Circular 54/2026/TT-BGDDT regulations on training programme at levels of higher education

CIRCULAR
Providing regulations on training programme at levels of higher education

Pursuant to the Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents No. 64/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Education No. 43/2019/QH14 and the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Education No. 123/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Law on Higher Education No. 125/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 37/2025/ND-CP dated February 26, 2025, defining the functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1981/QD-TTg dated October 18, 2016, approving the Structural Framework of the National Education System, and the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1982/QD-TTg dated October 18, 2016, approving the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework;

At the proposal of the Director General of the Higher Education Department;

The Minister of Education and Training promulgates the Circular providing regulations on training programme at levels of higher education.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation and subjects of application

1. This Circular provides regulations on training programme at levels of higher education (bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels), including: training programme standard; processes for formulation, appraisal, and promulgation of training programme; implementation, maintenance, improvement, inspection and supervision; approval, suspension of enrollment, suspension of training activities and termination of implementation of training programme.

2. This Circular applies to higher education institutions, other training institutions conducting higher education activities (hereinafter collectively referred to as training institutions), and relevant organizations and individuals.

3. This Circular does not apply to intensive postgraduate training programme leading to the award of resident doctor or specialist qualifications as prescribed at Point dd Clause 2 Article 8 of the Law on Higher Education No. 125/2025/QH15.

4. Training programme of foreign training institutions or branch campuses of foreign training institutions permitted to operate in Vietnam and joint training programme with foreign partners under which foreign training institutions award qualifications in Vietnam shall be formulated and implemented in accordance with the regulations of the foreign training institutions awarding the qualifications and relevant provisions of law; however, the entry requirements, outcome standards and quality requirements of training programme by level, discipline, group of disciplines or field shall not be lower than the corresponding training programme standard promulgated by the Minister of Education and Training.

5. Training programme of training institutions established and operating under treaties or agreements between the Government of Vietnam and foreign governments shall be implemented in accordance with the treaties or agreements; where the treaties or agreements do not contain relevant provisions, this Circular shall apply.

Article 2. Interpretation of terms

In this Circular, the terms below are construed as follows:

1. Training programme structure means the manner in which the components of a training programme are organized and arranged into knowledge blocks, courses and learning pathways, ensuring appropriate articulation and the capacity for accumulation by learners.

2. Training programme component means a set of courses organized according to knowledge blocks or a common professional orientation within the training programme structure.

3. Course or subject (hereinafter collectively referred to as course) means a unit of learning constituting the training programme structure, designed with objectives, outcome standards, content, teaching methods and assessment methods; having a specified learning workload quantified by a number of credits.

4. Credit means a unit used to quantify the learning workload of a learner, in which:

a) One (01) credit is equivalent to between 45 and 50 hours of learning by a learner, calculated in 60-minute units, including time for in-person learning, online learning, practice, experiments, internships, guided self-study, other forms of learning, and examination, assessment;

b) For in-person classroom teaching activities, one (01) credit requires at least 15 hours of in-person teaching or 30 hours of practice, experiments or discussion, in which one (01) hour of in-person classroom teaching has a duration of 50 minutes.

5. Intensive training programme means a training programme in certain disciplines or fields that has a greater learning workload and longer duration of practice and internships than a standard training programme at the same level to meet a training orientation or specific professional or practice standards, without changing the determined level of the training programme.

6. Integrated training programme means a training programme designed as a unified programme integrating the content of two adjacent training levels, with articulation and continuity between the levels, allowing learners to accumulate learning results and have learning results recognized to achieve the outcome standards of the final training level of the program.

7. Research- and academically-oriented training programme means a training programme focusing on developing advanced theoretical knowledge, scientific foundations and research capacity of learners.

8. Application- and professionally-oriented training programme means a training programme focusing on developing practical capacity, professional skills and ability to apply knowledge in practice of learners.

9. Interdisciplinary training programme means a training programme integrating systems of knowledge, methods and competencies from two or more educational disciplines to develop the capacity to solve complex problems.

10. Transdisciplinary training programme means a type of interdisciplinary training programme designed according to an approach that extends beyond the scope of each individual discipline and organizes educational content and methods according to problems or disciplines.

11. Double discipline training programme means a training programme that allows learners to achieve the outcome standards of two disciplines.

12. Major-minor training programme means a training programme in which learners achieve the outcome standards of the main discipline and accumulate part of the learning workload of another discipline.

13. Relevant discipline includes:

a) Matching discipline means a discipline with a name and code identical to the name and code of a discipline in the List of Disciplines promulgated by the Minister of Education and Training;

b) Discipline with relevant expertise means a discipline not falling within the case specified at Point a of this Clause but having educational content that meets the requirements of the training programme standard and the objectives and outcome standards of the training programme.

14. Full-time lecturer means a lecturer working full-time at a higher education institution and subject to the direct management of the higher education institution in accordance with law, including the following cases:

a) Permanent lecturer as prescribed at Point a Clause 1 Article 66 of the Law on Education No. 43/2019/QH14, with a number of articles amended and supplemented by Law No. 123/2025/QH15, and other relevant provisions of law;

b) Concurrent permanent lecturers as prescribed in Clause 2 Article 29 of the Law on Higher Education No. 125/2025/QH15 and the Government’s regulations on concurrent permanent lecturers at public higher education institutions;

c) Lecturer working under an indefinite-term employment contract or a fixed-term employment contract with a term of 12 months or more in accordance with the Labor Code and not concurrently entering into an employment contract with a term of three months or more with another employer;

d) Foreign lecturer working full-time at a higher education institution established and operating under an agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and a foreign government.

15. Contract lecturers working on a full-time basis after retirement means a lecturer identified in accordance with Point c Clause 1 Article 66 of the Law on Education No. 43/2019/QH14, with a number of articles amended and supplemented by Law No. 123/2025/QH15.

16. Visiting lecturer means a lecturer identified in accordance with Point d Clause 1 Article 66 of the Law on Education No. 43/2019/QH14, with a number of articles amended and supplemented by Law No. 123/2025/QH15.

Article 3. Training programme standard and principles for formulation and application of standards

1. Training programme standard must satisfy the provisions of Clause 2 Article 22 of the Law on Higher Education No. 125/2025/QH15; ensure conformity with the current Structural Framework of the National Education System and the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework.

2. The training programme standard for each level prescribe the minimum general requirements applicable to all training programme at the same level.

3. Training programme standard by discipline, group of disciplines or field shall be developed on the basis of the training programme standard for the corresponding level; prescribe the specific minimum requirements applicable to the corresponding discipline, group of disciplines or field.

4. Training programme standard shall be used as the basis for:

a) Formulating, implementing, evaluating and improving training programme;

b) Publicizing information and fulfilling accountability obligations regarding the quality of training programme;

c) Supervising, inspecting and evaluating the quality of training programme;

d) Benchmarking and referencing training programme; supporting articulation and recognition of learning results on the basis of the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework;

dd) Developing evaluation standards and quality assurance requirements for the implementation of training programme in accordance with law.

Article 4. Principles for development of training programme

1. Training programme shall be formulated on the basis of the training programme standard for the corresponding level and the training programme standard by discipline, group of disciplines or field; training institutions may prescribe requirements higher than the training programme standard.

2. Training institutions shall proactively formulate training programme appropriate to the mission, strategy, development orientation, training orientation and quality assurance conditions of the training institutions.

3. Training programme must ensure scientific soundness, systematic organization, articulation, practical relevance and capacity for updating; and meet the requirements of scientific and technological development, innovation, professional development and lifelong learning.

Chapter II

TRAINING PROGRAMME STANDARD AT LEVELS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Article 5. Training objectives

1. Conform to the objectives of higher education prescribed by law and the requirements of each qualifications level under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework.

2. Reflect the orientations for learning, career development and personal development of learners at each corresponding level.

3. Reflect the general requirements regarding the competencies and qualities of learners after graduation; and meet the requirements of socio-economic, scientific and technological development, innovation, labor market demands and professional fields.

Article 6. Entry requirements

1. Entry requirements must conform to the Structural Framework of the National Education System, the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework, the training level and the training objectives; and ensure that learners have sufficient capacity to complete the training programme and achieve the outcome standards.

2. For bachelor’s training programme and training programme at Level 6 under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework, learners must have graduated from upper secondary education or an equivalent level.

3. For master’s training programme, learners must have graduated with a bachelor’s degree or hold a qualification at Level 6 under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework.

4. For doctoral training programme, learners must have graduated with a master’s degree or hold a qualification at Level 7 under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework.

5. For integrated training programme, the entry requirements of the programme and the conditions for transition between training stages must conform to the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework and ensure the achievement of the training objectives and outcome standards of each stage.

Article 7. Outcome standards

1. Clearly identify the specific qualifications level of the training programme and meet the requirements of the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework at the corresponding qualifications level.

2. Reflect the requirements regarding the competencies necessary for learners to study, work and develop careers in accordance with the objectives of the training level and the following requirements:

a) For the bachelor’s level, outcome standards must include requirements regarding digital competence, content on artificial intelligence (AI), foreign language competence, adaptability and lifelong learning;

b) For the master’s level, outcome standards must include requirements regarding research capacity, innovation, and the application and development of knowledge;

c) For the doctoral level, outcome standards must include requirements regarding the capacity to conduct independent research; propose new technologies or solutions; produce scientific publications or products applying research results; and provide guidance on scientific research and innovation;

d) Specific requirements for outcome standards shall be prescribed in the training programme standard for the corresponding discipline, group of disciplines or field promulgated by the Minister of Education and Training.

3. Be specified as observable, assessable and measurable requirements, serving as the basis for designing, implementing, inspecting, evaluating and improving training programme; and for considering the recognition of learning results and the award of qualifications.

4. Ensure articulation between training levels, recognition of learning results and lifelong learning on the basis of the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework.

5. Be feasible and appropriate to the learning workload, training duration and quality assurance conditions of the training institution; and enable the majority of learners who satisfy the entry requirements to complete the training programme within the standard training duration.

Article 8. Minimum learning workload

1. The minimum learning workload under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework shall satisfy the following requirements:

a) Bachelor’s training programme and Level 6 training programme: 120 credits;

b) Intensive Level 7 training programme: 150 credits or more;

c) Master’s training programme: 45 credits or more;

d) Doctoral training programme: 90 credits.

2. For a training programme integrating two adjacent levels, the minimum learning workload must not be lower than 90% of the total minimum learning workload of the two corresponding levels; and must concurrently ensure the training objectives, the requirements of each training stage and the outcome standards of each level under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework.

Article 9. Requirements for the training programme structure

1. The training programme structure shall ensure:

a) Clear demonstration of the relationship among the training objectives, outcome standards, training content, teaching methods, examination and assessment, and quality assurance conditions;

b) Systematic organization, articulation, continuity and capacity for updating; conformity with the training level, training objectives and outcome standards;

c) Clear identification of compulsory and elective learning components; flexibility for learners to select content and develop learning plans and pathways appropriate to the capacities, needs and career development orientations.

2. Each course or training programme component shall be described through the objectives, outcome standards, number of credits, main content and contributory role in achieving the objectives and outcome standards of the training programme.

3. For bachelor’s training programme and Level 6 training programme under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework:

a) Have a general education knowledge block, including compulsory subjects and courses used commonly in training programme at levels of higher education, such as political theory, law, physical education, national defense and security education, or other subjects prescribed by current regulations;

b) Have a foundational knowledge block for discipline, discipline-specific knowledge, specialized content and supplementary content, including interdisciplinary knowledge, foreign languages, digital competence, AI, and other necessary knowledge and skills to achieve the training objectives and outcome standards;

c) For research- and academically-oriented training programme, the programme structure must strengthen courses and activities in scientific research, academic activities and innovation; and include an undergraduate thesis or an equivalent form of comprehensive assessment;

d) For application- and professionally-oriented training programme, the programme structure must strengthen practice, internships, professional experience, projects or design projects associated with professional practice.

4. For intensive Level 7 training programme under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework:

a) The workload for practice and internships must be at least 08 credits;

b) Strengthen advanced courses, practice, internships, professional experience or other academic activities appropriate to the training objectives and outcome standards;

c) The programme structure must ensure strengthened development of learners’ advanced competencies in accordance with the training objectives and outcome standards.

5. For master’s training programme:

a) Research- and academically-oriented training programme must allocate between 24 and 30 credits to scientific research activities, of which the master’s thesis shall account for between 12 and 15 credits;

b) Application- and professionally-oriented training programme must allocate between 06 and 09 credits to internships and between 06 and 09 credits to a graduation scheme, design project or project;

c) The programme structure must ensure the development of research capacity or professional capacity appropriate to the training objectives and outcome standards.

6. For doctoral training programme:

a) Doctoral training programme must focus on scientific research activities and the preparation of a doctoral dissertation; the learning workload of these activities must account for at least 80% of the total learning workload of the training programme;

b) For learners holding an admission qualification at Level 7 under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework, the total learning workload of courses in the doctoral training programme must not exceed 16 credits;

c) For learners holding an admission qualification at Level 6 under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework, the total learning workload of courses in the doctoral training programme must be at least 30 credits.

7. For interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary training programme, the programme structure must ensure integration, connection and complementarity among fields, disciplines or professional content; the outcome standards must reflect interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary competencies.

8. For dual discipline training programme, the programme structure must ensure achievement of the outcome standards of both disciplines; the separate learning workload for each discipline, excluding courses used commonly or recognized as equivalent between the two disciplines, must be at least 30 credits.

9. For major-minor training programme, the programme structure must ensure achievement of the outcome standards of the main discipline and the core requirements of the minor discipline; the separate learning workload of the minor discipline, excluding courses used commonly or recognized as equivalent to courses of the discipline discipline, must be at least 15 credits.

10. For training programme with specific orientations or requirements, including talented engineer programme, talented bachelor’s programme or other corresponding programme, the programme structure must clearly reflect the specific requirements regarding training objectives, outcome standards, training content and learning activities.

11. For integrated training programme, the programme structure must ensure articulation between training stages or levels; clearly identify the entry requirements, transition conditions and outcome standards of each stage; and ensure the outcome standards of the final training level in accordance with the training objectives of the program.

Article 10. Teaching methods, examination and assessment

1. Teaching methods must be appropriate to the training objectives, outcome standards and characteristics of learners; and promote self-learning capacity, lifelong learning, critical thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship.

2. Examination and assessment activities must be based on outcome standards and ensure assessment of the extent to which the outcome standards of courses and training programme are achieved.

3. Teaching methods, learning activities, examination and assessment must be designed in a consistent manner appropriate to the training objectives and outcome standards of the training programme.

Article 11. Requirements for lecturers and support personnel

1. A training programme must ensure a contingent of lecturers and support personnel meeting the requirements for implementation of the training programme and appropriate to the training objectives, outcome standards and training level, in which:

a) The contingent of lecturers must have an appropriate structure in terms of qualifications, expertise and academic capacity or professional capacity, meeting the training objectives and outcome standards of the training programme; and ensure that the student-to-lecturer ratio does not exceed the ratio prescribed for each discipline, group of disciplines or training disciplines;

b) Technical support, training management, library, information technology, laboratory and practice personnel and personnel holding other support positions must meet the requirements for implementation of the training programme;

c) Permanent lecturers shall play the core role in implementing and participating in teaching under the training programme; the proportion of the learning workload directly undertaken by permanent lecturers must not be lower than 75% for research- and academically-oriented training programme; not be lower than 65% for application- and professionally-oriented training programme; and not be lower than 60% for training programme in the field of arts, sports, Vietnamese ethnic minority languages or less commonly taught languages;

d) The total teaching duration of lecturers must conform to the standard teaching-hour norms and the number of teaching hours exceeding the norms as prescribed by law; the training programme standard for each discipline, group of disciplines or training field shall specify the proportion of the learning workload directly undertaken by full-time lecturers and lecturers holding doctoral degrees, which must not be lower than the minimum requirements prescribed in Clauses 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this Article.

2. For bachelor’s training programme and Level 6 training programme under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework:

a) Lecturers must hold master’s degrees or higher qualifications; teaching assistants must hold bachelor’s degrees or higher qualifications;

b) Full-time lecturers holding doctoral degrees must directly teach at least 50% of the total learning workload of the foundational knowledge block for the discipline, field-specific knowledge and specialized knowledge.

3. For intensive Level 7 training programme under the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework and master’s training programme:

a) Lecturers must hold doctoral degrees, including professors or associate professors in relevant disciplines;

b) Full-time lecturers must directly teach at least 75% of the learning workload of field-specific knowledge, specialized knowledge and master’s-level courses of integrated training programme.

4. For doctoral training programme:

a) Lecturers directly teaching under the training programme must hold doctoral degrees, regularly participate in postgraduate training, and maintain annual research and scientific publication activities;

b) Full-time lecturers holding the academic title of professor or associate professor and possessing expertise in a relevant discipline must directly teach at least 35% of the total learning workload of courses and theoretical topics within the field-specific knowledge and specialized knowledge blocks;

c) There must be a sufficient contingent of lecturers meeting the standards for doctoral supervisors under the Regulations on Admission to and Training at Postgraduate Levels promulgated by the Minister of Education and Training;

d) There must be sufficient personnel with appropriate qualifications and expertise to meet the requirements for doctoral dissertation evaluation committees under the Regulations on Admission to and Training at Postgraduate Levels promulgated by the Minister of Education and Training.

5. Requirements for certain specific training programme:

a) For training programme in the field of arts, sports and languages, or programme for training teachers of Vietnamese ethnic minority languages or less commonly taught languages, requirements regarding the qualifications and expertise of lecturers and the proportion of the learning workload undertaken by full-time lecturers shall be specified in the training programme standard for the corresponding field, group of disciplines or discipline, but must not be lower than 25% of the levels prescribed in Clauses 2, 3 and 4 of this Article;

b) For training programme in the field of arts and sports, lecturers awarded the title of People’s Artist or People’s Artisan and holding master’s degrees may participate in teaching at the bachelor’s and master’s levels; the number of lecturers falling within this case must not exceed 50% of the total number of lecturers participating in teaching under the training programme;

c) For language training programme or programme for training teachers of Vietnamese ethnic minority languages or less commonly taught languages, lecturers who are members of ethnic minorities or possess knowledge and experience relating to ethnic minority languages and cultures or less commonly taught languages and who hold bachelor’s degrees may participate in teaching at the bachelor’s level; lecturers holding master’s degrees may participate in teaching at the bachelor’s and master’s levels; the number of lecturers falling within this case must not exceed 60% of the total number of lecturers participating in teaching under the training programme;

d) For training programme in the field of health, lecturers teaching or providing practical instruction for courses relating to medical examination and treatment must hold appropriate practicing licenses; have at least two years of teaching experience at the bachelor’s level or higher or relevant professional experience; and have directly worked or currently work at medical examination and treatment establishments in accordance with the law on medical examination and treatment.

Article 12. Physical facilities, learning materials and learning environment

1. Physical facilities, practice and internship establishments, equipment and the learning environment must meet the requirements for implementation of the training programme in a manner appropriate to the training level, discipline, training disciplines and mode of training delivery.

2. For training programme in the field of health, practice establishments must meet the requirements prescribed by the law on medical examination and treatment, the specific requirements prescribed in Appendix III promulgated together with this Circular, and the provisions of the Standards for Higher Education Institutions;

3. For teacher training programme, there must be pedagogical practice establishments or coordination mechanisms with early childhood education institutions, general education institutions and appropriate training institutions for organizing professional practice, teaching practicum and assessment of learners’ professional competencies;

4. For training programme in the field of arts and sports, there must be practice, performance, training or competition establishments that meet the requirements for training delivery and achievement of outcome standards;

5. Each course must have a textbook or learning materials appropriate to the training objectives, outcome standards, course content and training level; ensure scientific soundness and currency, comply with the law on intellectual property and other provisions of law; and contain no content that violates the law, harms national defense, national security or community interests, distorts the guidelines of the Communist Party of Vietnam or the policies and laws of the State, or is contrary to culture, ethics, fine traditions and customs.

6. Library systems, digital learning materials, learning resources, information technology platforms and training support systems must meet the requirements for implementation of the training programme; and ensure accessibility, utilization, management, data storage and information security.

Chapter III

FORMULATION, APPRAISAL AND PROMULGATION OF TRAINING PROGRAMME STANDARD BY TRAINING DISCIPLINE, GROUP OF DISCIPLINES AND FIELD

Article 13. Training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines and field

1. Training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines and field shall be developed on the basis of the training programme standard for the corresponding level, with reference to professional standards, competency standards, job-position requirements, and relevant domestic and international academic standards and norms.

2. Training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines and field shall prescribe specific requirements appropriate to the professional characteristics, occupational requirements, professional practice requirements, if any, and human resource development needs of the corresponding training field, group of disciplines or disciplines.

3. Training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines and field shall prescribe only core requirements and shall not specify lists of courses, training content or detailed training programme structures, except where necessary to ensure specific requirements, prescribe commonly used subjects and courses, or where otherwise prescribed by law; and shall ensure the autonomy of training institutions in developing training programme.

4. The Minister of Education and Training shall decide on the development and promulgation of training programme standard for common application to a training discipline, certain groups of disciplines or fields.

Article 14. Processes for formulation, promulgation and updating of training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines and field

1. The Minister of Education and Training shall decide to assign a training institution possessing appropriate professional capacity and experience to take the lead in developing training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines and field.

2. The assigned training institution shall be responsible for organizing the formulation of training programme standard according to the process prescribed in Appendix I promulgated together with this Circular; during the formulation process participation of relevant stakeholders must be ensured.

3. The Minister of Education and Training shall decide to establish an Appraisal Council for training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines and field that meets the following requirements:

a) The Appraisal Council shall have at least nine members, including representatives of the Ministry of Education and Training, representatives of relevant ministries and authorities responsible for management of the relevant discipline or field, representatives of higher education institutions, enterprises, professional associations and professional organizations; and experts possessing relevant expertise;

b) The Council shall comprise a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, a secretary and members; members of the Appraisal Council must not have directly participated in developing the draft training programme standard.

4. Duties and powers of the Appraisal Council:

a) Appraise the conformity, scientific soundness, feasibility and quality of training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines or field;

b) Require the training institution to take the lead in developing the training programme standard to provide information and explanations and complete the dossier serving the appraisal;

c) Take responsibility for the appraisal results and provide explanations at the request of competent authorities.

5. Organization of meetings of the Appraisal Council:

a) The Council shall appraise training programme standard according to the plan of the Ministry of Education and Training;

b) The appraisal conclusion must clearly determine one of the following outcomes: approval; approval subject to required amendments and supplements; or non-approval of the training programme standard, with clear reasons stated;

c) A meeting of the Appraisal Council must be recorded in minutes containing a complete account of the proceedings, opinions of the members and conclusion of the Council.

6. The Minister of Education and Training shall promulgate training programme standard; for training programme standard in the field of health, law, culture, arts, sports, national defense and security, the Minister of Education and Training shall take the lead in coordinating with relevant ministries and authorities responsible for management of the relevant discipline or field before promulgation.

7. Training programme standard shall be reviewed and updated once every 05 years or upon the emergence of requirements arising from socio-economic development, human resource development requirements, state management requirements or changes in legal provisions.

8. The formulation, appraisal, promulgation, amendment, supplementation, replacement, review and updating of training programme standard shall be carried out in accordance with this Article.

9. For training programme standard with specific requirements or a specific training orientation, the Minister of Education and Training shall decide to assign a training institution to take the lead in carrying out the processes for development, appraisal and promulgation of standards prescribed in this Article.

Chapter IV

FORMULATION, APPRAISAL, PROMULGATION AND APPROVAL FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAINING PROGRAMME

Article 15. Process for formulation, appraisal, and promulgation of training programme

1. Training institutions shall exercise autonomy in formulating, developing training programme; take responsibility for the quality of training programme and fulfill accountability obligations in accordance with law.

2. When formulating a training programme, a training institution must ensure the following requirements:

a) The training programme must belong to a discipline included in the List of Disciplines promulgated by the Minister of Education and Training; for an interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary training programme, the discipline shall be determined according to the discipline accounting for the largest proportion of the learning workload or according to the training objectives and outcome standards of the program; where the proportions of the learning workload are equal, the training programme shall be classified under the discipline accounting for the greater number of compulsory courses; where the numbers of compulsory courses are equal, the training programme shall be classified under the discipline named first in the name of the training programme;

b) Be formulated on the basis of the training programme standard for the corresponding level, training discipline, group of disciplines or field;

c) Be formulated with reference to and benchmarked against professional standards, competency standards, professional practice requirements, training programme and appropriate domestic and international academic practices;

d) Ensure consistency among the training objectives, outcome standards, training content, teaching methods, examination and assessment, and quality assurance conditions;

dd) Be appropriate to the mission, development strategy and implementation capacity of the training institution;

e) Training programme in the same discipline must have appropriate differences in training objectives, outcome standards, structure or training orientation.

3. The Rector shall decide to establish a team or group for formulation of the training programme (hereinafter collectively referred to as the Programme formulation team) and prescribe the duties, composition and responsibilities of the Programme formulation team.

4. A training programme must be appraised before promulgation:

a) For a higher education institution, the Science and Training Council shall conduct the appraisal and take responsibility for the appraisal results; members who directly participated in formulating the training programme shall not participate in the appraisal; the Chairperson of the Council may invite experts, scientists, employers or other appropriate participants to participate in the appraisal;

b) For another institution conducting higher education activities, the Rector shall establish a Professional Council consisting of at least 09 members, including at least 03 members who do not belong to the training institution, to conduct the appraisal; the Council shall take responsibility for the appraisal results;

c) Members participating in the appraisal must possess relevant expertise, knowledge and experience in training programme development, scientific research or relevant professional practice.

5. The contents of appraisal of a training programme include:

a) Satisfaction with the requirements prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article;

b) The extent of conformity with the training programme standard, the Vietnamese Qualifications Framework and relevant provisions of law;

c) Feasibility of implementation and capacity to maintain quality assurance conditions;

d) Conformity with human resource development needs and the development requirements of the relevant discipline or training disciplines.

6. Based on the appraisal results, the Rector shall decide to promulgate the training programme and take responsibility for the quality of the training programme.

7. Within 30 working days from the date of promulgation of a training programme, the training institution shall:

a) Update data on the specialized database system for higher education;

b) Publicize the training programme on the web portal of the training institution throughout the period during which the training programme remains in effect.

8. For higher education certificate-awarding training programme:

a) Be designed independently or integrated from one or more components of a qualification-awarding training programme for the purpose of formulating, updating or enhancing learners’ competencies;

b) Clearly identify the training objectives, outcome standards, training content, learning workload and assessment methods;

c) Ensure the capacity for accumulation, recognition or transfer of learning results in accordance with the regulations of the training institution.

9. The formulation, appraisal, and promulgation of training programme, updating of data and public disclosure of information regarding training programme in the field of public security and national defense shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defence.

Article 16. Review and assessment of capacity to ensure implementation of training programme

1. A training institution must review and assess compliance with the quality assurance requirements prescribed in this Circular and the corresponding training programme standard before deciding on or requesting approval for implementation of a training programme.

2. The Rector shall organize the review and assessment before deciding on or requesting approval for implementation of a training programme; the review shall be conducted by a unit or division assigned by the Rector. The Rector shall take responsibility for the review results.

3. The contents of the review and assessment of capacity to implement a training programme include:

a) The extent of compliance with the requirements of the training programme standard for the corresponding level prescribed in Chapter II of this Circular and the training programme standard by training discipline, group of disciplines or field;

b) Compliance with specific requirements applicable to the relevant training discipline, field and level as prescribed by relevant laws;

c) Capacity to maintain quality assurance conditions throughout the implementation of the training programme.

4. The results of the review and assessment of capacity to implement a training programme shall serve as the basis for the Rector to:

a) Request the Minister of Education and Training to consider and approve implementation of training programme falling within the authority of the Minister as prescribed in Article 17 of this Circular;

b) Decide to approve implementation of training programme falling within the authority of the Rector as prescribed in Article 18 of this Circular.

5. The review and approval for implementation of training programme in the field of public security and national defense shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defence.

Article 17. Approval for implementation of training programme under the authority of the Minister of Education and Training

1. The Minister of Education and Training shall approve implementation of:

a) Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral training programme in teacher training, health and law disciplines;

b) Doctoral training programme in the following disciplines, groups of disciplines and field: journalism; educational sciences and the field of public security and national defense;

c) Doctoral training programme of training institutions that have not satisfied the requirements prescribed in Clause 2 Article 18 of this Circular.

2. The Ministry of Education and Training shall take the lead in coordinating with the Ministry of Health in considering professional and practical training requirements for training programme in the health disciplines and shall take the lead in coordinating with the Ministry of Justice in considering professional requirements for training programme in the law disciplines.

3. A dossier of request for approval includes:

a) A written request for approval for implementation of the training programme;

b) Data, documents and evidence serving the review, including the training programme, appraisal report, decision promulgating the training programme, and report on the results of the review and assessment of capacity to implement the training programme prescribed in Clause 3 Article 16 of this Circular.

4. A dossier of request for approval for implementation of a training programme shall be submitted through the specialized database system for higher education and the National Public Service Portal, except for dossiers concerning training programme in the field of public security and national defense, which shall be submitted directly to the Ministry of Education and Training.

5. The time limit for processing a dossier, calculated from the date of receipt of a complete dossier as prescribed, shall be:

a) No more than 45 days for training programme in the health and law disciplines;

b) No more than 30 days for other training programme.

6. Where the data, documents or evidence are incomplete or do not provide sufficient grounds for determining that the training institution satisfies the requirements for implementation of the training programme prescribed in this Circular, within 05 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier, the Ministry of Education and Training shall return the dossier and clearly state the reasons.

7. For a dossier providing sufficient grounds for determining that the training institution satisfies the requirements for implementation of the training programme prescribed in this Circular, the Minister of Education and Training shall issue a decision approving implementation of the training programme, update the information on the specialized database system for higher education, and concurrently publicize the information on the web portal of the Ministry of Education and Training in accordance with law.

Article 18. Approval for implementation of training programme under the authority of the Rector of a training institution

1. The Rector shall decide to approve implementation of training programme within the scope of the license for higher education activities in accordance with the Law on Higher Education No. 125/2025/QH15, except for cases falling within the approval authority of the Minister of Education and Training prescribed in Article 17 of this Circular.

2. For new doctoral training programme in disciplines and at training levels for which implementation has been approved by a competent authority before the effective date of the Law on Higher Education No. 125/2025/QH15, except for doctoral training programme falling within the authority of the Minister of Education and Training prescribed in Article 17 of this Circular, the Rector shall decide to approve implementation when the training institution fully satisfies the following requirements:

a) Satisfy the criteria applicable to doctoral training institutions under the standards for higher education institutions promulgated by the Minister of Education and Training;

b) The group of training disciplines has at least 15 permanent lecturers holding doctoral degrees in disciplines with relevant expertise, at least 25% of whom hold the academic title of professor or associate professor, as determined on December 31 of the year immediately preceding the year in which training is organized; this requirement must be maintained throughout the training process;

c) The faculty-level unit or equivalent unit responsible for the group of training disciplines has had at least 05 doctoral students graduate at the doctoral level within the standard study duration; for the field of arts, languages, literature and foreign cultures, the faculty-level unit or equivalent unit has had at least 02 doctoral students graduate at the doctoral level within the standard study duration and be awarded doctoral degrees within the most recent 05 years.

3. The Rector shall promulgate and implement internal processes for the formulation, appraisal, approval, implementation, review and improvement of training programme falling within the authority of the Rector in accordance with this Circular.

4. Directors of national universities, regional universities and universities shall prescribe internal coordination mechanisms, assign responsibilities and identify the units responsible for the formulation, appraisal, approval, implementation, review and improvement of training programme; and ensure compliance with and maintenance of the quality assurance requirements prescribed in this Circular.

5. The Ministry of Education and Training shall supervise and inspect compliance with, and maintenance of the requirements prescribed in this Article through the specialized database system for higher education and inspection activities conducted in accordance with law.

Article 19. Implementation of training programme

1. A training institution shall organize enrollment and implement a training programme in accordance with the decision of the competent authority approving implementation of the training programme; fulfill accountability obligations and take responsibility before law for training quality.

2. Implementation of a training programme shall be managed according to the principle of post-approval inspection in association with accountability, on the basis of:

a) The extent of compliance with the training programme standard;

b) The maintenance and effective operation of the internal quality assurance system;

c) Data, documents and evidence that are fully and accurately updated on the specialized database system for higher education and publicized in accordance with regulations;

d) Results of accreditation of the training institution or training programme (if any).

3. Where training is delivered online or through a combination of online and in-person modes, the training institution must ensure compliance with the training programme standard, outcome standards and ensure quality equivalent to in-person training in accordance with law.

4. A training institution must not implement a new training programme in the same discipline as a training programme subject to suspension of enrollment or suspension of training activities during the effective period of the suspension decision.

5. A training institution shall:

a) Promulgate and implement internal regulations on training management and quality assurance;

b) Ensure the availability of a professional unit responsible for management and administration and support personnel appropriate to the scale and mode of training delivery;

c) Publicize, update and retain dossiers, data and evidence relating to the training programme in accordance with law.

6. The authority competent to approve implementation of a training programme shall consider terminating the validity of the approval decision after conducting inspection, verification, and requiring the training institution to provide explanations and to develop a plan to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of learners in the following cases:

a) The training institution does not organize enrollment or suspends enrollment for 03 consecutive years;

b) The training scale of the programme decreases by more than 30% in each of three consecutive years, except where the decrease in scale conforms to the development orientation of the training institution.

7. Where the validity of a decision approving implementation of a training programme is terminated under Clause 6 of this Article, the training institution must not continue enrollment or training delivery; if the training institution wishes to resume implementation, the training programme must be approved in accordance with Article 17 or Article 18 of this Circular.

Article 20. Maintenance, self-assessment and improvement of training programme

1. A training institution shall regularly and periodically conduct self-assessment of training programme through the internal quality assurance system, including measurement and assessment of the extent to which learners achieve the outcome standards.

2. Measurement and assessment of the extent to which learners achieve the outcome standards shall be conducted according to the principles prescribed in Appendix II promulgated together with this Circular. The assessment results shall serve as the basis for improving teaching and learning activities, examination and assessment, and training programme.

3. A training programme shall be reviewed, assessed and updated periodically, at least after every 02 cohorts with graduating learners, or according to the development and quality assurance requirements of the training programme.

4. Based on the results of self-assessment, measurement and assessment of outcome standards, and review of the training programme, the Rector shall decide on amendments and supplements to the training programme.

5. Within 30 working days from the date of issuance of a decision amending and supplementing a training programme, the training institution shall update the information on the specialized database system for higher education.

6. The Rector shall promulgate internal regulations and organize self-assessment, measurement and assessment of outcome standards, and improvement of training programme in conformity with this Circular and the specific characteristics of the training institution.

7. The maintenance, self-assessment, measurement and assessment of outcome standards, improvement of training programme and updating of data for training programme in the field of public security and national defense shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defence.

Article 21. Supervision of implementation of training programme

1. A training institution shall regularly monitor and supervise implementation of training programme; promptly detect and remedy limitations and violations arising during the training process.

2. Where a training programme no longer complies with the provisions of this Circular or the quality assurance requirements reviewed and assessed in accordance with Article 16 of this Circular, the training institution must promptly implement remedial measures within a period not exceeding 01 semester under the standard learning plan of the training programme.

3. Where the conditions for continuing training delivery are not ensured, the training institution must temporarily suspend enrollment or implement handling measures in accordance with law.

4. The Ministry of Education and Training shall supervise implementation of training programme through the specialized database system for higher education, inspection activities and other forms of supervision in accordance with law; handle violations or recommend that competent authorities handle violations in accordance with law.

Article 22. Suspension of enrollment, suspension of training activities and termination of implementation of training programme

1. Suspension of enrollment means the cessation of enrollment of new cohorts for a training programme in the following cases:

a) Failure to maintain compliance with the requirements regarding the contingent of lecturers, physical facilities, learning materials, training programme and other quality assurance requirements prescribed in this Circular;

b) Failure to implement or inadequate implementation of data updating, information disclosure, and accountability requirements;

c) Failure to comply with a remedial requirement following supervision or inspection by a competent authority within the required time limit;

d) Other cases specified in an inspection or examination conclusion or a decision of a competent authority in accordance with law.

2. Suspension of training activities means the cessation of training delivery for a training programme in the following cases:

a) Failure to remedy the cause leading to suspension of enrollment within the time limit required by the competent authority;

b) Failure to continue satisfying the minimum requirements for maintaining training activities prescribed in this Circular;

c) Continued training delivery poses a risk of seriously affecting training quality or the lawful rights and interests of learners;

d) A competent authority concludes or decides that training activities must be suspended in accordance with law.

3. Implementation of a training programme shall be terminated in the following cases:

a) The training programme is implemented without approval from the competent authority as prescribed in this Circular;

b) Fraudulent or falsifying acts are committed, or untruthful information, data or evidence is provided during the approval or implementation process;

c) A violation that resulted in suspension of training activities is repeated;

d) A serious violation of the provisions of this Circular affects training quality or the lawful rights and interests of learners;

dd) Implementation is required to be terminated under an inspection or examination conclusion or a decision of a competent authority in accordance with law.

4. The period of suspension of enrollment or suspension of training activities must not exceed 12 months. During the period in which a training programme is subject to suspension of enrollment, suspension of training activities or termination of implementation, the training institution shall develop and implement a plan to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of learners in accordance with law.

5. A training programme subject to suspension of enrollment or suspension of training activities may resume implementation when the training institution has fully remedied the causes leading to the suspension no later than the expiry of the suspension period and the completion of the remedial measures has been verified through the supervision and inspection activities prescribed in Clause 8 of this Article.

6. Suspension of enrollment, suspension of training activities and termination of implementation of a training programme shall be carried out as follows:

a) A training institution shall proactively cease enrollment or training activities when the training institution no longer satisfies the requirements prescribed in this Circular; report to the Ministry of Education and Training and update data on the specialized database system for higher education;

b) Where the training institution fails to comply with Point a of this Clause, the authority competent under law shall decide on suspension of enrollment, suspension of training activities or termination of implementation of the training programme.

7. For training programme in the field of public security and national defense:

a) Suspension of enrollment, suspension of training activities and termination of implementation of training programme shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Public Security;

b) Where a violation is detected through inspection or supervision activities or according to a conclusion of a competent authority, the violation shall be handled in accordance with law.

8. A training institution shall remedy the causes leading to suspension of enrollment, suspension of training activities or termination of implementation as prescribed in this Article and report to the competent authority after completing the remedial measures. The competent authority shall supervise and inspect the implementation of remedial measures; where the training institution fails to implement remedial measures, implements remedial measures incompletely or continues to commit violations, the training institution shall be handled in accordance with law.

9. Decisions on suspension of enrollment, suspension of training activities or termination of implementation of training programme; supervision and inspection results; results of confirmation of remediation of the causes leading to suspension; and decisions on handling violations (if any) shall be publicized on the web portals of the competent authority and the training institution in accordance with law.

10. Where implementation of a training programme is terminated, the training programme may be implemented again only after approval is granted in accordance with Article 17 or Article 18 of this Circular.

Article 23. Reporting, public disclosure and accountability

1. A training institution shall:

a) Submit annual periodic reports;

b) Submit ad hoc reports at the request of a competent state management authority;

c) Fully and promptly update data on training programme on the specialized database system for higher education in accordance with regulations.

2. Annual periodic reporting and updating shall be completed before December 31 through the specialized database system for higher education; for training programme in the field of public security and national defense, reporting and updating shall be carried out in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Training and the regulations of the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defence.

3. The contents of reports include:

a) Legal information and the operational status of the training programme;

b) The training programme and changes or updates (if any);

c) Quality assurance requirements prescribed in this Circular;

d) Results of self-assessment, accreditation and improvement of the training programme.

4. A training institutions shall publicize, maintain and regularly update on their web portal information on training programme, including the following contents, except for training programme in the field of public security and national defense, which shall comply with the regulations of the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defence:

a) Training objectives, outcome standards and training programme structure;

b) Quality assurance requirements;

c) Enrollment information and entry requirements;

d) Training results, including graduation rates and completion periods;

dd) Employment information and feedback from learners after graduation;

e) The learning plan for the entire course;

g) Tuition fees and related charges (if any).

5. The information prescribed in Clause 4 of this Article must be publicized before enrollment is organized and updated whenever changes occur.

6. The Rector shall take responsibility for organizing the management and supervision of training programme data; ensuring the completeness, accuracy, truthfulness and timeliness of reported and publicly disclosed information; and fulfilling accountability obligations in accordance with law.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 24. Effect

1. This Circular takes effect on June 30, 2026.

2. This Circular replaces:

a) Circular No. 17/2021/TT-BGDDT dated June 22, 2021 of the Minister of Education and Training, providing regulations on training programme standard and the formulation, appraisal, and promulgation of training programme at levels of higher education;

b) Circular No. 35/2021/TT-BGDDT dated December 6, 2021 of the Minister of Education and Training, providing regulations on the compilation, selection, appraisal, approval and use of teaching materials and higher education textbooks;

c) Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BGDDT dated January 18, 2022 of the Minister of Education and Training, providing regulations on the conditions, sequence and procedures for opening disciplines, suspension of enrollment and suspension of training activities at levels of higher education;

d) Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BGDDT dated July 30, 2024 of the Minister of Education and Training, amending and supplementing a number of articles of Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BGDDT dated January 18, 2022.

Article 25. Transitional provisions

1. Training institutions may continue implementing training programme in disciplines for which implementation was approved by competent authorities before the effective date of this Circular.

For training programme in teacher training, health, and law disciplines, and doctoral training programme developed and promulgated after the effective date of this Circular, approval for implementation must comply with this Circular.

2. Within 36 months from the effective date of this Circular, training institutions shall comprehensively review and complete training programme currently being implemented to ensure compliance with this Circular, including reviewing and updating textbooks, teaching materials, the contingent of lecturers and learning materials in a manner appropriate to the training objectives, outcome standards and content of the training programme.

Where textbooks, teaching materials or learning materials no longer satisfy the requirements of the training programme or contain content that violates the law, the textbooks, teaching materials or learning materials must be promptly reviewed, updated, replaced or discontinued.

3. For training institutions under the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defence, the review and completion of training programme in the field of public security and national defense within the period prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article shall be carried out in accordance with the guidance of the Minister of Public Security and the Minister of National Defence and must ensure compliance with the law on protection of state secrets.

4. Decisions promulgating training programme standard with specific requirements or specific training orientations issued by the Minister of Education and Training before the effective date of this Circular shall continue to be implemented within the period prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article. After the expiry of this period, application shall comply with decisions on amendment, supplementation or replacement issued by the Minister of Education and Training.

5. Where no training programme standard for a training discipline, group of disciplines or field are available on the effective date of this Circular, the formulation and promulgation of training programme must comply with the training programme standard for the corresponding level prescribed in Chapter II of this Circular. Training institutions shall review and update training programme within no more than 24 months from the effective date of the training programme standard for the corresponding training discipline, group of disciplines or field.

6. Dossiers of request for permission to open disciplines that have been validly received by competent authorities before the effective date of this Circular but have not yet been approved shall continue to be processed in accordance with Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BGDDT dated January 18, 2022 of the Minister of Education and Training, providing regulations on the conditions, sequence and procedures for opening disciplines, suspension of enrollment and suspension of training activities at levels of higher education, as amended and supplemented by Circular No. 12/2024/TT-BGDDT dated July 30, 2024.

7. Learners admitted before the effective date of this Circular may continue studying under the training programme applicable at the time of admission. The application of training programme reviewed and updated as prescribed in this Article must safeguard the lawful rights and interests of learners.

Article 26. Responsibilities for implementation

1. The Ministry of Education and Training shall perform state management and provide guidance on, inspect and supervise the formulation, promulgation and implementation of training programme in accordance with this Circular.

2. Directly supervising authorities and investors shall ensure the resources and conditions necessary for training institutions to formulate, promulgate and implement training programme in accordance with this Circular and relevant laws; and must not unlawfully interfere in the academic and professional activities of training institutions.

3. A training institution shall have the following responsibilities:

a) To promulgate and implement internal regulations on the formulation, promulgation, implementation, self-assessment and improvement of training programme in conformity with this Circular and relevant laws;

b) To organize the formulation, appraisal, promulgation, approval for implementation, review, updating and improvement of training programme within the authority of the training institution; and fulfill accountability obligations in accordance with law;

c) To publicize, update and report information on training programme in accordance with this Circular and relevant laws;

d) To maintain the quality assurance requirements for implementation of training programme; and take responsibility for training quality and the lawful rights and interests of learners;

dd) To retain dossiers, data and evidence relating to training programme in accordance with law; and provide information and documents serving supervision, inspection, post-approval inspection and education quality accreditation activities;

e) To implement necessary measures to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of learners, lecturers, managerial personnel and support personnel during implementation of training programme.

4. For training institutions under the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security, the reporting, retention and public disclosure of information on training programme in the field of national defense and public security shall be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of National Defence and the Minister of Public Security and the law on protection of state secrets.

5. The Chief of the Office, the Director General of the Higher Education Department, heads of relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training; directors of universities and academies; rectors of higher education institutions; rectors or directors of other training institutions conducting higher education activities; and relevant organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular./.

* All Appendices are not translated herein.