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Vietnam – Education and Schools

Education is highly valued in Vietnam, and the government has made significant efforts to improve the quality of education in the country. In this article, we will explore the state of education in Vietnam, including compulsory education ages, types of schools, syllabus, school hours and holidays, enrollment requirements, international schools, and higher education options.

Quality of Education in Vietnam

The quality of education in Vietnam has improved significantly in recent years. The government has invested heavily in education, and the country has seen a rise in the number of students achieving high grades on national exams. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly in rural areas where access to quality education remains a challenge.

Compulsory Education Ages in Vietnam

Education in Vietnam is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 14. This includes primary and lower secondary education. However, the government has plans to extend compulsory education to upper secondary education, which would require students to attend school until the age of 17.

Types of Schools in Vietnam

There are three main types of schools in Vietnam: public, private, and international schools. Public schools are free and are the most common type of school in Vietnam. Private schools charge tuition fees and tend to have better resources and facilities. International schools follow a foreign curriculum and are typically more expensive than public or private schools.

School Syllabus and Qualifications in Vietnam

The school syllabus in Vietnam includes a range of subjects, including Vietnamese, mathematics, science, social studies, and physical education. In addition to these core subjects, students are also required to take classes in music, art, and literature.

At the end of primary and secondary education, students in Vietnam take a national exam called the Tuyen sinh DH-CD (University Entrance Exam) to determine their level of academic achievement. Students who pass the exam are awarded a certificate, which is necessary to progress to the next level of education.


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School Hours and Holidays in Vietnam

The school hours in Vietnam vary depending on the level of education and the type of school. Primary schools typically start at 7:30 am and finish at 11:30 am or 12:00 pm. Secondary schools may start earlier and finish later, with some schools offering morning and afternoon sessions.

School holidays in Vietnam include a summer break, winter break, and a spring break. The length of each break varies depending on the school and the region.

Enrollment Requirements and Competition in Vietnam

Enrollment requirements for schools in Vietnam vary depending on the level of education and the type of school. Public schools typically require proof of residency and a birth certificate. Private schools may have additional requirements, such as an entrance exam or an interview, and may require tuition fees.

Competition for enrollment in schools in Vietnam can be high, particularly in urban areas where there are more options for education.

International Schools in Vietnam

There are a number of international schools in Vietnam that cater to the expatriate community. These schools typically follow a specific curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate or the British curriculum, and may offer classes in multiple languages.

Some popular international schools in Vietnam include:

Higher Education in Vietnam

Higher education in Vietnam includes undergraduate and graduate programs at universities and technical institutes. Some of the top universities in Vietnam include the Vietnam National University in Hanoi, the Vietnam National University in Ho Chi Minh City, and the Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Admission to higher education institutions in Vietnam is competitive, with students required to take a national exam to gain entry. The exam covers a range of subjects and is highly competitive, with only the top-performing students gaining admission to the best universities.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of international students studying in Vietnam, particularly in the field of medicine. The country has a number of well-regarded medical schools, and the cost of tuition is often lower than in other countries.

In conclusion, education in Vietnam has improved significantly in recent years, with the government investing heavily in improving the quality of education in the country. Education is compulsory from the ages of 6 to 14, with plans to extend this to upper secondary education in the near future.

There are three main types of schools in Vietnam, including public, private, and international schools. The school syllabus includes a range of subjects, and students take a national exam at the end of primary and secondary education.

Enrollment requirements for schools in Vietnam vary depending on the level of education and the type of school, with competition for enrollment often high in urban areas. International schools are also available for the expatriate community.

Higher education in Vietnam includes undergraduate and graduate programs at universities and technical institutes, with admission being highly competitive. Overall, education in Vietnam is highly valued, and the government is committed to continuing to improve the quality of education in the country.