The announcement came in response to growing complaints from students and alumni who claim they paid hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong to earn an international bachelor's degree - only to discover that their qualifications are not recognized by MoET.

Speaking to VietNamNet on December 12, MoET clarified that the London College for Design and Fashion had not been granted any official registration to operate foreign-linked educational programs in any field.

Under Vietnam’s 2014 Vocational Education Law and related regulations, institutions must convert their training programs and licenses into an official registration certificate in order to legally offer joint training with international partners.

However, the General Department of Vocational Education and Training (now the Department of Vocational and Continuing Education under MoET) stated that from 2015 until now, it has not received any registration documentation from the London College for Design and Fashion for such activities.

Previously, VietNamNet reported multiple accounts from students and graduates of the college who were shocked to learn that their bachelor's degrees did not meet the criteria for recognition by MoET.

Most of the affected students were enrolled in a one-year top-up bachelor’s program in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University (UK).

Many expressed frustration and disillusionment, saying the situation has derailed their career plans, as they are unable to apply for jobs in public institutions or pursue postgraduate studies in Vietnam.

Upon learning their degrees were not officially recognized, a number of students filed formal complaints with the relevant authorities.

According to these complaints, between 2022 and 2025, the college consistently offered a final-year bachelor’s program. The school advertised the courses online and claimed that the “international degree is globally valid.”

Trusting this promise, many students enrolled. The complaints estimate that more than 40 students joined the program, each paying approximately VND 289 million (around USD 11,600) for the final-year course alone.

So far, the London College for Design and Fashion has not issued an official response regarding the allegations.

Thuy Nga