Vietnam Government Wants Restructuring of Educational Institutions Completed by 30 August

The Government of Vietnam officially demanded the restructuring and streamlining of public educational institutions be completed before 30 August 2026, through Resolution No. 180/NQ-CP adopted during its regular meeting for the June 2026 period. This decision constitutes a significant part of the country's strategy to make its administrative and institutional structure more efficient. Relevant ministries and local governments have been tasked with fulfilling the duty of organizing educational units by this set deadline. In this context, authorities aim to both accelerate the functioning of state tiers and ensure a more rational use of resources. The decision is seen as a critical preparatory step for the healthy start of the 2026-2027 academic year.

The said government decree also emphasizes that preparations for the 2026-2027 academic year must be carried out flawlessly. In line with the directives of General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm, it is explicitly stated that all preconditions for the new academic term must be met. All institutions, particularly the Ministry of Education and Training, have been assigned to establish new criteria for identifying schools that meet national standards. Additionally, it is planned to test new management models, which are compatible with the contemporary educational approach, through pilot implementations. These steps stand out as one of the highest-level policies aimed at bringing about a profound and comprehensive transformation in the country's education and training sector.

One of the most important pillars of the restructuring process is the regulations regarding the employment, relocation, and balanced distribution of teachers across the entire country. The government has prioritized increasing the number of teachers who will directly teach in classrooms and reducing unnecessary administrative staff. Local governments have been tasked with quickly filling the allocated teaching quotas and resolving issues of teacher shortages or surpluses between regions. To ensure equal opportunity in education, it has been made mandatory for schools in rural, mountainous, island, and border areas to be equipped with sufficient teachers, textbooks, and equipment. This process, to be carried out in coordination with the Ministries of Interior and Finance, aims to conduct teacher appointments in a transparent and fair manner.

Another important point emphasized by the government is the safety of students and the quality of the educational environment. It is requested that strict measures be taken to prevent school violence, child abuse, and harmful habits, particularly drug use, at preschool, primary, and lower secondary levels. It is especially emphasized that schools must be proactive against the use of electronic cigarettes and the digital risks students may encounter in cyberspace. Local governments are tasked with ensuring the physical security of educational facilities and are warned that they will face severe sanctions in the event of any negligence. This comprehensive security package aims to protect not only academic achievement but also the physical and mental health of students.

Finally, in Vietnam, where urbanization continues rapidly, addressing infrastructure deficiencies and planning the construction of new schools are of great importance. Authorities state that school and classroom shortages should not be allowed to occur in parallel with the growth of cities, industrial zones, and densely populated areas. It is demanded that the construction processes of boarding schools in border areas be accelerated and that these schools be fully equipped in terms of dormitories, cafeterias, clean water, and educational materials. Furthermore, it is proposed to initiate efforts to evaluate surplus state buildings and administrative centers for use in education. It is aimed to hold the opening ceremonies for the new academic year and border schools on 5 September 2026 in an enthusiastic, safe, and economical manner.