Vietnam’s Law on Education for Foreign Firms 2024

Vietnam’s Law on Education recognizes the growing importance of private and international educational institutions in enhancing Vietnam’s education industry. This is in response to increasing demand for diverse educational options, driven by economic growth, a rising middle class, and international integration. The government regulates these institutions to ensure they meet quality standards while also encouraging their growth as part of a multi-tiered education system.

Private schools

Ownership and Operation

Private schools are governed under Article 47 of the Law on Education, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of non-public educational institutions, including private schools. Private schools can be established by individuals, organisations, or enterprises, both domestic and foreign. These schools must be licensed and comply with regulations set by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET).

Curriculum

Article 28.1 mandates that the curriculum in all schools, including private ones, must ensure a foundational knowledge of Vietnamese history, culture, and ethics. Private schools, however, are allowed some flexibility in developing their curricula, though they are still required to follow the national curriculum for certain core subjects, particularly in areas like Vietnamese language, history, and culture. However, they often supplement these with enhanced programs, particularly in subjects like English, mathematics, and science.

Tuition and Fees

Article 99 provides that non-public schools are allowed to determine their tuition fees but must do so transparently and comply with the guidelines provided by the state. These fees vary significantly depending on the school’s reputation, facilities, and educational offerings. However, they are required to be transparent about fee structures, and the government may place caps on fees to ensure education remains accessible.

Standards and Accreditation

Article 104 governs the quality control and accreditation requirements for educational institutions.  Private schools are held to the same standards of quality as public schools. They must undergo regular inspections and meet national standards in terms of curriculum, teacher qualifications, facilities, and student outcomes. Accreditation processes ensure that private institutions deliver a high-quality education that aligns with the broader national education goals.

Teacher Employment and Salaries

Article 82 covers teacher qualifications and standards for employment in both public and non-public institutions. Private schools have more autonomy in hiring and setting salaries for teachers, allowing them to offer competitive pay to attract highly qualified staff. However, teachers in private institutions must still meet national qualifications and certification requirements.

International Schools

International schools in Vietnam play a significant role in providing education tailored to expatriate families, Vietnamese students seeking an international curriculum, and families who value globally recognized education systems. The law allows and regulates these schools as follows:

Curriculum and Language of Instruction

International schools must follow provisions in Article 29, which submits that students, particularly Vietnamese, receive instruction in core Vietnamese subjects like history and culture. International schools are permitted to teach foreign curricula, such as those from the UK, the US, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. These schools offer a wide range of globally recognized educational standards, preparing students for higher education opportunities abroad. English is often the primary language of instruction, although some schools may offer bilingual programs.

Students

While initially established to cater to expatriates, many international schools in Vietnam now admit Vietnamese students as well, though they must comply with government-imposed limits on the percentage of local students. This is outlined in Article 48.

Ownership and Regulation

Article 66 of the Law on Education outlines regulations for foreign-invested educational institutions, including licensing and quality requirements. International schools in Vietnam can be fully foreign-owned or established through joint ventures with Vietnamese entities. These schools must also obtain operational licences from the MOET and are subject to inspections to ensure compliance with Vietnamese educational laws, especially regarding the teaching of Vietnamese language and culture to local students.

Cultural Education Requirements

For Vietnamese students attending international schools, Article 29.3 of the law mandates that they still learn core aspects of Vietnamese culture and history. Schools are required to provide specific courses on these subjects to ensure that Vietnamese students maintain a connection to their national identity while pursuing an international education.

Quality Assurance

Articles 104 and 106 outline the standards for educational quality and accreditation that all institutions, including international schools, must adhere to. International schools are subject to quality inspections and must be accredited by recognized international bodies in addition to meeting MOET’s standards. This ensures that the education provided is consistent with global best practices while also aligning with Vietnam’s educational goals.

Promotion and Support for Private and International Schools

Encouraging Investment

Article 66 promotes investment in education, allowing for both foreign and domestic investments in non-public schools, including private and international institutions. Article 48 also encourages international cooperation in education. The Vietnamese government encourages investment in both private and international schools as part of its strategy to diversify the educational landscape. The law allows for the establishment of education-focused foreign investment projects in concert with Decree 86 which guides foreign direct investment in education.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

Article 53 encourages cooperation between public and non-public institutions to improve educational resources, infrastructure, and curriculum development. Through PPPs, private institutions can support public schools in areas such as infrastructure development, teacher training, and curriculum enhancement. This collaboration helps improve the overall quality of education while ensuring resources are used efficiently.

Expansion of International Collaboration

Articles 66 and 48 encourage Vietnamese institutions to collaborate with foreign educational institutions to bring in international expertise and create exchange programs. Vietnamese universities and vocational schools are encouraged to partner with foreign institutions to offer joint programs, exchange students and faculty, and adopt international standards in teaching and research. This includes international schools contributing to the development of Vietnamese educational institutions by sharing best practices and fostering academic exchanges.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s Law on Education supports the development of a diverse and dynamic education system through the growth of private and international schools. These schools offer flexibility, higher-quality resources, and exposure to global educational standards, benefiting both expatriate and Vietnamese students. At the same time, the government ensures that these institutions contribute positively to the national educational landscape by maintaining standards of quality, promoting Vietnamese culture, and encouraging broad access to education.

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.