Vietnam schools restructure activities following ban on enhanced education fees

New regulations under Circular 85, effective November 15, prohibit schools from collecting fees for enhanced educational activities. This policy change is forcing schools in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to restructure their funding and instructional models.

In Ho Chi Minh City, some schools have already transitioned away from collecting class or school funds by proactively managing budgets and seeking voluntary support from sponsors or local businesses. For instance, Hiep Tan Primary School has successfully maintained activities by utilizing allocated budgets and securing donations in kind rather than requesting monetary contributions from parents.

In Hanoi, the regulation has created uncertainty regarding linked programs, particularly English language courses involving foreign teachers. Some secondary school principals report that they have temporarily suspended fees for these programs while awaiting specific guidance from local education departments. Schools are considering shifting these services to a voluntary, demand-based model that must be held after regular hours to ensure participation is not coerced.

Additionally, some high schools are proposing new schedules, such as a four-day core curriculum week, to allow for non-fee-based experiential activities and clubs on Fridays, a model that has received support from many parents.