The Ministry of Education and Training on 1/4 announced a draft decree on free textbooks, inviting public feedback until 4/4.

This initiative aims to ensure equitable access to education and reduce the financial burden on families, particularly for students in disadvantaged regions or those facing economic hardship. The policy is a key step in realizing the goals outlined in Politburo's Resolution 71 on Breakthroughs in Education and Training Development, which the National Assembly approved in early 12/2025.

Under the proposed decree, the Minister will determine the list of textbooks to be provided free of charge, ensuring uniformity nationwide. The lending and returning of books will operate under a shared library model, where the state invests in purchasing books for school libraries. Students and teachers can borrow these books for a semester or academic year and return them upon completion.

Schools must receive textbooks for the new academic year by 15/6 annually. During the school year, institutions can purchase additional books if existing ones are damaged due to natural wear and tear or if student enrollment increases. To optimize resource use and promote savings, local authorities are encouraged to regulate and circulate books among libraries within their jurisdictions.

The policy for free textbooks is slated for nationwide implementation starting from the 2029-2030 academic year. Localities with the capacity to balance their budgets are encouraged to implement the policy earlier. The Ministry emphasizes prioritizing disadvantaged areas, including border regions, islands, ethnic minority communities, and mountainous areas.

Additionally, the draft decree states that students will receive free tuition and textbooks for the National Defense and Security Education subject from the 2027-2028 academic year, with the exception of those who need to retake the course.

The draft underscores that textbooks and curricula purchased with the state budget are public property. Therefore, any acts of unauthorized fee collection, supplying books not on the approved list, creating fraudulent records, or causing loss are prohibited and will be prosecuted according to law.

Junior high school textbooks. Photo: Hoang Giang

Resolution 71 also stipulates that the entire country will adopt a single set of textbooks from the 2026-2027 academic year, replacing the current system of multiple textbook sets.

Thanh Hang