In Vietnam, school attendance becomes legal obligation, not just right

The new decree replaces regulations that were in place for more than a decade.

It also specifies the ages by which students must complete each level of compulsory education and clearly identifies the groups eligible for government support.

Attending school becomes legal duty

The most significant change under the new decree is its clear distinction between universal education and compulsory education.

The decree defines completion of compulsory education as the fulfilment, by learners within the prescribed age groups, of the elementary and secondary education curricula in accordance with the law.

The compulsory elementary education curriculum is the elementary-level general education program issued by the Minister of Education and Training.

Similarly, the compulsory secondary education curriculum is the corresponding program issued by the minister for that level.

Under the new regulations, from November 1, attending elementary school is compulsory for children aged 6 to 14 who have not yet completed the program.

The requirement also applies to adolescents aged 11 to 18 who have not completed secondary education.

Therefore, school attendance at these levels is no longer merely encouraged or promoted.

Completing the programs becomes a legal obligation for citizens.

Parents and legal guardians are required to ensure that their children have the necessary conditions and opportunities to complete their education in accordance with the law.

More flexible learning options

The new regulations also create more flexible learning opportunities for people who have exceeded the usual school-going age but have yet to complete elementary or secondary education, as well as those aged 15 to 60 who are illiterate.

Under Decree No. 353, local authorities shall be able to organize classes through the continuing education system, offering flexible schedules and learning locations suited to the working conditions and circumstances of adult learners.

In a significant step toward providing practical assistance, the state will allocate budget funding to purchase learning materials, textbooks, notebooks, and school supplies directly for participants in literacy programs.

Compulsory education records fully digitized

The new decree also introduces a major change in education administration.

All data relating to compulsory education management are digitized and directly connected to the National Population Database.

The move is expected to eliminate the need for manual paper-based declarations and streamline administrative procedures.

The new policy also expands the pool of personnel involved in teaching, monitoring, and supporting compulsory education programs.

Those eligible to participate include officials and teachers from continuing education institutions, vocational education establishments, and specialized schools.

Qualified individuals from non-public institutions with the required professional certificates may also take part.

In addition, dedicated personnel will be assigned by commune-level People's Committees to monitor the implementation of compulsory education policies.

The entire cost of implementing the policy will be covered by the state through annual budget allocations.