Vietnam education sector undergoes major restructuring for 2026-2027 school year

education reform school year 2026-2027 STEM training digital transformation institutional restructuring

Vietnam is implementing major reforms in its education sector ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng presided over a national conference to outline the new academic year's theme: ‘Innovate thinking - Strong transformation - Substantial results’.

A central component of this reform is the restructuring of the educational network. The Ministry of Education and Training plans to reduce the number of educational institutions nationwide by 50.5%, from 37,515 to 18,575. This includes a planned reduction of five universities directly under the Ministry and 12 vocational institutions.

Minister of Education and Training Hoàng Minh Sơn emphasized that while policy foundations have been laid, the focus must shift toward addressing practical challenges, such as shortages in teachers, classrooms, and equipment. The sector is also prioritizing digital transformation, STEM education, and the development of high-tech human resources.

In addition to national policy, regional efforts are underway. In Gia Lai, construction of boarding schools in border communes is being accelerated to ensure readiness for the new term. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City is expanding digital literacy through its ‘Digital Popular Education’ movement to improve access to public services.

Entities

Cao Bang · Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam · Central Organization Commission · Communist Party of Vietnam · Government of Vietnam · Hanoi Smart Police · Ho Chi Minh City · Hoàng Minh Sơn · Le Minh Hung · Ministry of Education and Training · National Assembly · Politburo

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 6 SOURCES] To Lam chaired a meeting to evaluate the one-year implementation of Resolution 71 of the Politburo regarding breakthroughs in education and training. tudonghoangaynay.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] The education sector must reform internal management, teaching methods, and assessment to reduce rote learning. tudonghoangaynay.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Education must ensure sufficient schools, classrooms, and teachers to prevent students from being limited by their birthplace.
[● 5 SOURCES] The education sector must transition from policy formulation to practical implementation and substantive results. tudonghoangaynay.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] 108 multi-level boarding schools have been built in border communes. es.vietnamplus.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] Tuition fee exemption policies have been implemented as part of the education development progress. es.vietnamplus.vn
[● 2 SOURCES] As of August 2026, 35 out of 76 specific tasks related to Resolution 71 have been completed. es.vietnamplus.vn
[○ 1 SOURCE] The National Assembly has issued 4 laws and 2 resolutions, while the Government has issued 25 decrees and resolutions regarding education.
[● 5 SOURCES] To Lam emphasized that personnel work must shift from stage-by-stage management to governance. thuonghieusanpham.vn · cema.gov.vn
[● 4 SOURCES] Personnel planning is a process of preparation, training, verification, and screening, not just preparing seats. kevesko.vn · mattran.org.vn
[○ 1 SOURCE] To Lam stated that the goal of education is not just grades.
[● 3 SOURCES] The investment for the Nguyen Thi Tu road expansion project was adjusted from 970 billion VND to over 6,471 billion VND.