Summary (tl;dr)

Vietnam's education sector is currently implementing several new government policies and regulations throughout April 2026, significantly impacting high school graduation exams, the national system of diplomas and certificates, and large-scale educational quality assessments.

Essential Background

Over the past two decades, educational systems globally, including those in Asia, have frequently undergone reforms to enhance quality, equity, and relevance. These changes often involve updating legal frameworks and administrative procedures to meet evolving societal demands and educational standards. Governments routinely review and revise their educational policies to address concerns such as student retention, curriculum relevance, and the recognition of academic achievements.

The Full Story

Throughout April 2026, Vietnam is rolling out significant new policies that will reshape its educational landscape. A new circular, effective April 2, 2026, modifies and supplements existing regulations for the high school graduation exam; however, the 2026 exam format itself will remain unchanged from 2025. Additionally, new regulations on diplomas and certificates for the national education system, detailed in a separate circular, will come into force on April 15, 2026, outlining updated provisions for managing these academic credentials. Concurrently, another circular governing national large-scale assessments of general education quality is also set to become effective on April 15, 2026, introducing notable changes compared to previous regulations. These updates are designed to align educational practices with the government's management models, promote the use of information technology in educational processes, and enhance the overall quality and efficiency of the education system.

Why It Matters

These new regulations are crucial as they directly impact students, educators, and the administrative bodies within Vietnam's education system. Changes to graduation exams and assessment criteria will influence student preparedness and academic pathways, while updated diploma and certificate regulations ensure the recognition and validity of qualifications. The broader goal of these policy shifts is to strengthen the quality and equity of general education, adapt to evolving governance structures, and leverage technology to improve educational processes. Such comprehensive policy changes are vital for the country's human capital development and its alignment with national and international educational standards.

Geographic Location

• Hanoi, Vietnam (location of the Ministry of Education and Training, which is issuing the new educational policies and regulations)