New regulations on teaching and learning in foreign languages ​​at universities.

The purpose of this decree is to promote teaching and learning in foreign languages ​​in educational institutions in order to improve the foreign language proficiency of learners and teachers, and to contribute to the acceleration of international integration in education and training.

In addition, it helps educational institutions attract foreign students to study in Vietnam, and improves the development of textbooks and learning materials in foreign languages.

The Decree applies to general education, continuing education, vocational education, and higher education institutions; it does not apply to educational institutions with foreign investment in general education, vocational education, and higher education.

Accordingly, for general education, schools may teach and learn some subjects, educational activities, or some content of some subjects and educational activities in a foreign language; priority will be given to subjects in the fields of mathematics, natural sciences , technology, and information technology.

For higher education and vocational education, programs that have been approved by the competent authority may be taught in part or in whole in a foreign language.

Programs and materials used for teaching and learning in foreign languages ​​must not contain content that harms national defense, national security, or public interests; must not propagate religion or distort history; must not negatively affect Vietnamese culture, ethics, and customs; and must ensure articulation between different levels of training.

Foreign language proficiency requirements for teachers

Teachers teaching subjects in a foreign language at the lower secondary level must have a minimum foreign language proficiency level of 4, and at the upper secondary level, a minimum level of 5 according to the 6-level foreign language proficiency framework used in Vietnam, or equivalent.

Lecturers at higher education and vocational education institutions must have a foreign language proficiency level no lower than level 5 according to the 6-level foreign language proficiency framework used in Vietnam or equivalent.

Individuals who have completed full-time undergraduate, master's, or doctoral studies abroad are exempt from foreign language proficiency requirements if that foreign language is the language of instruction at the undergraduate, master's, or doctoral levels.

Students participate in the foreign language teaching and learning program on a voluntary basis and are capable of studying the subjects taught and the foreign language. Entrance examinations for students are conducted by the educational institution and are described in the foreign language teaching and learning program plan.

For general education, end-of-year and end-of-level tests and exams for subjects taught in a foreign language can be conducted in either Vietnamese or the foreign language.

For higher education and vocational education, the examination, testing, evaluation, graduation recognition, and awarding of degrees and certificates for all subjects taught and learned in foreign languages ​​shall be carried out in accordance with Vietnamese law.