Vietnam education updates: textbook changes and tuition policies

As Vietnam prepares for the 2026-2027 school year, several educational shifts and supply challenges have emerged. The country will transition to a unified textbook set titled ‘Ket noi tri thuc voi cuoc song’. This change has caused confusion among parents regarding different cover designs; however, the Vietnam Education Publishing House clarified that books printed before 2026 will retain the original logo, while new 2026 editions will feature a redesigned cover labeled only with ‘Ministry of Education and Training’.

While the publishing house has supplied over 220 million textbooks, localized shortages have been reported in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These shortages are attributed to sudden spikes in demand from parents who did not pre-order books, often due to anticipation of new tuition and textbook policies.

Regarding financial policies, Ho Chi Minh City has announced a roadmap to provide free textbooks to students based on actual demand starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Additionally, new government decrees outline specific groups eligible for tuition exemptions, including preschool children, students in public institutions, and those with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

To support educators, the Ministry of Education and Training has directed a reduction in administrative burdens, calling for the elimination of unnecessary paperwork, redundant reports, and formalistic competitions to allow teachers to focus on professional instruction.