Ho Chi Minh City announces 20-year plan to make English second language in schools

According to the municipal administration, implementation will be tailored to the socio-economic conditions, infrastructure, and teaching workforce of wards and communes.

Wards and communes facing limitations in these areas will be allowed to follow an appropriate roadmap, prioritizing the development of basic conditions before moving on to more advanced stages.

The approach is meant to ensure practical and effective implementation without placing undue pressure on schools or local authorities.

During the first phase from 2026 to 2030, the city plans to build foundations and prepare for implementation.

The 2026-27 academic year will be dedicated to preparation.

Schools and educational institutions will be briefed on the project’s objectives, assess their implementation capacity, and develop their own action plans.

The city will also conduct a comprehensive survey of English proficiency among 100 percent of education managers, teachers, and staff.

Existing English teaching programs and integrated education programs will be reviewed and adjusted in line with the government’s Decree No. 222/2025.

During the 2027-28 academic year, the city will begin implementing specific targets.

Accordingly, between 20 and 30 percent of education managers, teachers, and staff will participate in English-language training.

Also, at least 30 percent of educational institutions will receive training in teaching subjects through English, as well as STEM and STEAM teaching methodologies, while at least 30 percent of schools will establish a comprehensive English-using environment.

Besides, at least 15 percent of educational institutions will offer subjects taught in English.

By 2029-30, these targets will increase by some 10 percentage points.

The second phase between 2031 and 2035 will focus on mobilizing all available resources to implement the project and meet its annual targets according to the established roadmap.

By 2035, Ho Chi Minh City aims to achieve several key objectives, including that 100 percent of education managers and teachers will meet the required English proficiency standards under the project.

In addition, all educational institutions will have completed training in methodologies for teaching subjects through English, while 100 percent of schools will have fully designed English teaching programs.

Furthermore, all educational institutions will have completed the development of an English-speaking school environment, while some 50 percent of general education institutions will run integrated education programs.

The final phase from 2036 to 2045 will focus on improving and completing the conditions and resources necessary for the project’s sustainable development.

During this period, the city will maintain and further strengthen the professional capabilities of its teaching workforce while regularly updating teaching methodologies.

Ho Chi Minh City also aims to increase the proportion of general education institutions executing integrated education programs to 60-70 percent.

Moreover, the city will modernize and expand bilingual learning and educational environments.

Through these efforts, Ho Chi Minh City aims to establish itself as an advanced regional center for education, economics, and finance.