The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) announced on the evening of December 12 that it had received complaints from students regarding unrecognised university degrees from London College of Fashion Design (LCDF - Hanoi).

Specifically, many former students paid hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong (VND) to study a college program at LCDF - Hanoi, receiving degrees issued by Pearson Education, UK. Subsequently, school leaders reportedly encouraged them to enroll in a joint bachelor's program, with degrees granted by Liverpool John Moores University (UK) and tuition fees almost similar to the college program.

LCDF - Hanoi assured students that these degrees would be recognized worldwide, with studies conducted in Vietnam through both online and in-person formats. However, when students applied for degree recognition at MOET, they were shocked to discover that the aforementioned joint program had not been licensed for training in Vietnam.

Based on available records, documents, and information, MOET considers this a complex issue involving multiple legal entities, including London College of Fashion - Hanoi Co., Ltd., London College of Fashion Design Institute, London College of Fashion Design, and Liverpool John Moores University.

The agency indicated that LCDF - Hanoi's joint training activities show signs of not complying with current regulations, though specific details were not provided.

Website of London College of Fashion Design. Photo: Thanh Hang

On the morning of December 13, MOET confirmed to VnExpress that LCDF - Hanoi has not been licensed for any foreign joint training programs in any field or profession.

Furthermore, according to the Vocational Education Law of 2014 and related regulations, vocational education institutions must obtain a certificate of registration for operation. MOET stated that from 2015 to present, the Directorate General of Vocational Education (now the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education, Ministry of Education and Training) has not received any application from LCDF - Hanoi.

To clarify these complaints, MOET announced it will request relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals to report and provide additional information on LCDF - Hanoi's training, joint training, and degree issuance activities for verification.

"The Ministry is also considering forming an inspection team to conduct a comprehensive review of all activities at London College of Fashion Design," MOET stated, affirming its commitment to strictly handle any violations and protect the legitimate rights of students.

Duong Tam