Decree 95/2026/ND-CP detailing the Law on Vocational Education

DECREE

Detailing a number of articles of the Law on Vocational Education

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

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

At the proposal of the Minister of Education and Training;

The Government promulgates the Decree detailing a number of articles of the Law on Vocational Education.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of regulation

This Decree details a number of articles of the Law on Vocational Education, including:

1. Clause 5, Article 7 regarding the naming and renaming of vocational education institutions, and the organization under different names of vocational secondary schools.

2. Clause 4, Article 15 regarding conditions, procedures and competence for establishment, permission for operation, termination of enrollment, suspension of operation, and dissolution of branches of vocational education institutions.

3. Clause 5, Article 24 regarding policies on commendation and honoring of vocational teachers with outstanding contributions in teaching, research, practical instruction, and linkage between training and enterprises.

4. Clause 5, Article 41 regarding conditions, order and procedures, competence, and mechanisms for inspection and supervision of activities of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners.

Article 2. Subjects of application

1. This Decree applies to vocational education institutions and agencies, organizations and individuals involved in vocational education activities.

2. Regulations on cooperation and joint training with foreign parties shall not apply to vocational education institutions of the people’s armed forces.

Chapter II

NAMING AND RENAMING OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Article 3. Naming of vocational education institutions

1. Principles for naming

a) To accurately reflect the legal form, the diploma-awarding competence, and the training levels in accordance with law;

b) Not to cause misunderstanding about the organizational model, scope of operation, managing agency, training quality, or status of vocational education institutions; not to use geographical names other than that of the head office for naming; not to use words or phrases indicating titles or rankings;

c) Not to use in the name words or symbols identical or confusingly similar to those of state agencies; armed forces units; socio-political organizations; or other education institutions;

d) Not to use words, phrases or symbols that violate historical traditions, culture, ethics or fine customs and practices of the nation;

dd) Not to use foreign-language words or phrases to determine the Vietnamese name of a vocational education institution, except for phrases associated with regional, international or foreign country names;

e) Not to use the terms “general” or “lower secondary” to determine the proper name of a vocational secondary school.

2. The Vietnamese name of a vocational education institution shall be determined by two parts in the following order:

a) The part identifying the type of the vocational education institution, expressed by one of the phrases “College”, “Intermediate School”, “Secondary School”;

b) The part identifying the proper name of an intermediate school or a college shall be composed of one or several of the following phrases: a phrase identifying the field or group of principal training occupations; a phrase identifying the locality associated with the location of the head office of the institution; a phrase associated with a regional, international or foreign country name In case where the institution is established under an agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and a foreign government;

c) The part identifying the proper name of a vocational secondary school shall be composed of one or several of the phrases prescribed at Point b, Clause 2 of this Article. In case where a vocational secondary school uses only the phrase identifying the locality associated with the location of its head office, the word “vocational” must be included immediately after the phrase “secondary school”.

3. The foreign-language name or international transaction name of a vocational education institution must be translated equivalently from its Vietnamese name and ensure consistency; use terms in accordance with international practices; must not increase the level or status or alter the type compared to the Vietnamese name.

Internet domain names, trade names, and abbreviations used in transactions must be consistent with the Vietnamese name or the foreign-language name; In case where abbreviations are used, they must not give rise to the possibility of misunderstanding with other domestic vocational education institutions or foreign education institutions.

A vocational education institution shall be responsible for registering and publicly disclosing its domain names serving training activities, ensuring unified management and transparency.

4. In case where a vocational education institution establishes a branch, the naming of such branch must comply with Clauses 1, 2 and 3 of this Article and the following provisions:

a) The naming of a branch of a Vietnamese vocational education institution shall consist of the following elements: the phrase “Branch”; the name of the vocational education institution; and the name of the locality where the branch is located. In case where there are multiple branches within the same provincial-level administrative unit, the naming shall be made in consecutive numerical order following the name of the province or city or the corresponding commune-level administrative unit;

b) The naming of a branch of a foreign vocational education institution in Vietnam shall consist of the following elements: the phrase “Branch”; the Vietnamese name of the foreign vocational education institution; and the name of the locality where the branch is located;

c) A branch of a vocational education institution shall be renamed when there is a change in the name of the vocational education institution or a change in administrative boundaries directly affecting the name of the branch. The renaming of a branch of a vocational education institution shall comply with the provisions of Article 4 of this Decree.

Article 4. Renaming of vocational education institutions

1. Principles for renaming

a) The name of a vocational education institution must ensure stability, inheritance, and long-term recognition, and must not be changed due to changes in investors, ownership structure, or changes in capital-contributing members;

b) The renaming must comply with the naming regulations prescribed in Article 3 of this Decree;

c) The renaming of a vocational education institution shall be considered only in the following cases: change in legal form under a decision of a competent agency; branch, separation or merger of vocational education institutions; the name violates naming regulations or is determined to cause confusion.

2. The dossier for renaming of a vocational education institution includes 01 set, comprising a written request for renaming of the directly managing superior agency in case of a public vocational education institution or of the owning organization or individual in case of a private vocational education institution, made according to Form No. 04 provided in Appendix I to this Decree.

3. Order, procedures and competence for renaming of vocational education institutions

a) Agencies, organizations and individuals requesting the renaming of a vocational education institution shall send a dossier as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article to the National Public Service Portal or via postal service or directly at the single-window section of the competent agency prescribed in Clause 15, Article 1 of the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Education;

b) Within 03 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier requesting renaming of a vocational education institution, the competent agency prescribed in Clause 15, Article 1 of the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Education shall decide on the renaming, or permit the renaming of the vocational education institution. In case of refusal to decide on or permit the renaming, it shall reply in writing and clearly state the reason;

c) The person competent to establish or permit the establishment of a vocational education institution shall have the competence to decide on or permit the renaming of a vocational education institution;

d) Within 02 working days from the date of issuance of the decision on renaming or permitting the renaming, the competent agency shall be responsible for publicly disclosing and sending the decision on renaming or permitting the renaming of the vocational education institution to relevant agencies and units for monitoring and management;

dd) After renaming, a vocational education institution shall be responsible for publicly disclosing its official name, foreign-language name or international transaction name or other names on its website; updating the name information in the national database on vocational education in accordance with regulations, and may continue providing training in the groups of occupations already granted by the competent agency in the license for vocational education activities.

Chapter III

CONDITIONS, PROCEDURES AND COMPETENCE FOR ESTABLISHMENT, PERMISSION FOR OPERATION, TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT, AND DISSOLUTION OF BRANCHES OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Section 1

CONDITIONS, PROCEDURES AND COMPETENCE FOR ESTABLISHMENT AND DISSOLUTION OF BRANCHES OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Article 5. Conditions for establishment and permission for establishment of branches of vocational education institutions

A vocational education institution may establish a branch when satisfying the following conditions:

1. Having a location for construction of physical facilities ensuring a land use area of at least 25% of the minimum land use area of the vocational education institution, ensuring compliance with the law on land, planning, construction and relevant laws.

2. Having capital or operating funds of at least 25% of the minimum capital or funds for investment in the establishment of the vocational education institution.

Article 6. Dossiers for establishment and permission for establishment of branches of vocational education institutions

The dossier for establishment and permission for establishment of a branch of a vocational education institution includes 01 set, comprising:

1. A written request for establishment or permission for establishment of a branch of the directly managing superior agency in case of a public vocational education institution or of the owning organization or individual in case of a private vocational education institution, clearly stating information on the proposed branch, groups of occupations proposed for training at the branch, made according to Form No. 01 provided in Appendix I to this Decree.

2. A scheme for establishment of a branch of the vocational education institution, clearly stating information on necessity; training objectives, organizational structure and conditions ensuring operation of the branch; plan and schedule for implementation of the scheme; socio-economic efficiency, made according to Form No. 02 provided in Appendix I to this Decree.

3. A written approval of the People’s Committee of the province or city where the vocational education institution proposes to locate the branch.

4. A copy of the contract for lease of physical facilities attached to land which remains valid for at least 05 years from the date of submission of the dossier in case of leasing physical facilities attached to land.

5. A copy of the document approving the investment policy, the investment decision, or the document approving and assigning the public investment plan, or the document approving the final settlement of the completed investment project for construction of a branch of a public vocational education institution, issued by a competent agency.

6. A written certification of financial capacity for investment in construction of a branch of a private vocational education institution issued by a competent agency or organization.

7. Copies of documents proving ownership of assets enclosed with documents on valuation of contributed assets in case of capital contribution by assets. Agencies, organizations and individuals are not required to submit copies of certificates of land use rights or ownership of assets attached to land in case where information can be exploited and used in the national land database.

Article 7. Competence for establishment and permission for establishment of branches of vocational education institutions

1. The person competent to establish or permit the establishment of a vocational education institution as prescribed in Clause 15, Article 1 of the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Education shall have the competence to decide on establishment or permission for establishment of a branch of a vocational education institution.

2. The person competent to establish or permit the establishment of a branch of a vocational education institution shall have the competence to decide on dissolution of a branch of a vocational education institution.

Article 8. Order and procedures for establishment and permission for establishment of branches of vocational education institutions

1. The directly managing superior agency in case of a public vocational education institution or the owning organization or individual in case of a private vocational education institution shall send a dossier requesting establishment or permission for establishment of a branch via the National Public Service Portal or via postal service or directly at the single-window section of the competent agency prescribed in Article 7 of this Decree.

2. Within 05 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier, the competent person as prescribed in Article 7 of this Decree shall appraise the dossier and decide on establishment or permission for establishment of a branch of the vocational education institution according to Form No. 03 provided in Appendix I to this Decree.

In case of refusal to decide on establishment or permission for establishment of the branch, a written reply shall be given and clearly state the reason.

3. The decision on establishment or permission for establishment of a branch of a vocational education institution shall be publicly disclosed on the website of the competent agency or organization prescribed in Article 7 of this Decree and shall be sent to the directly managing superior agency of the vocational education institution, the People’s Committee of the province or city where the vocational education institution locates the branch for monitoring and management.

Article 9. Dissolution of branches of vocational education institutions

1. A branch of a vocational education institution shall be dissolved at the request of agencies, organizations and individuals prescribed in Clause 1, Article 8 of this Decree.

2. The dossier for dissolution of a branch of a vocational education institution includes 01 set, comprising:

a) A written request for dissolution of the branch of agencies, organizations and individuals prescribed in Clause 1, Article 8 of this Decree, clearly stating information on the branch proposed for dissolution; reasons for dissolution; the dissolution plan, made according to Form No. 01 provided in Appendix II to this Decree;

b) A scheme for dissolution of the branch of the vocational education institution, clearly stating information on the current status of the branch of the vocational education institution; the dissolution plan; organization for implementation, made according to Form No. 02 provided in Appendix II to this Decree.

3. Procedures and competence for dissolution and permission for dissolution of branches of vocational education institutions

a) Agencies, organizations and individuals requesting dissolution of a branch of a vocational education institution shall send a dossier as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article via the National Public Service Portal or via postal service or directly at the single-window section of the competent agency prescribed in Article 7 of this Decree;

b) Within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier, the agency or organization prescribed in Article 7 of this Decree shall examine the dossier and decide on dissolution of the branch of the vocational education institution according to Form No. 03 provided in Appendix II to this Decree. In case of refusal to decide on or permit dissolution, a written reply shall be given and clearly state the reason.

The decision on dissolution or permission for dissolution of a branch of a vocational education institution must clearly state the reason for dissolution, measures to ensure the rights of learners, teachers, lecturers, managers, employees, workers and performance of financial obligations in accordance with regulations; and the plan for handling assets of the branch of the vocational education institution. The decision on dissolution or permission for dissolution shall be notified to relevant agencies for coordination in implementation and shall be publicly announced on mass media;

c) The decision on dissolution of a branch of a vocational education institution shall be publicly disclosed on the website of the agency or organization of the competent person as prescribed in Article 7 of this Decree and shall be sent to the directly managing superior agency of the vocational education institution, the People’s Committee of the province or city where the vocational education institution locates the branch for monitoring and management.

Section 2

PERMISSION FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ACTIVITIES AT BRANCHES OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Article 10. Conditions for permission for vocational education activities at branches of vocational education institutions

1. A branch of a vocational education institution may be granted permission for vocational education activities by groups of occupations when satisfying the conditions as prescribed by the Government on investment conditions and operation in the field of education.

2. A branch of an intermediate school or a college that has been granted permission for vocational education activities for groups of occupations at a certain training level may enroll learners and organize training at a lower level than the level already granted permission within the same groups of fields and occupations.

3. The organization of training in occupations under groups of occupations already granted permission for vocational education activities at a branch shall be decided by the Rector of the vocational education institution on the basis of satisfying the conditions for operation as prescribed.

Article 11. Dossiers requesting for permission for vocational education activities at branches of vocational education institutions

The dossier for permission for vocational education activities includes 01 set, comprising:

1. A written request for permission for vocational education activities at a branch, clearly stating information on groups of fields and occupations, expected scale, training levels requested for permission for vocational education activities, made according to Form No. 01 provided in Appendix III to this Decree.

2. A report on conditions ensuring vocational education activities, clearly stating information on the vocational education institution, the branch of the vocational education institution, conditions ensuring vocational education activities at the branch enclosed with supporting documents, made according to Form No. 02 provided in Appendix III to this Decree.

Article 12. Competence for permission for vocational education activities at branches of vocational education institutions

1. The Ministry of Education and Training shall grant permission for vocational education activities at branches of colleges.

2. People’s Committees of provinces or cities shall grant permission for vocational education activities at branches of vocational secondary schools and intermediate schools in their localities.

Article 13. Order and procedures for permission for vocational education activities at branches of vocational education institutions

1. A vocational education institution shall send 01 set of dossier requesting permission for vocational education activities at a branch via the National Public Service Portal or via postal service or directly at the single-window section of the competent agency prescribed in Article 12 of this Decree.

2. Within 07 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier, the competent agency prescribed in Article 12 of this Decree shall examine the dossier and grant permission for vocational education activities at the branch to the vocational education institution according to Form No. 03 provided in Appendix III to this Decree. In case of refusal to grant permission for vocational education activities, a written reply shall be given and clearly state the reason.

3. The competent agency prescribed in Article 12 of this Decree shall publicly disclose the decision on permission for vocational education activities at the branch of the vocational education institution on its website and update data on permission for vocational education activities in accordance with regulations.

Section 3

SUSPENSION OF OPERATION AND TERMINATION OF ENROLLMENT AT BRANCHES OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Article 14. Suspension of vocational education activities at branches of vocational education institutions

A branch of a vocational education institution shall have its vocational education activities suspended in accordance with the law on handling of administrative violations in the field of vocational education.

Article 15. Termination of enrollment at branches of vocational education institutions

A branch of a vocational education institution shall terminate enrollment when it is suspended by a competent agency or in other cases as prescribed by law.

Chapter IV

POLICIES ON COMMENDATION AND HONORING OF VOCATIONAL TEACHERS WITH OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS IN TEACHING, RESEARCH, PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION AND LINKAGE BETWEEN TRAINING AND ENTERPRISES

Article 16. Outstanding contributions of vocational teachers eligible for commendation and honoring

1. Teaching, instructing, or coaching for at least 02 learners achieving Third Prize or higher at skills examinations or competitions at the national level or higher, or at competitions, festivals, exhibitions or tournaments in the fields of culture, arts or sports at the national level or higher.

2. Teaching, instructing, or coaching for at least 01 learner achieving a prize or being certified as having excellent vocational skills at regional or international skills examinations or at competitions, festivals, exhibitions or tournaments in the fields of culture, arts or sports at regional or international level, or directing, choreographing, staging, or coaching for an arts or sports unit at least 01 work, program or performance publicly performed, presented or announced in accordance with regulations.

3. Participating in applied research and being the principal author of at least 02 scientific articles relevant to the occupation of teaching or practical instruction of the vocational teacher and published in scientific journals with International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), or participating in the development of at least 03 training programs or curricula put into teaching in vocational education institutions.

4. Assuming the prime responsibility for developing at least 02 models of cooperation in training between vocational education institutions and enterprises which are adopted, applied and recognized by at least 04 other vocational education institutions as improving training quality or increasing the rate of employment of learners after graduation.

5. Transferring to enterprises at least 01 technology or production process which is confirmed by enterprises as being used in practice.

6. Teaching, instructing, or coaching for at least 50 learners within one year achieving national vocational skill certificates at Level 3 or higher in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework for Vocational Skills.

Article 17. Organization of commendation and honoring of vocational teachers

Principles, forms, dossiers, procedures for review, approval and organization of commendation and honoring of vocational teachers shall be implemented in accordance with the law on emulation and commendation.

Chapter V

COOPERATION AND JOINT TRAINING WITH FOREIGN PARTNERS IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Section 1

COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN PARTNERS IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Article 18. Principles for implementation of cooperation activities with foreign partners

1. To ensure compliance with the Constitution and laws of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, laws of the partner country, and treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a party.

2. To be consistent with the functions and tasks of the vocational education institution; to ensure voluntariness, equality, respect for autonomy accompanied by accountability.

3. To ensure training quality, transparency of information, and lawful rights and interests of relevant parties.

4. Not to carry out cooperation activities that are detrimental to national interests, national security, social order and safety, fine customs and traditions, ethics, and the cultural identity of the Vietnamese nation.

Article 19. Parties to cooperation, contents and forms of cooperation with foreign partners

1. Parties to cooperation

Vocational education institutions may cooperate with foreign organizations, including: education institutions, state agencies, research institutes, enterprises, socio-professional organizations, international organizations, and technology-related organizations.

2. Contents of cooperation with foreign partners must be in conformity with the functions and tasks of vocational education institutions, including:

a) Cooperation in the implementation of training activities and development of training programs;

b) Cooperation in application of scientific research, technology transfer, innovation in support of training activities, development of skills, improvement of the quality of human resources; cooperation in the implementation of creative activities or transfer of creative products in the fields of culture, arts, and sports in vocational education;

c) Cooperation in organization of practice and internship;

d) Cooperation in implementation of learning models in vocational education.

3. Cooperation with foreign partners shall be implemented through written cooperation agreements in the following forms: coordination programs, memoranda of understanding, or cooperation contracts consistent with the contents and scope of cooperation in accordance with law.

Article 20. Requirements for implementation of cooperation with foreign partners

1. For foreign organizations participating in cooperation

Foreign organizations as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 19 of this Decree must ensure:

a) Being lawfully established in accordance with the laws of the host country;

b) Having functions and scope of operation suitable to the contents of cooperation, satisfying operating conditions in accordance with the laws of the host country for the relevant field; having an establishment document, license, or other valid legal document permitting operation;

c) Not being subject to notification by competent agencies of the host country or of Vietnam of suspension, dissolution, bankruptcy, or being prohibited from participating in cooperation activities in the corresponding field.

2. For the contents prescribed at Point a, Clause 2, Article 19 of this Decree

a) The cooperating parties shall ensure updating of new knowledge, application of advanced teaching methods suitable to training activities and development of training programs of the vocational education institution. In case where cooperation is conducted in the form of organizing training for awarding foreign diplomas or certificates, or awarding foreign diplomas or certificates and Vietnamese diplomas or certificates, it shall implement joint training with foreign partners in accordance with Section 2, Chapter V of this Decree;

b) The cooperating parties shall certify completion of cooperation activities or certify learning outcomes for learners in accordance with the contents agreed by the parties in the cooperation agreement, ensuring compliance with relevant laws.

3. For the contents prescribed at Point b, Clause 2, Article 19 of this Decree

a) The cooperating parties must ensure that the contents of cooperation are suitable to the implementation capacity of each party;

b) The cooperation agreement must contain provisions on intellectual property rights, information confidentiality, rights to exploit and use results of cooperation in scientific research and innovation (if any). Technology transfer must comply with the laws of Vietnam.

4. For the contents prescribed at Point c, Clause 2, Article 19 of this Decree

a) The cooperating parties must have a detailed training plan in accordance with requirements of the training program promulgated in accordance with regulations; the cooperation agreement must clearly define learning objectives, duration, location of practice and internship; commitments on insurance, occupational safety, and support policies for expenses for learners (if any);

b) Not to take advantage of practice and internship activities to send persons to work abroad in violation of law. The cooperating parties shall be responsible for managing and protecting lawful rights and interests of learners during the period of practice and internship abroad.

5. For the contents prescribed at Point d, Clause 2, Article 19 of this Decree, cooperation in implementing learning models must have a scheme approved by the Science and Training Council of the vocational education institution, based on scientific grounds, practical requirements, and development orientation of the vocational education institution and ensuring not to change the objectives of vocational education.

6. Vocational education institutions shall be responsible for storing dossiers related to cooperation activities with foreign partners and providing such dossiers upon the request of competent agencies.

Article 21. Autonomy in cooperation with foreign partners

1. Vocational education institutions may autonomously decide on contents of cooperation with foreign organizations when satisfying the requirements prescribed in Article 20 of this Decree and shall be accountable in accordance with regulations.

2. Vocational education institutions shall be responsible before the law for decisions on cooperation, implementation results, training quality, use of resources, and other related matters in accordance with applicable laws when implementing cooperation activities with foreign partners.

3. In case where contents of cooperation are related to specific occupations, vocational education institutions shall comply with this Decree and specialized laws.

4. Vocational education institutions shall be responsible for publicly disclosing information on cooperation with foreign partners on their websites and updating information into the specialized database on vocational education within 10 working days from the date of signing the cooperation agreement; and reporting on cooperation activities with foreign partners in accordance with Article 31 of this Decree or upon the request of competent agencies.

Section 2

JOINT TRAINING WITH FOREIGN PARTNERS IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Article 22. Joint training with foreign partners for establishment of faculties, centers or specialized training units at vocational education institutions

1. Vocational education institutions may conduct joint training with foreign educational organizations, education institutions, and enterprises for establishment of faculties, centers or specialized training units under Vietnamese vocational education institutions.

2. Contents of joint training with foreign partners for establishment of faculties, centers or specialized training units at vocational education institutions include:

a) Implementing joint training programs that have been granted permission by competent agencies as prescribed in this Decree;

b) Implementing training and further training programs as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 6 and Clause 2, Article 7 of the Law on Vocational Education;

c) Researching, developing and transferring training programs, except for programs in the fields of politics, security, national defense and religion;

d) Conducting scientific research and application, transferring technology in accordance with law;

dd) Investing in physical facilities and equipment for training and practice.

Article 23. Requirements for implementation of joint training with foreign partners for establishment of faculties, centers or specialized training units at vocational education institutions

1. Vietnamese vocational education institutions must ensure the following requirements:

a) Ensuring national interests, not causing detriment to security, politics and national defense;

b) Ensuring compliance with the laws of Vietnam on establishment of subordinate units of vocational education institutions;

c) Ensuring compliance with regulations on management of finance, assets and intellectual property rights in accordance with law.

2. Foreign educational organizations, education institutions and enterprises must ensure the following requirements:

a) Being recognized as legal entities by competent agencies of the host country and being eligible to provide international joint training programs in Vietnam;

b) Having a valid certificate of educational quality accreditation issued by foreign accreditation agencies or organizations, or having documents certifying or recognizing educational quality issued by competent agencies or organizations in accordance with the laws of the host country.

3. Before implementing contents of joint training as prescribed at Points a and b, Clause 2, Article 22 of this Decree, vocational education institutions must register information with the specialized database on vocational education.

4. Complying with reporting regimes as prescribed in Article 31 of this Decree and being subject to inspection and supervision in state management of activities as prescribed in Article 32 of this Decree.

Article 24. Joint training with foreign partners for implementation of training programs awarding diplomas and certificates

1. Joint training with foreign partners for implementation of training programs awarding diplomas and certificates means the coordination of training activities between vocational education institutions established in Vietnam and foreign educational organizations, education institutions and enterprises for implementation of training programs as prescribed at Points a, b, c and d, Clause 2, Article 6 of the Law on Vocational Education for awarding diplomas and certificates.

2. Joint training with foreign partners shall not be conducted for occupations in the fields of politics, security, national defense and religion.

3. Joint training with foreign partners shall be implemented according to the following training programs:

a) Foreign training programs; awarding foreign diplomas and certificates;

b) Training programs jointly developed by both parties; awarding foreign diplomas and certificates or awarding foreign diplomas and certificates and Vietnamese diplomas and certificates.

4. Joint training with foreign partners shall be implemented wholly in Vietnam or partly in Vietnam and partly abroad as decided by the parties to the joint training.

5. Forms of training organization:

a) In-person training;

b) Distance training;

c) In-person training combined with distance training.

Article 25. Autonomy in deciding on joint training with foreign partners

1. Vocational education institutions may autonomously decide on joint training with foreign partners for training programs prescribed at Point d, Clause 2, Article 6 of the Law on Vocational Education and Point b, Clause 3, Article 24 of this Decree when ensuring the following conditions:

a) Ensuring the conditions for joint training with foreign partners as prescribed in Article 26 of this Decree;

b) Being recognized by competent agencies or organizations as meeting standards of quality accreditation of vocational education institutions;

c) Training occupations at college level and intermediate level for implementing joint training with foreign partners must be included in the list of training occupations as prescribed; occupations and training locations for implementing autonomous decision on joint training with foreign partners must fall within the groups of occupations and locations already granted permission for vocational education activities by competent agencies;

d) Publicly disclosing conditions ensuring organization of joint training with foreign partners, results of quality accreditation of vocational education, legal validity of diplomas and certificates granted to learners, and other information on the website of the vocational education institution before organizing enrollment for joint training programs with foreign partners;

dd) Within 24 months preceding the time of decision on autonomy in joint training with foreign partners, the vocational education institution has not been administratively sanctioned at the level of suspension of vocational education activities; has not been subject to suspension of enrollment or organization of training; has not had its license for vocational education activities revoked or deprived of the right to use; and does not fall into cases of suspension of operation under decisions of competent agencies or legally effective judgments or decisions of the Court.

2. Vocational education institutions shall not implement autonomy in deciding on joint training with foreign partners in the following cases:

a) Training programs prescribed at Point a, Clause 3, Article 24 of this Decree;

b) Training programs prescribed at Point b, Clause 3, Article 24 of this Decree but not included in the list of training fields and occupations in vocational education;

c) Training programs of fields and occupations in groups of fields and occupations that have not been granted permission for vocational education activities by competent agencies;

d) Training programs in the group of teacher training, health, and law fields.

3. Methods for implementation of autonomy in deciding on joint training with foreign partners

a) The vocational education institution develops a scheme for autonomy in joint training with foreign partners in accordance with contents prescribed in Article 26 of this Decree;

b) The head of the vocational education institution issues a decision on autonomy in joint training with foreign partners according to Form No. 01 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree;

c) 30 days before organizing enrollment, the vocational education institution must register information with the specialized database on vocational education and report on implementation of autonomy in joint training with foreign partners according to Form No. 02 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree and the scheme for autonomy in joint training with foreign partners to the competent agencies prescribed in Clause 1, Article 28 of this Decree for monitoring and management.

Article 26. Conditions for joint training with foreign partners

1. Occupations and training levels

Vocational education institutions shall implement joint training with foreign partners as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 24 of this Decree for occupations in the fields as prescribed by Vietnam and foreign countries.

2. Admission subjects

a) In case where foreign diplomas or certificates are awarded, admission subjects shall comply with the laws of foreign countries;

b) In case where foreign diplomas or certificates and Vietnamese diplomas or certificates are awarded, admission subjects shall comply with the laws of Vietnam and foreign countries.

3. Physical facilities and training equipment

a) Having physical facilities and training equipment meeting requirements of the training program, the laws of the country awarding diplomas or certificates, and corresponding to the training scale;

b) Having classrooms; laboratories; practice and internship rooms and workshops; pilot production facilities meeting requirements of the training program.

The area of classrooms for theoretical instruction and practice rooms and workshops shall comply with regulations issued by competent agencies. In case where such regulations have not been issued, requirements of the training program must be satisfied;

c) In case where joint training is implemented partly in Vietnam and partly abroad, physical facilities and training equipment during the period implemented abroad shall comply with the laws of foreign countries.

4. Training programs, curricula and training materials

a) Having sufficient training programs, curricula, learning materials and training resources serving learning of learners in accordance with requirements of the joint training program;

b) Training programs must not contain contents detrimental to national defense, national security, community interests; must not disseminate religion or distort history; must not adversely affect culture, ethics, and fine customs and practices of Vietnam.

5. Teaching staff

a) Having a teaching staff meeting standards on professional qualifications and pedagogical skills, sufficient in number, meeting the professional structure in accordance with requirements of the training program and laws of the country awarding diplomas or certificates;

b) Teachers teaching in foreign languages in joint training programs must have foreign language proficiency meeting requirements of the program as agreed by the cooperating parties. Foreign teachers teaching foreign languages at vocational education institutions must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and appropriate foreign language teaching certificates;

c) Foreign teachers teaching joint training programs must satisfy conditions as prescribed by the laws on foreign workers working in Vietnam.

6. Language of teaching and learning

a) The language used for teaching and learning specialized subjects in joint training programs for awarding Vietnamese diplomas or certificates or foreign diplomas or certificates is Vietnamese or a foreign language or through interpretation;

b) Based on needs of learners, cooperating parties may organize foreign language training or further training courses to enable learners to achieve language proficiency required to participate in joint training programs as prescribed by both parties.

7. Foreign educational organizations, education institutions and enterprises implementing joint training must ensure compliance with Clause 2, Article 23 of this Decree.

8. The cooperating parties shall determine training scale on the basis of conditions on physical facilities, training equipment, training programs and teaching staff as prescribed in Clauses 3, 4 and 5 of this Article.

9. Assessment of learning outcomes, testing, examination, recognition and awarding of diplomas and certificates

Assessment of learning outcomes, testing, examination, recognition of completion of training programs, recognition of graduation and awarding of diplomas and certificates shall comply with the laws of the host country when implementing training programs prescribed at Point a, Clause 3, Article 24 of this Decree; and shall comply with the laws of Vietnam and the host country when implementing training programs prescribed at Point b, Clause 3, Article 24 of this Decree.

Article 27. Dossiers requesting permission for joint training with foreign partners in vocational education

The dossier requesting permission for joint training with foreign partners includes 01 set, comprising:

1. A written registration for joint training with foreign partners, reporting on conditions ensuring the organization of joint training with foreign partners according to Form No. 03 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree.

2. An agreement or cooperation contract between the cooperating parties, clearly stating information on the cooperating parties, responsibilities of the cooperating parties with respect to commitments regarding programs, learning and teaching materials, teachers, physical facilities, training equipment, testing, examination, assessment, awarding of diplomas and certificates, financial information, and other contents.

3. Documents proving legal status of the cooperating parties: copies of decisions on establishment or permission for establishment of Vietnamese vocational education institutions, foreign educational organizations, education institutions or enterprises, or other equivalent documents.

4. Copies of documents issued by competent agencies of the host country permitting provision of international joint training programs in Vietnam;

5. Copies of valid certificates of educational quality accreditation issued by foreign accreditation agencies or organizations or documents certifying or recognizing educational quality issued by competent agencies or organizations in accordance with the laws of the host country.

Article 28. Competence, order and procedures for permission for joint training with foreign partners

1. Competence for permission for joint training with foreign partners

a) The People’s Committee of provinces or cities where joint training with foreign partners is organized as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 15 of the Law on Vocational Education shall grant permission for joint training with foreign partners for intermediate schools and vocational secondary schools;

b) The Ministry of Education and Training shall grant permission for joint training with foreign partners for colleges.

2. Vocational education institutions shall send dossiers requesting permission for joint training with foreign partners as prescribed in Article 27 of this Decree via the National Public Service Portal or via postal service or directly at the single-window section of the competent agencies prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier, competent agencies prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article shall examine the dossier and decide on granting permission for joint training with foreign partners according to Form No. 04 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree.

For dossiers requesting permission for training programs in the group of teacher training, health, and law fields, agencies competent to grant permission for vocational education activities must obtain opinions of specialized management agencies for such occupations and fields according to decentralization before granting permission. In case where permission is not granted, a written reply shall be given and clearly state the reason.

4. Public disclosure, updating of specialized database and sending of permission for joint training with foreign partners

a) Agencies competent to grant permission for joint training with foreign partners shall publicly disclose decisions on permission for joint training with foreign partners on their websites;

b) Within 02 working days from the date of being granted permission for joint training with foreign partners, vocational education institutions granted permission must update information in the specialized database and publicly disclose on their websites;

c) Within 02 working days from the date of granting permission for joint training with foreign partners for colleges, the Ministry of Education and Training shall send decisions on permission to the People’s Committees of provinces or cities where the colleges organize joint training with foreign partners for monitoring and management;

d) Within 02 working days from the date of granting permission for joint training with foreign partners for intermediate schools and vocational secondary schools, the People’s Committee of provinces or cities shall send decisions on permission to the Ministry of Education and Training for monitoring and management.

5. In case where training scale or training location of a vocational education institution changes compared to the decision on permission, the vocational education institution shall:

a) Request additional permission according to Form No. 03 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree and send it to agencies competent to grant permission for joint training with foreign partners as prescribed in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Agencies competent to grant permission for joint training with foreign partners shall implement as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article.

Article 29. Suspension and termination of joint training with foreign partners

1. Vocational education institutions shall have their joint training with foreign partners suspended in the following cases:

a) Failing to satisfy requirements ensuring conditions for joint training activities with foreign partners as prescribed in Clauses 1, 3, 4 and 5, Article 26 of this Decree;

b) Committing fraud to obtain permission for joint training with foreign partners but not yet to the extent of criminal liability;

c) Organizing enrollment and training when conditions for autonomy in joint training with foreign partners have not been satisfied;

d) Organizing joint training with foreign partners under a decision on permission for joint training with foreign partners granted ultra vires;

dd) Other cases as prescribed by law.

2. Vocational education institutions shall terminate joint training with foreign partners in the following cases:

a) At the request of one of the parties to joint training;

b) Not organizing training activities for a period of 24 months or more from the date of being granted permission for joint training with foreign partners;

c) One of the documents or papers in the dossier requesting permission for joint training with foreign partners as prescribed in Article 27 of this Decree is revoked, annulled or no longer satisfies legal requirements serving as a basis for ensuring conditions for organization of joint training with foreign partners;

d) Other cases as prescribed by law.

3. Competence for suspension and termination of joint training with foreign partners

Agencies competent to grant permission for joint training with foreign partners shall have the competence to suspend and terminate joint training with foreign partners.

4. Procedures for suspension of joint training with foreign partners

a) Organizing inspection and assessment of the level of violations, determining reasons for suspension of joint training with foreign partners;

b) Based on results of inspection and assessment of the level of violations and reasons for suspension of joint training with foreign partners, competent agencies as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article shall consider and decide on suspension of joint training with foreign partners.

The decision on suspension of joint training with foreign partners must clearly state reasons, contents, duration of suspension, and measures to ensure lawful rights and interests of learners, teachers, managers, employees and workers.

The decision on suspension of joint training with foreign partners shall be publicly disclosed on the website of the institution subject to suspension, the website of the agency issuing the suspension decision, and notified to relevant agencies for coordination in implementation;

c) After the suspension period, in case where causes leading to suspension are remedied, the competent person as prescribed in Clause 3 of this Article shall decide to permit continuation of joint training with foreign partners.

5. Dossiers for termination of joint training with foreign partners

a) The dossier for termination of joint training with foreign partners as prescribed at Point a, Clause 2 of this Article includes 01 set, comprising:

A written request for termination of joint training, clearly stating reasons for requesting termination of joint training according to Form No. 09 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree.

A report on termination of joint training according to Form No. 10 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree, clearly stating reasons, contents of termination, plans for settlement of lawful rights and interests of learners, teachers, managers, employees and workers; settlement of tax liabilities and other debts (if any).

b) The dossier for termination of joint training with foreign partners as prescribed at Point b, Clause 2 of this Article includes 01 set, comprising: a report on termination of joint training according to Form No. 10 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree, clearly stating reasons for not organizing training activities; inspection minutes of agencies competent to grant permission for joint training with foreign partners;

c) The dossier for termination of joint training with foreign partners as prescribed at Point c, Clause 2 of this Article includes 01 set, comprising: a report on termination of joint training according to Form No. 10 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree, clearly stating reasons where documents or papers are revoked, annulled or no longer satisfy legal requirements serving as a basis for ensuring conditions for organization of joint training with foreign partners; inspection minutes of agencies competent to grant permission for joint training with foreign partners.

6. Order and procedures for termination of joint training with foreign partners

a) A vocational education institution shall send a dossier as prescribed at Point a, Clause 5 of this Article via the National Public Service Portal or via postal service or directly to competent agencies as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 28 of this Decree;

b) Within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier, agencies competent as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 28 of this Decree shall examine the dossier and decide on termination of joint training with foreign partners. In the case of refusal to issue a decision on termination, a written reply shall be given and clearly state the reason;

c) Within 05 working days from the date of issuance of inspection minutes as prescribed at Points b and c, Clause 5 of this Article, competent agencies as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 28 of this Decree shall consider and decide on termination of joint training with foreign partners;

The decision on termination of joint training with foreign partners must clearly state reasons and measures to ensure lawful rights and interests of learners, teachers, managers, employees and workers.

The decision on termination of joint training with foreign partners shall be publicly disclosed on the website of the vocational education institution, the website of the agency issuing the termination decision, and notified to relevant agencies for coordination in implementation.

7. Decisions on suspension and termination of joint training with foreign partners shall be made according to Form No. 05 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree.

Article 30. Revocation of decisions on permission for joint training with foreign partners

1. Vocational education institutions shall be subject to revocation of decisions on permission for joint training with foreign partners in one of the following cases:

a) Violating regulations on organization of joint training with foreign partners causing serious consequences;

b) Upon expiry of the suspension period for joint training with foreign partners for violations prescribed in Clause 1, Article 29 of this Decree, where causes leading to suspension are not remedied;

c) Violating provisions of the law on vocational education and being administratively sanctioned at the level requiring revocation;

d) Other cases as prescribed by law.

2. Agencies competent to grant permission for joint training with foreign partners as prescribed in Clause 1, Article 28 of this Decree shall have the competence to revoke decisions on permission for joint training with foreign partners.

3. Revocation of decisions on permission for joint training with foreign partners shall be implemented as follows:

a) Organizing the inspection and assessment of the level of violations, determining reasons for revocation of decisions on permission for joint training with foreign partners;

b) Based on the results of inspection and assessment of the level of violations and reasons for revocation, competent agencies as prescribed in Article 28 of this Decree shall consider and decide on revocation of decisions on permission for joint training with foreign partners.

A decision on revocation shall be publicly disclosed on mass media, the website of the institution subject to revocation, the website of the agency issuing the revocation decision, and notified to relevant agencies for coordination in implementation;

c) Vocational education institutions must terminate all joint training with foreign partners and return decisions on permission for joint training with foreign partners to competent agencies as prescribed in Clause 2 of this Article within 05 working days from the date of receipt of revocation decisions.

Section 3

REPORTING REGIME AND INSPECTION AND SUPERVISION IN COOPERATION AND JOINT TRAINING WITH FOREIGN PARTNERS

Article 31. Reporting regime

1. Reporting entities

a) People’s Committees of provinces or cities shall report on the implementation of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners in the field of vocational education in their localities;

b) Vocational education institutions involved in cooperation and joint training with foreign partners shall carry out reporting on cooperation and joint training with foreign partners in accordance with this Article.

2. Reporting contents

a) The general situation of implementation of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners in vocational education; scale, forms and contents of cooperation and joint training;

b) The implementation of rights and obligations of parties participating in cooperation and joint training;

c) Teaching staff and vocational teachers participating, clearly stating the number of teachers and vocational teachers having foreign nationality and implementation of regulations on management of foreigners;

d) Difficulties and obstacles arising in the course of implementation;

dd) Recommendations and proposals (if any).

3. Agencies sending and receiving reports

a) People’s Committees of provinces or cities shall send reports to the Ministry of Education and Training;

b) Vocational education institutions shall send reports to People’s Committees of provinces or cities.

4. Reporting periods, time and deadlines for reporting

a) Periodic annual reports or ad hoc reports or thematic reports shall be made as required;

b) Reporting data cut-off period: from December 01 of the year preceding the reporting period to November 30 of the reporting year;

c) Deadlines for submission of reports: vocational education institutions shall send reports before December 15 annually; People’s Committees of provinces or cities shall send reports before December 30 annually.

5. Forms and methods for submission of reports

a) Reports on the situation of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners as prescribed at Point a, Clause 1 of this Article shall be made according to Form No. 06 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree;

b) Reports on activities of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners in vocational education as prescribed at Point b, Clause 1 of this Article shall be made according to Forms No. 07 and No. 08 provided in Appendix IV to this Decree;

c) Methods for submission of reports: reports shall be sent directly, online or via postal service.

Article 32. Inspection and supervision in state management of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners

1. Cooperation and joint training with foreign partners of vocational education institutions shall be subject to inspection and supervision by competent state management agencies in accordance with law; and shall be subject to supervision by learners, and participation of relevant organizations and individuals in supervision in accordance with law.

2. Specialized inspection of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners shall be implemented in accordance with the Government’s Decree No. 217/2025/ND-CP dated August 05, 2025 on specialized inspection activities and relevant legal provisions.

3. Supervision of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners shall be implemented through monitoring and assessment of compliance with conditions and contents permitted by competent agencies, implementation of reporting regimes, public disclosure of information and handling of violations (if any) in accordance with law.

Article 33. Strengthening capacity for implementation of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners

1. On an annual basis, the Ministry of Education and Training shall organize training and further training on implementation of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners to enhance capacity for vocational education institutions and state management agencies on vocational education at the local level.

2. Contents of training and further training include updating legal provisions on cooperation and joint training with foreign partners; management of cooperation and joint training with foreign partners and risk management in implementation of joint training with foreign partners.

3. Vocational education institutions must regularly conduct review and self-assessment of all agreements on cooperation and joint training with foreign partners to prevent risks and improve quality of cooperation and joint training.

4. Vocational education institutions shall be responsible before law, learners and society for cooperation and joint training activities; promulgate and implement internal regulations to manage related activities.

Chapter VI

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 34. Effect

1. This Decree takes effect from the date of signing.

2. From the effective date of this Decree, the provisions on conditions, competence and procedures for grant of certificates of registration of joint training with foreign partners in Chapter IV of the Government’s Decree No. 15/2019/ND-CP dated February 01, 2019 detailing a number of articles and measures for implementation of the Law on Vocational Education, as amended and supplemented under the Government’s Decree No. 24/2022/ND-CP dated April 06, 2022 amending and supplementing decrees on conditions for investment and operation in the field of vocational education, shall cease to be effective.

3. Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of governmental agencies, Chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces or cities and relevant agencies shall be responsible for implementation of this Decree.

Article 35. Transitional provisions

1. Vocational education institutions, vocational education centers, vocational education and continuing education centers, and enterprises that have been granted certificates of registration of joint training with foreign partners before the effective date of this Decree shall continue to implement joint training in accordance with the certificates already granted. Within 12 months from the effective date of this Decree, vocational education institutions, vocational education centers, vocational education and continuing education centers, and enterprises shall have the following responsibilities:

a) To review, adjust and supplement conditions for cooperation and joint training with foreign partners in accordance with the Law on Vocational Education and this Decree;

b) To update information on cooperation and joint training with foreign partners into the specialized database on vocational education in accordance with Article 20 of the Law on Vocational Education.

2. Dossiers requesting handling of administrative procedures regarding registration of joint training with foreign partners that have been validly submitted before the effective date of this Decree shall continue to be implemented in accordance with the Government’s Decree No. 15/2019/ND-CP dated February 01, 2019, detailing a number of articles and measures for implementation of the Law on Vocational Education (as amended and supplemented under the Government’s Decree No. 24/2022/ND-CP dated April 06, 2022, amending and supplementing decrees on conditions for investment and operation in the field of vocational education) and in accordance with Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Dossiers requesting settlement of administrative procedures regarding renaming, establishment, permission for establishment, and termination of operation of branches that have been validly submitted before the effective date of this Decree shall continue to be implemented in accordance with the Government’s Decree No. 143/2016/ND-CP dated October 14, 2016, on conditions for investment and operation in the field of vocational education (as amended and supplemented under the Government’s Decree No. 140/2018/ND-CP dated October 08, 2018, amending and supplementing decrees related to business investment conditions and administrative procedures within the scope of state management of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and the Government’s Decree No. 24/2022/ND-CP dated April 06, 2022, amending and supplementing decrees on conditions for investment and operation in the field of vocational education).

4. Permission for vocational education activities at branches of vocational education institutions shall continue to be implemented in accordance with the Government’s Decree No. 143/2016/ND-CP dated October 14, 2016, on conditions for investment and operation in the field of vocational education (as amended and supplemented under the Government’s Decree No. 140/2018/ND-CP dated October 08, 2018, amending and supplementing decrees related to business investment conditions and administrative procedures within the scope of state management of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs; the Government’s Decree No. 24/2022/ND-CP dated April 06, 2022, amending and supplementing decrees on conditions for investment and operation in the field of vocational education) until the Government promulgates a Decree on conditions for investment and operation in the field of education.

5. Conditions for grant of certificates of registration or additional registration of vocational education activities for branches as prescribed in the Government’s Decree No. 143/2016/ND-CP dated October 14, 2016, on conditions for investment and operation in the field of vocational education (as amended and supplemented under the Government’s Decree No. 140/2018/ND-CP dated October 08, 2018, amending and supplementing decrees related to business investment conditions and administrative procedures within the scope of state management of the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs; the Government’s Decree No. 24/2022/ND-CP dated April 06, 2022, amending and supplementing decrees on conditions for investment and operation in the field of vocational education) shall continue to be implemented until the Government promulgates a Decree on conditions for investment and operation in the field of education.

On behalf of the Government

For the Prime Minister

The Deputy Prime Minister

LE THANH LONG