This clarification was part of the Ministry's response to a citizen's inquiry on 6/9.

Specifically, the citizen inquired about a scenario where a teacher is assigned to teach subject A (e.g., informatics) in their regular school curriculum, but also holds valid qualifications to teach subject B (e.g., mathematics). The question was whether such a teacher could offer tutoring and charge fees for subject B in accordance with regulations.

In its response, the Ministry stated that the basis for determining a violation of tutoring regulations rests on the student, not the subject the teacher teaches in school or during tutoring sessions.

This is outlined in Article 4 of Circular 29 of 2024, which stipulates that teachers are not permitted to charge fees for tutoring students they are assigned to teach in their regular school classes. According to the Ministry, this regulation aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest between teachers and students, ensuring objectivity and fairness in tutoring activities.

Therefore, teachers may offer "cross-subject" tutoring provided they meet all conditions regarding qualifications, organization, and tuition fee collection methods, as prescribed by regulations.

Circular 29 on the management of tutoring will take effect from 2/2025. For tutoring conducted outside of school, individuals and organizations must register their businesses and publicly disclose information such as tuition fees and duration. Additionally, teachers are not allowed to collect tutoring fees from students in their own classes.

Primary school students are prohibited from receiving tutoring. Teachers who violate these rules may face fines up to 50 million VND.

Students and teachers at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted, Ho Chi Minh City, 5/2026. Photo: Quynh Tran

Thanh Hang