Education Law 2019: Goals, System, and Implementation in Vietnam
The Education Law 2019 (Law 43/2019/QH14) establishes the legal framework for developing Vietnamese citizens comprehensively, focusing on ethics, competence, and lifelong learning. It mandates a 12-year compulsory education system, defines rigorous qualification standards for teachers, promotes institutional autonomy in management, and outlines state policies for financial support and resource mobilization across the nation.
Key Takeaways
Focuses on comprehensive development of ethics, competence, and ability to contribute to the nation.
Mandates 12 years of compulsory education, covering primary through upper secondary levels.
Requires higher qualification standards for teachers based on professional expertise and ethics.
Promotes institutional autonomy in finance, personnel, and specialized program development.
The law became effective on July 1, 2020, replacing the previous 2005 Education Law.
What are the core goals and principles defined by the Education Law 2019?
The Education Law 2019 defines the core goal as the comprehensive development of the Vietnamese people, emphasizing ethics, competence, and the ability to contribute effectively to national development. The foundational principles stress that learning must go hand-in-hand with practical application, ensuring equal and democratic learning opportunities for all citizens regardless of background. Furthermore, the law highlights the necessity of continuous innovation, international integration, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning to keep the education system modern and relevant to global standards.
- Comprehensive development regarding ethics, lifestyle, physical health, competence, and quality.
- Ensuring practice is linked with theory, and guaranteeing learning opportunities for every citizen.
- Emphasizing updating programs, teaching methods, and building foreign language and information technology capacity.
How is the National Education System structured under the 2019 Law?
The National Education System is structured into four main levels: preschool, general education, vocational education, and higher education, designed to provide continuous pathways for learners. A significant change introduced by the law is the expansion of compulsory education to 12 years, covering primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels to ensure a foundational education for all. This structure is designed to ensure seamless transitions and linkages between different educational stages, promoting continuous educational pathways for all learners, especially the transition from high school to university or vocational training.
- Includes four main levels: Preschool (0-6 years), General Education, Vocational Education, and Higher Education.
- Higher education levels include Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees.
- Establishes structural linkages, such as the smooth transition from high school to university or vocational training.
- Mandates 12 years of compulsory education (Primary 5 years, Lower Secondary 4 years, Upper Secondary 3 years).
What are the qualification standards and rights for teachers and learners?
The law establishes clear qualification standards for teachers, requiring specific professional expertise, vocational skills, and adherence to ethical standards appropriate for their educational level, often requiring university or college degrees. For learners, the law guarantees the right to respect, protection, and equal learning opportunities, while simultaneously outlining their obligation to study diligently and comply with institutional regulations. Crucially, the law also mandates supportive policies, such as preferential allowances and housing assistance, for teachers and students working or studying in disadvantaged regions to ensure equity.
- Teacher qualification standards cover professional expertise, vocational skills, and ethical requirements.
- Learners have the right to respect, protection, and equal learning opportunities.
- Learners have the obligation to study and comply with internal regulations.
- Policies include preferential allowances and housing support for staff and students in difficult areas.
How are educational institutions classified and what is their level of autonomy?
Educational institutions are classified into public entities, which are state-invested and managed, and non-public entities, which mobilize private capital for operation. A key focus of the 2019 Law is granting increased autonomy and self-responsibility to these institutions, particularly in higher education. This autonomy extends significantly to financial management, personnel organization, and the development of specialized programs and curricula, allowing institutions to respond flexibly to market demands. To ensure quality, the law details the necessary conditions for establishment, operation, and quality accreditation, including a rigorous appraisal and licensing process.
- Classification includes public institutions (state-invested) and non-public institutions (private capital mobilization).
- Institutions possess self-responsibility and autonomy in financial and personnel organization.
- Autonomy also covers specialized expertise and curriculum development.
- Requires adherence to conditions for establishment, operation, and quality accreditation, including appraisal and licensing.
Who is responsible for the state management and oversight of education?
State management of education is decentralized, primarily involving the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and the People's Committees (UBND) at provincial and district levels. MOET holds overall responsibility for national policy and strategy, while local UBNDs manage implementation within their jurisdictions, ensuring policies are adapted to local needs. The law also details mechanisms for inspection, examination, and handling violations through specialized educational inspection processes to maintain quality and compliance. Furthermore, it emphasizes the vital role of society and the community in management, establishing mechanisms for social supervision and critical feedback on educational policies and practices.
- Management bodies include the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and People's Committees at all levels.
- MOET holds general responsibility; local UBNDs manage provincial and district implementation.
- Includes procedures for specialized educational inspection and handling violations.
- Emphasizes the role of society and the community through supervision and social critique mechanisms.
What financial and investment policies does the State implement for education?
The State implements several financial policies aimed at ensuring equitable access and quality education, particularly for vulnerable populations. This includes financial support such as tuition fee exemptions, reductions, and scholarships specifically targeting priority groups like ethnic minorities and poor households. The law prioritizes investment in disadvantaged areas and universal education programs, allocating a specific percentage of the state budget (GDP ratio) to education. Additionally, the policy actively encourages the mobilization of social resources, specifically promoting private sector investment in educational development and infrastructure.
- Financial support includes tuition fee exemptions, reductions, and scholarships for difficult circumstances.
- Priority subjects for support include ethnic minorities and poor households.
- Prioritizes investment in disadvantaged regions and universal education programs.
- Actively encourages the mobilization of social resources and private investment in education.
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 replaced the previous Education Law of 2005, which had been amended in 2009, marking a comprehensive update to the national educational framework. The law delegates the responsibility for issuing detailed implementation guidelines to the Government, ensuring that the transition and application of the new provisions are managed systematically and comprehensively across the entire national education system.
- Effective date of implementation was July 1, 2020.
- Replaced the previous Education Law of 2005 (amended 2009).
- Implementation guidelines are stipulated by the Government.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of compulsory education under the 2019 Law?
Compulsory education is extended to 12 years, covering the entire general education cycle: 5 years of primary school, 4 years of lower secondary school, and 3 years of upper secondary school.
What is the primary goal of developing Vietnamese people according to the Law?
The primary goal is comprehensive development, focusing on cultivating ethics, lifestyle, physical health, competence, and qualities, enabling individuals to participate effectively in national construction and development.
How does the Law support teachers and students in difficult regions?
The Law mandates supportive policies, including providing preferential allowances, subsidies, and assistance with housing to ensure that teachers and students in remote or disadvantaged areas are supported.
What types of autonomy are granted to educational institutions?
Institutions are granted autonomy and self-responsibility primarily in financial management, personnel organization, and the development and implementation of specialized professional programs and curricula.
When did the Education Law 2019 officially become effective?
The Education Law 2019 (Law No. 43/2019/QH14) officially took effect on July 1, 2020. It replaced the previous legal framework established by the Education Law of 2005.
