The Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam is currently working on a proposal to restructure higher education institutions and vocational education facilities. Minister Hoàng Minh Sơn announced that the plan is expected to be finalized and submitted in September 2026.

During a recent discussion with Lao Dong newspaper, Minister Sơn highlighted that the Central Conference had outlined specific directives regarding the restructuring of educational facilities. The Politburo has concluded that the government will implement an action program, with the Ministry of Education and Training taking the lead in collaboration with other ministries and local authorities.

The restructuring aims to streamline vocational education institutions, reducing the number of administrative units by at least 30% and transferring management to local authorities. Minister Sơn noted that while the restructuring of vocational institutions may be straightforward, the process for universities will be more complex due to their larger size and diverse educational offerings.

Despite potential challenges, the long-term goal is to strengthen the educational system by eliminating underperforming institutions and enhancing the quality of education. This will ultimately contribute to producing a highly skilled workforce that meets the demands of Vietnam's socio-economic development.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Education and Training has identified the restructuring of higher education as one of the seven key tasks for the 2026-2027 academic year. The ministry has also called for a review and reorganization of public vocational education networks, focusing on investing in institutions capable of leading national vocational training and skill development.

In addition, there is a push to rapidly restructure public higher education institutions, aiming to develop 3 to 5 elite universities modeled after internationally recognized research universities. This initiative is part of Vietnam's broader strategy to enhance its educational framework and improve integration into the global knowledge economy.