades, positioning the country as a rising star in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the education sector continues to be a critical area of focus for the government as it seeks to support rapid economic growth, modernise its workforce, and integrate into the global economy. This overview outlines the key trends, challenges, and developments shaping Vietnam’s education industry in 2024.
Key Developments and Trends
Increased Government Investment in Education
The Vietnamese government remains committed to improving access to and the quality of education at all levels. The 2024 budget continues to allocate a significant portion of national GDP (approximately 5-6 percent) to education. Investments focus on infrastructure, teacher training, and expanding digital education. The ongoing implementation of the 2019 Law on Education has modernised the sector, promoting equity, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Private and International Schools Expansion
Private education has seen tremendous growth, especially in urban centres like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. In 2024, private schools and international institutions continue to meet growing demand from the rising middle class and expatriate communities. The government has actively encouraged foreign investment in education, resulting in an influx of international schools offering globally recognized programs such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) and British and American curricula.
Major Players
International schools like the British International School, Saigon South International School, and Renaissance International School Saigon have expanded their campuses to cater to increasing student populations.
STEM and Digital Education Focus
Recognizing the need for a tech-savvy workforce, Vietnam has prioritised STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. In 2024, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) continues to enhance STEM programs, particularly in secondary and tertiary education. Robotics, coding, and AI courses have become standard in many schools, and partnerships with tech companies provide students with hands-on experience.
E-Learning and EdTech Growth
Vietnam’s EdTech sector has expanded significantly, with online platforms like Edmicro, Kyna, and Topica spearheading digital learning. This is further fueled by improved internet access and smartphone penetration.
Higher Education Reforms
Vietnam’s higher education system has undergone substantial reforms to improve autonomy, research capacity, and global competitiveness. By 2024, top Vietnamese universities such as Vietnam National University (VNU) in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Ton Duc Thang University, and Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) are improving their positions in global rankings.
International Collaborations
Universities are forming partnerships with global institutions for joint research programs, exchange initiatives, and dual-degree offerings. In 2024, Vietnam has seen increased partnerships with universities in countries like the US, Australia, and Japan.
Vocational Training Expansion
Vocational training is a key component of Vietnam’s educational strategy, aimed at equipping young people with the practical skills needed for industrial jobs. By 2024, the government has enhanced its vocational training programs, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, information technology, and construction. This is part of an effort to meet the needs of Vietnam’s industrialization and its rapidly expanding export economy.
Key Challenges
Regional Disparities
While education in urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City thrives, rural and remote regions face significant challenges. In 2024, regional disparities in access to quality education persist. Ethnic minorities and students in the northern highlands and Mekong Delta regions often struggle with fewer resources, poor infrastructure, and lower teacher quality.
Teacher Shortages and Quality
Despite ongoing reforms, Vietnam faces challenges related to teacher quality and availability, especially in rural areas. Teacher salaries remain relatively low, leading to high turnover rates, particularly in public schools. The government continues to invest in teacher training, but maintaining a highly qualified and motivated workforce remains a challenge in 2024.
Pressure on Public Schools
Rapid urbanisation and population growth have increased pressure on public schools, particularly in major cities. Overcrowding in classrooms, lack of facilities, and resource shortages strain the public education system, which must accommodate the rising number of students. The government has responded by encouraging private and foreign investment in education to share the burden, but demand still often exceeds supply.
Box 1: Opening an English language centre in Vietnam
Vietnam’s booming economy has seen huge numbers of foreign firms enter the market and foreign tourists visit the country. This has created huge demand for English language courses and the proliferation of English language learning centres around the country.
Starting an English language centre in Vietnam however, can be tricky. There can be a lot of red tape and requirements and working with local authorities can be challenging. That said, firms and entrepreneurs can ease the stress and tension that comes with establishing an English language centre in Vietnam by understanding the process and its nuances ahead of time.
See: How to Start an English Centre in Vietnam: Ultimate Guide 2024
Policy and Regulatory Landscape
Law on Education 2019
The 2019 Law on Education, which continues to guide reforms in 2024, focuses on expanding access to education, improving the quality of teaching and learning, and promoting equality across different socio-economic groups. Key elements include:
- Universalizing early childhood education.
- Reforming the curriculum to align with global standards.
- Promoting public-private partnerships (PPPs) in education.
Higher Education Law Reforms
In 2024, autonomy for higher education institutions remains a significant policy shift. Universities now have more control over their academic programs, finances, and admissions, which has improved innovation and research capacity.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Education
Vietnam has increasingly opened its doors to FDI in education, and foreign institutions are encouraged to establish schools, universities, and vocational training centres. The government provides favourable policies, including tax incentives, to attract foreign investors. This move aligns with Vietnam’s broader goal of internationalising its education system and improving access to global standards of learning.
Future Outlook and Opportunities
Growth in International Student Mobility
Vietnam is becoming both a source and a destination for international students. Vietnamese students are among the largest cohorts studying abroad, particularly in the US, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. In 2024, there is an increasing trend of foreign students enrolling in Vietnamese universities, attracted by the lower cost of education and growing reputation of Vietnam’s higher education system.
Corporate Partnerships in Education
Vietnamese universities and vocational institutions are increasingly collaborating with the private sector to align curricula with industry needs. In 2024, multinational companies like Samsung, Intel, and Toyota have partnered with Vietnamese educational institutions to offer internships, research opportunities, and specialised training programs to students.
Continued Growth in Private and International Schools
As Vietnam’s economy grows and the middle class expands, demand for private and international education is expected to rise. The premium education market, particularly in large cities, will continue to grow, offering opportunities for investors and foreign education providers to establish and expand operations in Vietnam.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s education industry in 2024 reflects the country’s dynamic economic development and its integration into the global knowledge economy. While challenges remain, particularly in addressing regional disparities and teacher shortages, the sector offers significant growth potential, especially in areas like private education, vocational training, and EdTech. As Vietnam continues to reform its education system, it aims to build a workforce that is well-equipped to meet the demands of the 21st-century economy and foster sustained national development.
Vietnam’s regulatory environment, however, is dynamic and can change quickly. With this in mind, to keep abreast of changes to said regulations, foreign firms operating in Vietnam should make sure to subscribe to the-shiv.