Funding for enhanced educational activities, including learning materials, software, equipment and supplies, must come from schools' annual recurrent expenditure budgets, shared educational resources provided by education authorities and other lawful funding sources.

The circular prohibits schools from converting the costs of enhanced educational activities into average per-student fees or making financial contributions a condition for participation.

Schools are also prohibited from charging students for these activities because of budget constraints or reclassifying educational content that falls under the State's responsibility as optional, learner-demand-based programs, commonly known as partnership-based courses, to collect fees.

Optional programs may charge fees under certain conditions

Tai explained that learner-demand-based educational activities may be organized voluntarily and charge fees in accordance with regulations, provided all necessary conditions are met.

For example, specialized programs in foreign languages, programming, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), scientific and technical research, or talent development in culture, the arts and sports may qualify as learner-demand-based activities.

However, their eligibility depends on the nature of the activities and whether they satisfy the relevant requirements.

Tai emphasized that schools cannot determine whether a program may charge fees simply based on its name or the involvement of an external partner.

"Basic, foundational and essential educational content that falls under the State's responsibility, classified as enhanced educational activities, must not be transferred to learner-demand-based programs for the purpose of collecting fees," he stressed.

Existing partnership programs do not have to end automatically

Tai confirmed that Circular 85 does not require all existing partnership-based education programs at general education institutions to be terminated.

Decisions to continue, adjust or discontinue individual programs must be based on their actual content, operating conditions, the provisions of the circular and other relevant laws.

Programs that were approved or are being implemented under documents or contracts signed before November 15 may continue until the end of the 2026-2027 academic year.

"Existing programs must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. It would be incorrect to assume that all partnership programs must stop, but schools also cannot automatically continue every program simply because it was introduced previously," Tai said.

The ministry representative said schools should review their educational plans, program content, external partners, fee structures and operating conditions to ensure compliance.

Schools should also proactively consult education authorities when difficulties or uncertainties arise.

Provincial departments of education and training are responsible for providing guidance within their authority, ensuring compliance with the regulations without imposing additional requirements or administrative procedures beyond those stipulated in Circular 85.

"The Ministry of Education and Training requests local authorities and educational institutions to strictly implement the circular, ensuring that enhanced educational activities are organized in accordance with their responsibilities and without charging students," Tai said. "Meanwhile, learner-demand-based activities must be conducted voluntarily, transparently and in compliance with regulations."

He emphasized that the guiding principle is to ensure essential educational content remains the responsibility of schools and is accessible to all students, while allowing additional learning opportunities to meet individual development needs on a voluntary basis.

Funding must also be managed and used in accordance with the law.

Thanh Hung