Education Law 2019: Objectives, System, and Policies
The Education Law 2019 (Law 43/2019/QH14) establishes the legal framework for Vietnam's national education system, focusing on the comprehensive development of citizens, promoting lifelong learning, and ensuring equity. It mandates 12 years of compulsory education and grants greater autonomy to educational institutions, effective July 1, 2020.
Key Takeaways
Focuses on comprehensive human development and national construction.
Mandates 12 years of compulsory education from primary to high school.
Requires higher qualification standards for all teaching staff.
Promotes institutional autonomy in finance, personnel, and curriculum.
Prioritizes financial support for disadvantaged students and regions.
What are the core objectives and principles guiding the Education Law 2019?
The Education Law 2019 aims for the comprehensive development of the Vietnamese people, cultivating morality, lifestyle, and physical health alongside capacity and quality for national construction. The law emphasizes key principles like equity, democracy, and ensuring education for all citizens, stressing that learning must be closely linked with practical application. Furthermore, the law mandates continuous innovation, international integration, and fostering lifelong learning to meet evolving societal demands.
- Comprehensive development includes morality, lifestyle, physique, and capacity.
- Key principles are learning linked to practice, equity, and democracy.
- Emphasis is placed on innovation, international integration, and lifelong learning.
- Curriculum updates and developing foreign language/IT capacity are prioritized.
How is the National Education System structured under the 2019 Law?
The National Education System is structured across four main levels: Preschool, General Education (Phổ thông), Vocational Education, and University education, ensuring a clear pathway for learners from early childhood through advanced degrees. The law mandates 12 years of compulsory education, covering the entire general education cycle from Primary (5 years) through Lower Secondary (4 years) and Upper Secondary (3 years). This structure is designed to be interconnected, facilitating smooth transitions, such as the clear pathway for students moving from high school to either university or vocational training programs.
- The system includes Preschool, General Education, Vocational, and University levels.
- University levels include Bachelor, Master, and Doctor degrees.
- Compulsory education spans 12 years, from Primary to Upper Secondary.
- The structure ensures interconnectedness and smooth transition between educational levels.
What standards and policies govern teachers and learners?
The law establishes clear qualification standards for teachers, requiring specific university or college degrees based on the educational level, along with strict professional, technical, and ethical requirements. Learners are granted fundamental rights, including respect, protection, and equal learning opportunities, balanced by the obligation to study diligently and comply with institutional regulations. Crucially, the state implements support policies, such as preferential allowances and housing assistance, targeting teachers and students in difficult or disadvantaged areas.
- Teachers must meet professional, technical, and ethical standards.
- Qualification standards vary (University/College) depending on the teaching level.
- Learners have the right to respect, protection, and equal learning opportunities.
- Learners have the obligation to study and comply with internal regulations.
- Support policies include preferential allowances and housing support for difficult regions.
How are Educational Institutions classified and managed?
Educational institutions are primarily classified into two types: public institutions, which are managed and funded by the State, and non-public institutions, which mobilize private capital for investment and operation. A key feature of the 2019 Law is the expansion of the right to self-determination and accountability for these institutions, allowing them autonomy in critical areas. This autonomy covers financial management, personnel organization, and the development and implementation of specialized curricula and expertise, provided they meet strict conditions for establishment, operation, and quality accreditation through defined appraisal and licensing processes.
- Institutions are classified as public (State-managed) or non-public (private capital).
- Institutions have the right to self-determination and accountability.
- Autonomy covers finance, personnel organization, and curriculum expertise.
- Establishment requires meeting conditions and undergoing appraisal and licensing.
Who is responsible for the State Management of Education?
State management of education is overseen by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), which holds general responsibility, alongside the People's Committees at provincial and district levels managing local implementation. This tiered structure ensures effective governance. The law mandates rigorous inspection, examination, and violation handling processes, including specialized education inspection procedures, to maintain quality and compliance. The law also recognizes the vital role of society, establishing mechanisms for social supervision and criticism to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Management is shared between the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and People's Committees.
- MOET holds general responsibility for the national system.
- Provincial/District People's Committees handle local responsibilities.
- The law includes processes for inspection, examination, and handling violations.
- Social supervision and criticism mechanisms involve the community in management.
What financial and investment policies does the State implement?
The State implements several financial policies to ensure equitable access and quality education, including providing tuition fee exemptions, reductions, and scholarships specifically for disadvantaged groups, such as ethnic minorities and poor households. A core policy is the prioritization of investment in universal education and regions facing socio-economic difficulties, with the state budget allocating a specific ratio of GDP to education. Additionally, the government actively seeks to mobilize social resources for education by encouraging and facilitating private investment in the sector.
- Financial support includes tuition fee exemption/reduction and scholarships.
- Priority groups for support include ethnic minorities and poor households.
- Investment is prioritized for difficult areas and universal education.
- The state budget allocates a specific GDP ratio to education.
- The government encourages private investment to mobilize social resources.
When did the Education Law 2019 take effect and what did it replace?
The Education Law 2019 (Law No. 43/2019/QH14) officially took effect on July 1, 2020. This new legislation completely replaced the previous legal framework, specifically the Education Law 2005, which had been amended in 2009. To ensure smooth transition and consistent application nationwide, the Government is responsible for regulating and issuing detailed implementation guidance for all provisions outlined in the new law.
- The law became effective on July 1, 2020.
- It replaced the Education Law 2005 (amended 2009).
- Implementation guidance is regulated by the Government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the Education Law 2019?
The primary goal is the comprehensive development of Vietnamese citizens, focusing on morality, capacity, and quality, while ensuring they are prepared to participate effectively in national construction.
How long is compulsory education under the new law?
Compulsory education spans 12 years, covering the entire general education cycle from Primary school (5 years) through Lower Secondary (4 years) and Upper Secondary school (3 years).
What is the difference between public and non-public educational institutions?
Public institutions are state-invested and managed, while non-public institutions mobilize private capital. Both types are granted autonomy in finance, personnel, and curriculum management.
What are the key principles guiding the implementation of the law?
Key principles include ensuring equity and democracy, promoting education for all citizens, and linking theoretical learning directly with practical application and lifelong learning initiatives.
When did the Education Law 2019 officially become effective?
The Education Law 2019 (Law 43/2019/QH14) officially took effect on July 1, 2020, replacing the previous Education Law enacted in 2005 and subsequently amended in 2009.
