Hanoi (VNA) - Decree No. 124/2024/ND-CP introduces key reforms to simplify and modernise procedures for foreign investment in education. It has revised and simplified 14 out of 21 forms in Decree No. 86/2018/ND-CP. Besides, there are new provisions for online submissions and reporting, and on data sharing among government agencies.
These changes aim to facilitate administrative procedures, reduce costs for individuals and organisations, and align with the government's viewpoint on creating favourable conditions for businesses and citizens engaging in economic activities.
It also introduces phased investment timelines for new educational institutions with limited initial student numbers. By the time an institution is reviewed for educational operations, it must have disbursed over 50% of the total investment value and commit to completing the investment within five years of receiving operating licence.
Furthermore, the decree emphasises transparency by requiring educational institutions to disclose detailed information about curricula, accreditation results, foreign teachers, international students, assessment methods, and other relevant data on their websites, ensuring accountability to students, parents, and society.
Regarding naming, the decree mandates that foreign-invested educational institutions adopt clear and appropriate names that avoid duplication, confusion with existing institutions, investing businesses or non-governmental organisations, or misrepresentation of their rank or educational programmes. The names must also respect Vietnam's cultural and ethical values.
Decree No. 124/2024/ND-CP mandates that foreign higher education institutions partnering with Vietnamese institutions must be reputable, accredited, and authorised to provide training and award degrees in the relevant fields in their home country. Foreign training programmes delivered in Vietnam must be authorised by the relevant authorities of the originating country or hold a valid quality accreditation certificate issued by a recognised accreditation organisation.
The decree introduces specific provisions for establishing branches of foreign higher education institutions in Vietnam, aiming to selectively attract high-quality institutions. These institutions must be legally established and operational abroad, and ranked among the top 500 globally on reputable university ranking lists at least once during the latest three years. Branches must adhere to the parent institution's training and accreditation standards, with facilities and faculty requirements not below Vietnamese regulations.
Additionally, the decree outlines quality requirements for foreign preschool and general education programmes in Vietnam. Such programmes must be recognised or accredited by relevant educational authorities abroad, have been implemented for at least five years in the originating country, and align with Vietnam's educational goals. Another new point is that foreign education providers offering these programmes must seek approval from local education authorities for oversight of content and quality.
The decree also assigns provincial and municipal governments the responsibility to manage, inspect and evaluate foreign investment in education in the localities, and resolve complaints or violations. This provision enhances local accountability and management of foreign educational partnerships and investments./.
