Although still a poor country with low per capita income and years
in war, Vietnam has unceasingly recorded its great achievements in
education.
In 1997, there were 22 million pupils all over the country. Among
them, 13.2 million in primary schools (accounting for 58%), 4.3
million in secondary schools, and 26,000 in colleges and
universities.
The literacy rate in Vietnam was high (92% of the population). 8%
was illiteracy, among them 80% living in remote areas and 60%
female.
State budget assigned for education was considerably increased in
the last 2 years, taking about 10% of the total, in which 70% - 80%
were used for paying salary to teachers. Budget share for education
is projected to reach 15% by the year 2000.
The private sector took bout 40% of total direct expenses, of which
the largest part was spent for the kindergarten and education basis
(about 60%). The basic expenditure for primary schools took about
50%, specialised secondary school about 19% and professional
and vocational about 12% of the total expenses.
Besides having trained qualified and skilled workers, the
Vietnamese education also has produced world-wide well-known
scientists such as Mr. Nguyen Van Hieu, Mr. Tran Dai Nghia, Mr.
Ton That Tung etc... The communist party and Vietnamese
government always attaches great attention to education. In the
resolution of the Second session of Central Committee of VIIIth
Congress, the Communist Party of Vietnam regarded education and
development of science and technics and technology as an
important strategy of the country.
Despite of these achievements, the Vietnamese Education System is
still facing many difficulties. Many schools and equipped teaching
materials not timely updated, teachers have not been qualified as
required, and millions of children are still out of school. What must
give special attention to, is the education and training policy.
Policy
The National Assembly has passed the Law on Primary Education
Proliferation since 12 August 1991.
The 2th session of VIIIth Congress of the Central Executive
Committee of the Communist Party held in December, 1996 issued
resolution on "Orientation and tasks for Education Development
strategy in the Industrialization and Modernization process toward
the year 2000".
The Education Law adopted by the National Assembly in April
1997 carrying the following major contents:
To restructure the National Education System and the National
Certificates System. To consolidate public schools, encourage
setting up new semi-public, private schools; allow to open private
kindergartens, professional secondary schools and universities as
well. To diversify forms of education like full-time, part-time, regular
and irregular as well as remote education.
To redefine training and education targets, to re-construct teaching
programs, teaching plans as well as the contents and methods
suitable for each level and branch to meet the needs of the country's
development. especially those of industrialization and modernization
process and educational management workers.
To strengthen legal system in education. Gradually increase budget
for education, to mobilise possible from the people, to attract
international aid and loans for the sake of education development.
To improve the quality of teachers.
To renovate Educational Management.
International cooperation
Vietnamese Government puts priority for cooperation in the
following fields:
Developing the human resources, concentrating on training qualified
and skilled workers, especially, for the fields that utilize advance
technology, and for business administration.
Promoting branches and subjects essential for the modernization
and industrialization process and for implementation of international
cooperation.
Training and recycle training and managerial educational workers,
exchange of students, information as well as experience in science
and education.
National Diplomas and Certificates System
|
Level of education |
Length of education |
Entrance age |
Entrance qualification |
Qualification for graduate |
|
Kindergarten |
|
Kindergarten |
3 years |
3rd - 4th month |
none |
none |
|
Senior Kindergarten |
3 years |
3rd year |
none |
none |
|
General |
|
Primary |
5 years |
6th year |
Primary Degree |
Primary Degree |
|
Secondary |
4 years |
11th year |
Secondary Degree |
Secondary Degree |
|
Specialized Secondary |
3 years |
15th year |
Secondary Degree |
Diploma |
|
Vocational |
|
After primary |
Under 1 year |
13th-14th year |
Primary Degree |
Vocational Certificate |
|
After secondary |
1-2 years |
15th year |
Secondary Degree |
Vocational Degree |
|
Professional training |
3-4 years |
15th year |
Secondary Degree |
Professional secondary degree |
|
Vocational training |
3-4 years |
15th year |
Secondary Degree |
Vocational secondary degree |
|
Graduate |
|
Colleges |
3 years |
18th year |
Secondary Degree or Certificate |
College Degree |
|
Universities |
4-6 years |
18th year |
Secondary Degree or Certificate |
University Degree |
|
Post Graduate |
2 years |
n/a |
University Degree |
Post Graduate Degree |
|
Doctorate |
4 years |
n/a |
University or Post Graduate Degree |
Doctorate Degree |
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