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Education Law amendments: Textbooks and diplomas to undergo major changes

The draft amendment to the Education Law, discussed on September 29 at the 8th session of full-time National Assembly deputies (15th tenure), introduces sweeping reforms: a single set of nationwide textbooks, removal of the lower secondary school diploma, retention of the high school graduation exam, and recognition of digital diplomas.

One unified set of textbooks

Following Resolution 71 of the Politburo, the draft law stipulates that the State will provide a unified set of textbooks for use nationwide. The aim is equal access to quality, modern education aligned with national goals. The government will regulate free provision of textbooks for students and promote sustainable social contributions in textbook publishing.

The National Textbook Appraisal Council, established by the Minister of Education and Training (MOET), will review each subject’s textbooks. Only those rated satisfactory will be approved by the Minister for use in schools. This marks a shift from the current system, where provinces could choose among multiple textbooks.

Local education materials will still be developed at the provincial level, but appraisal and approval will rest with provincial councils and chairpersons of provincial People’s Committees, with MOET only setting standards and processes.

Diplomas: middle school certificate scrapped, high school exam retained

The draft law removes the lower secondary (junior high) diploma. Students completing primary and lower secondary programs will have this recorded in their school transcripts by the principal. Only students who complete high school, sit for the national graduation exam, and pass will receive the high school diploma. Those who do not sit or fail the exam will instead receive a certificate of program completion.

This change sparked debate. Some deputies argued that scrapping the lower secondary diploma would reduce unnecessary paperwork and prevent the mindset of “having a diploma after grade 9” leading to early school dropout. Others warned that in rural areas the junior high diploma still serves as a necessary credential for employment, and suggested using electronic confirmation or digital records instead.

On the high school graduation exam, MOET Minister Nguyen Kim Son emphasized its continued necessity. According to him, the exam not only certifies graduation but also provides reliable data for universities and vocational schools in admissions, helps assess teaching quality nationwide, and informs education policy.

Digital diplomas and expanded compulsory education

The draft introduces recognition of diplomas in paper, electronic, or digital form—addressing the shift toward digital governance and online learning. Current law only recognizes paper diplomas, which lags behind global trends.

The amendment also expands compulsory education to cover lower secondary school, and universal preschool for children aged 3–5. The ministry argued that compulsory education ending at primary level is outdated, given dropout rates after grade 5 and the need for higher-quality human resources.

Implications for higher education

Debates also extended to university governance. Deputies highlighted concerns over the restructuring of higher education institutions, urging clear principles to protect lecturers and staff when mergers or splits occur. Some also raised questions about the transition of university councils if governance rules are revised. Minister Son acknowledged these concerns and pledged further refinements in the next draft.

In short, the Education Law amendment aims to streamline textbook policy, modernize diplomas through digitalization, reduce bureaucratic certificates, and expand the scope of compulsory education. If adopted, it will mark a significant shift in Vietnam’s education system toward standardization and modernization.

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