Vietnam to adopt a nationwide unified textbook set from 2026-27 school year

A newly issued government resolution outlines an action program to implement Resolution No. 71 of the Politburo on major leaps forward in education and training.

This decision is expected to bring about fundamental changes across the education system, from preschool to university, with a focus on building a qualified teaching workforce and improving overall education quality.

Ending use of multiple textbook sets

At present, Vietnam uses three different sets of textbooks for the new general education curriculum.

This situation will end as the government has directed the Ministry of Education and Training to ensure the provision of a single unified textbook set to be used nationwide starting in the 2026-27 school year.

Under the roadmap toward 2030, textbooks will be provided free of charge to all students, reducing the financial burden on families.

Meanwhile, a new preschool curriculum will be developed to emphasize hands-on activities, STEAM-based experiential learning, play spaces, and the holistic development of children.

The general education curriculum will also be reviewed and refined, with more instructional time allocated to science, technology, and informatics.

Assessment methods will continue to be reformed to ensure the honest evaluation of learning outcomes and teaching quality, and to curb the widespread practice of private tutoring and extra classes.

Models for specialized and gifted schools will be revised to strengthen foreign language teaching and learning.

Notably, English is expected to gradually take on the role of a second language in schools, alongside the teaching of neighboring countries’ languages such as Chinese, Lao, and Khmer.

Comprehensive education reform

The action program sets out to raise public awareness and renew mindsets with a strong political will. 

It calls for robust institutional reform, creating special mechanisms and breakthrough policies to promote educational development.

Relevant laws will be developed, revised, and completed, covering salary policies, allowances, and preferential treatment for teachers.

Regulations on compulsory education up to lower secondary level and on ensuring universal access to education, as well as policies on tuition exemptions, reductions, and support, will also be adjusted.

There will be a stronger emphasis on holistic education in morality, intellect, physical fitness, and aesthetics, aimed at shaping the value system of Vietnamese people in the new era.

Regulations on moral education and learner character development will be revised to establish a normative value framework and mechanisms for coordination between schools, families, and society.

Comprehensive digital transformation will be prioritized, with a strong push for the universal application of digital technology and artificial intelligence.

A data strategy will be developed to support digital transformation, including information systems, applications, and smart digital educational tools such as e-textbooks, shared learning resources, and online learning platforms.

Vocational education will be reformed and modernized to make a breakthrough in developing a highly skilled workforce.

Vocational institutions will be reorganized to prioritize high-level skills training and to build a system that meets international standards.

In higher education, modernization and upgrading efforts will aim to foster highly qualified human resources and talents.

The plan to restructure the higher education system will include merging or dissolving substandard institutions and integrating research institutes with universities.

International cooperation and integration will be promoted through negotiating and signing cooperation agreements, improving scholarship regulations, supporting students and lecturers to study, research, and teach in developed countries, and attracting foreign experts and scientists.