The Party and the State have consistently emphasized education, training, and science and technology as top national priorities. Yet, despite progress, education and training still face challenges and have not fully become a key driver of national transformation.

In a world undergoing profound changes - especially with digital technology and artificial intelligence reshaping global education systems - each nation must redefine its educational vision and strategy for the future.

Vietnam now stands at a historic juncture, requiring an urgent and bold shift in human resource development. This demands breakthroughs in education and training.

Universal preschool, compulsory lower secondary education

To meet these demands, the Politburo has called for resolute action to drive educational reform.

By 2030, Vietnam aims to ensure equitable access and high-quality preschool and general education that meets advanced Asian standards. The school network will be expanded to meet the learning needs of all students nationwide, with at least 80% of schools meeting national standards.

The country will complete universal preschool education for children aged 3 to 5 and make lower secondary education compulsory. At least 85% of the population will have completed upper secondary or equivalent education, with no province or city falling below 60%.

There will be initial achievements in enhancing technological capabilities, AI literacy, and English proficiency at the general education level. The education index contributing to the Human Development Index (HDI) is expected to surpass 0.8, with education inequality dropping below 10%.

Half of the population of post-secondary age will pursue higher education. At least 24% of the labor force will hold a college or university degree. Those studying basic sciences, engineering, and technology will make up at least 35% of learners, including 6,000 PhD candidates and 20,000 students in elite programs.

By 2035, Vietnam’s education system is expected to be further modernized with major progress in quality and access. Universal upper secondary education will be achieved. The target is for at least two Vietnamese universities to rank among the world’s top 100 in select disciplines based on reputable international rankings.

Looking to 2045, Vietnam envisions a modern, equitable, and high-quality national education system among the world’s top 20. Lifelong learning will be accessible to all citizens, enabling them to maximize their talents and skills. A high-quality workforce and scientific talent pool will become core national strengths - key to Vietnam’s aspiration to become a high-income, developed nation.

At least five Vietnamese universities are expected to be among the global top 100 in various fields by that time.

Comprehensive autonomy for universities

To realize these goals, the Politburo emphasizes the urgent need for bold institutional reform and the creation of exceptional policies for educational advancement.

Laws must be updated to remove bottlenecks in policy and governance. Oversight agencies must be streamlined, ensuring a clear link between professional, personnel, and financial management. An open, interconnected education system will promote lifelong learning and the creation of a learning society.

Preferential policies will be introduced to support educators. Preschool and general education teachers will receive a minimum allowance of 70%, while staff receive 30%. Teachers in particularly difficult areas - border regions, islands, and ethnic minority communities - will receive a full 100% allowance.

The policy framework will encourage experts from outside academia to teach and mentor in schools. A dual-appointment mechanism will allow experts in public institutions to teach part-time. Incentives will be offered to recruit top-tier professionals to lead scientific research at universities.

New rules will govern faculty appointments, setting criteria for professors, associate professors, and other teaching positions in line with international standards and local realities.

Full, unconditional autonomy will be granted to higher education and vocational institutions, regardless of financial autonomy. State budget allocation will be based on each institution’s mission, quality, and outcomes, with priority given to fields of national importance.

At least 20% of the state budget will be allocated to education and training. Of this, 5% will be earmarked for capital investment and 3% for higher education.

Student support mechanisms will be expanded to ensure no student drops out due to financial constraints. A national talent training scheme will prioritize basic sciences, engineering, and technology.

Free textbooks for all students by 2030

The Politburo calls for prioritizing clean land allocation for education and flexible land-use conversions. Projects in education and training will receive clean land without land-use fees. Rent and land taxes will also be reduced for domestic educational institutions.

The education system must focus on comprehensive development - intellectual, ethical, physical, and aesthetic - to foster the values of the new-era Vietnamese citizen.

This includes establishing a culture of learning, academic integrity, and practical education, with educators serving as role models. Teachers' ethics training will be a key priority.

A full digital transformation is mandated, with widespread integration of digital technology and AI across the education sector.

The teaching workforce and school infrastructure must meet national standards to enhance the quality of preschool and general education. Teacher recruitment, training, and deployment must be aligned with national norms to ensure sufficient and qualified educators.

Outstanding students will be incentivized to study education. Housing support will be provided to help teachers in remote areas.

The Politburo calls for a review of the implementation of the national general education curriculum. A single, unified set of textbooks will be adopted nationwide. By 2030, textbooks will be provided free of charge to all students.

Modern, active teaching methods will be emphasized. Independent thinking and problem-solving will be nurtured through self-study and creative experiences. Assessment methods will be reformed to ensure honest evaluation of teaching and learning outcomes. Measures will be implemented to curb excessive private tutoring.

The Politburo also mandates reform and modernization of vocational education to rapidly produce a highly skilled workforce.

Three to five elite universities

Vietnam’s higher education system will be elevated to drive high-level workforce development and national innovation. A strategic framework for higher education development is being fast-tracked.

University mergers and restructuring will be implemented. Underperforming institutions will be dissolved. Intermediate levels of governance will be removed to streamline administration.

Research institutes will be merged with universities. Significant investment and special policies will be introduced to develop three to five elite universities following the international research university model to train national talent.

Funding will be prioritized for scientific research, particularly basic research linked to postgraduate education at universities.

Faculty development programs will be expanded, and financial support increased for lecturers pursuing advanced studies domestically and abroad. Programs will also be established to attract outstanding foreign lecturers with superior incentives.

Tran Thuong