Decision 38/2026/QD-TTg on structural framework of the National education system

DECISION

On structural framework of the National education system

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government No. 63/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Education Law No. 43/2019/QH14, which had a number of articles amended and supplemented under Law No. 123/2025/QH15;

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

Pursuant to the Law on Vocational Education No. 124/2025/QH15;

At the proposal of the Minister of Education and Training;

The Prime Minister hereby promulgates the Circular on structural framework of the National education system.

Article 1. Scope of regulation and subjects of application

1. This Decision prescribes the structural framework of the National education system, including the structure of the structural framework of the National education system; the system of education levels and classification of education programs; education streams, transition and articulation within the national education system; and the standard study duration for education levels and training qualifications.

2. This Decision applies to education and training institutions within the national education system; state management agencies in charge of education; and agencies, organizations and individuals involved in the organization, management and supervision of the national education system.

Article 2. Interpretation of terms

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

1. Structural framework of the National education system means the overall structure of the education system that identifies education levels, training qualifications, education pathways and the relationships among these components in order to organize education programs in a uniform manner, provide guidance on necessary learning pathways for learners, and ensure the coordinated operation of the entire education system.

2. Level in the structural framework of the National education system means a level of classification of education programs by education level or training qualification, from low to high, in conformity with international standards.

3. Education stream means a learning pathway organized within the national education system that enables learners to select and continue studying under different education programs appropriate to their abilities and needs, while ensuring transition and articulation among education levels and training qualifications.

Article 3. Purposes and roles of the structural framework of the National education system

1. To establish the overall structure of the national education system; distinguish, classify and arrange types of education programs within the national education system; and provide a basis for the uniform development, review and adjustment of education programs, ensuring guidance on learners’ learning pathways and the coordinated operation of the entire education system.

2. To ensure articulation within the education system and provide a basis for the recognition and transfer of learning outcomes among education levels and training qualifications, thereby enabling learners to continue studying under different programs within the national education system.

3. To provide a basis for transparent information on learning pathways and support learners in career orientation, selection of learning pathways and personal development in the process of lifelong learning.

4. To provide orientation for and organize education streams, thereby contributing to the diversification of learners’ learning pathways and career development.

5. To serve as a reference for the recognition, comparison and conversion of degrees, diplomas, certificates and learning outcomes among domestic and foreign education institutions in accordance with law and the Vietnam National Qualifications Framework.

6. To serve state management, supervision of education activities, statistics, reporting and international comparison in education, thereby contributing to greater transparency and accountability within the national education system.

Article 4. Structure of the National education system framework

The structural framework of the National education system comprises formal education and continuing education provided at education levels and training qualifications within the National education system, as illustrated in the diagram in Appendix I to this Decision.

Article 5. Levels of education programs within the National education system

1. Education programs within the National education system are classified into 9 levels, from Level 0 to Level 8, based on program objectives, the complexity of learning content, entry requirements, expected learning outcomes, and transition opportunities within the National education system.

2. An education program integrating multiple education levels or training qualifications shall be classified at the level corresponding to the highest education level or training qualification.

3. Each education program shall be identified by a program code and classified in accordance with Appendix II to this Decision.

Article 6. Standard study duration

1. The standard study duration (or standard training duration) for education levels and training qualifications within the National education system is prescribed to ensure:

a) The uniformity of the National education system;

b) Articulation among education levels and training qualifications;

c) Consistency with the Vietnam National Qualifications Framework and compatibility with international education classifications.

2. The standard study duration shall serve as a basis for designing education programs and shall not replace requirements concerning program learning outcome standards and workloads.

3. The standard study duration for education levels and training qualifications is specified in Appendix III to this Decision, excluding the cases specified in Clause 4 of this Article.

4. The standard study duration of specialized training programs in the fields of arts, physical education and sports, and specialized intensive training programs in certain sectors and fields shall comply with regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 7. Implementation organization

The Ministry of Education and Training shall assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with, ministries, agencies and localities in, guiding and organizing the implementation of the structural framework of the National education system with respect to early childhood education, general education, vocational education, higher education and continuing education.

Article 8. Effect

1. This Decision takes effect from September 07, 2026.

2. The Prime Minister's Decision No. 1981/QD-TTg dated October 18, 2016, approving the structural framework of the National education system, ceases to be effective from the effective date of this Decision.

Article 9. Transitional provisions

Education programs, training programs and program standards promulgated before the effective date of this Decision may continue to apply to enrollment cohorts admitted before January 01, 2027.

* All Appendices are not translated herein.