Hanoi to introduce AI education for students from grade 1

Starting from the 2026-2027 school year, Hanoi will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) education into the curriculum for all students from grades 1 to 12. The Hanoi Department of Education and Training has mandated that all general education schools and continuing education centers include AI content in their teaching plans, providing 12 lessons per year for every student.

To ensure accessibility regardless of school resources, the program follows a three-tier model. The foundational tier is mandatory for all schools and is designed to be implemented with minimal technical requirements, using methods such as role-playing, discussions, or paper models so that schools without specialized computer labs can still participate. The expansion tier will be offered at a minimum of 50 institutions with sufficient infrastructure through AI, Robotics, and STEM clubs. The advanced tier, focused on technical skills and data science, will be implemented at four specialized high schools and at least 10 key high schools in collaboration with universities and technology companies.

AI will be taught as a thematic topic rather than a new standalone subject. There will be no separate periodic exams, no dedicated grade books, and no additional fees charged to families. The curriculum focuses on four main areas: human-centered thinking, AI ethics, AI techniques and applications, and AI system design. Notably, ethics and human-centered thinking will account for 50% of the core content, covering privacy, data protection, and identifying misinformation.