The Vietnamese government has set forth a significant initiative to merge public universities situated within the same geographical areas by April 2027. This decision, part of a broader educational reform strategy, aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the country's higher education system.

According to the action program released on August 9, the Ministry of Education and Training will lead the restructuring process, collaborating with the Ministry of Home Affairs and local authorities. The plan outlines that multi-disciplinary universities will be transferred to the management of the Ministry of Education or local governments, while institutions located in close proximity will be merged, with exceptions made for specialized fields.

Currently, Vietnam has 291 higher education institutions, with 228 being public, representing over 78% of the total. The restructuring aims to decrease the number of public universities by at least 20%, with the goal of improving educational standards and reducing redundancy. Additionally, vocational education institutions under various ministries will also be realigned under local management, targeting a reduction of at least 30% in this sector by October 1, 2027.

In a related effort, the government is also focusing on enhancing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) skills into educational programs. By 2030, the aim is to train at least 10 million workers in basic AI skills, ensuring that a significant portion of the population is equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital economy. This includes comprehensive training for teachers and educational administrators to effectively teach and implement AI technologies.

The overarching goal of these initiatives is to create a more streamlined and capable educational framework that prepares students for the demands of the modern workforce while also fostering innovation and technological advancement in Vietnam.