Vietnam has set an ambitious goal to rank among the top 10 countries in Asia and the top four in Southeast Asia with the best higher education systems, as outlined in the Prime Minister-approved Education Development Strategy through 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Transforming education at all levels

The strategy includes comprehensive goals for early childhood, general education, and higher education by 2030:

Early childhood education: 99.5% of preschool children will attend two sessions per day, ensuring comprehensive development in physical, emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic aspects.

100% of preschool teachers will meet professional standards, while private and semi-private schools will account for 30% of preschools, with 35% of children attending these institutions.

General education: All primary school students will attend two sessions per day.

Private schools will represent 5% of general education institutions, with 5.5% of students enrolled in these schools.

Higher education: The number of university students will reach at least 260 per 10,000 citizens, with 33% of individuals aged 18–22 enrolled in higher education.

1.5% of students in higher education will be international.

At least 40% of university lecturers will hold doctoral degrees.

Vietnam aims to have at least five universities ranked among the top 500 globally and five within Asia’s top 200.

The proportion of students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) will increase to 35%, aligning with the nation’s goals for a knowledge-based economy.

The number of scientific publications per lecturer will reach 0.6 annually, further strengthening Vietnam’s academic and research contributions.

Key initiatives for achieving the goals

The strategy emphasizes reforms across several areas, including governance, curriculum design, and teaching methods.

In general education, a focus on integrated STEM education, lifelong learning, and career guidance will help students develop both personal and professional competencies.

Vocational guidance and partnerships between educational institutions and enterprises will prepare students for the labor market.

Higher education reforms will prioritize quality improvements in teaching, scientific research, and technological innovation to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

International integration will play a significant role, with efforts to align educational programs with global standards and foster entrepreneurial skills among students.

The government will also review and update curricula to incorporate entrepreneurship, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet industry needs.

Enhancing foreign language education

The strategy aims to make English a second language in schools by enhancing teaching quality and integrating English instruction into various subjects.

Teachers and educational institutions will receive investments in training and resources, enabling universities to offer programs in English and meet global workforce demands.

Technology and international collaboration will support these efforts, while initiatives to identify and nurture talent in STEM fields will further enhance educational outcomes.

Expanding infrastructure and relocating universities

Land allocation will be prioritized for building and expanding educational institutions. Plans are underway to relocate urban universities to suburban areas to create space for growth and modernization.

The Education Development Strategy reflects Vietnam’s commitment to elevating its education system to regional and global standards.

By fostering innovation, enhancing human resource capabilities, and leveraging international partnerships, Vietnam is on track to become a leader in higher education in Asia.

Thanh Hung