Ministry of education and training requires universities to expand english-medium instruction

Universities need to expand teaching and learning in foreign languages, including english, and develop a roadmap to make it a second language in schools.

This directive is part of the Ministry of Education and Training's guidance for the 2026-2027 academic year in higher education, issued on 16/10.

Specifically, the Ministry requires universities to expand foreign language instruction for courses and programs currently taught in Vietnamese. In addition to developing a roadmap to establish English as a second language, universities must promote international integration, facilitate faculty exchanges, and attract international students.

This initiative should be integrated into academic year objectives, alongside evaluating international cooperation based on training outcomes, research, and practical quality. Consequently, universities can innovate and modernize their programs to better meet the market's demand for high-quality human resources.

In late 2024, the Politburo urged all levels to enhance foreign language proficiency for students, gradually establishing English as a second language in schools, as per the conclusion implementing Resolution 29.

The Ministry of Education and Training anticipates that by 2035, 100% of students will learn English as a second language. However, few universities have yet announced a roadmap for this implementation. Students primarily study in Vietnamese, with English-medium specialized subjects typically offered within international joint programs, advanced courses, or high-quality programs.

Last July, National Economics University became the first institution to announce program adjustments, ensuring that at least 30% of all courses, including standard programs, will be taught in English by 2028. Starting in 2030, all graduating students must achieve a minimum English proficiency of B2, equivalent to IELTS 6.0. Currently, the typical English output standard for university degrees is B1.