Vietnam Education Ministry orders consolidation of public school networks

The Ministry of Education and Training issued Decision No. 1826, directing a nationwide re‑organisation of public school networks. The plan calls for merging and streamlining kindergarten, primary, secondary and adult education facilities to create larger, multi‑campus schools and to reduce the number of administrative units by at least 30%.

A pilot programme covering 15 locations – including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong and several provinces – will begin on 1 July 2026. The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, following a directive from Vice Chairman Nguyễn Mạnh Cường, has begun coordinating with the Department of Education and the Finance and Internal Affairs departments to implement the pilot locally. The pilot aims to submit proposals by 20 July, complete the first phase by the end of August 2026, and finish full consolidation by early 2027, while safeguarding students’ right to education.