Vietnam Ministry of Education issues new regulations on enhanced school activities

The Ministry of Education and Training has issued Circular No. 85/2026/TT-BGDĐT, which regulates the organization of enhanced educational activities and activities based on learner needs in general education institutions. Effective November 15, 2026, these enhanced activities are designed to supplement core curriculum content through practical and experiential learning, typically integrated into a two-session-per-day teaching model.

The circular mandates that enhanced educational activities must not charge students fees. It strictly prohibits schools from reclassifying free enhanced educational content as demand-based activities to collect fees from learners.

In response to these regulations, several schools in Ho Chi Minh City are considering adjustments to their timetables. Some institutions, such as Nguyen Huu Tho High School, are planning to reorganize schedules so that core subjects are completed between Monday and Thursday or Friday, potentially allowing students to have full weekends off.