Vietnam education sector targets governance reform and academic integrity

Vietnam's education sector is entering a new academic year focused on structural governance reforms and academic integrity. A major administrative shift has seen the reduction of nearly 19,000 public schools through mergers, resulting in approximately 18,575 institutions. This has created “super schools” that require a transition from traditional management to systemic governance, utilizing data-driven decision-making and digital transformation.

In addition to administrative changes, there is a strong emphasis on combating “achievement obsession.” Authorities are calling for a culture of honesty and transparency in teaching, learning, and assessment. This includes addressing issues such as exam fraud, grade manipulation, and the promotion of students who have not met required standards. The goal is to ensure that academic results, from primary school to higher education, reflect actual competence and independent thinking rather than mere procedural compliance.

Furthermore, the sector is moving forward with a plan to operate 100 boarding schools in border areas to support socio-economic development and improve literacy and ethnic leadership in those regions.