[LU 12.2024] DECREE 125/2024/ND-CP 

On November 20, 2024, Decree 125/2024/ND-CP regulating conditions for investment and operation in the field of education officially took effect, replacing Decree 46/2017/ND-CP, with many innovations in regulations on conditions for investment and operation in the field of education. Here are the new highlights: 

1. Cutting and concretizing business regulations 

• Cut administrative conditions: The Decree eliminates many cumbersome procedures, making it easier for educational institutions, especially private and foreign-invested (FDI) educational institutions, to establish, expand and operate. 

• Focus on amending regulations on business conditions for 8 business lines, including: Operations of preschools; Operations of general education institutions; Operations of continuing education centers; Operations of specialized schools; Operations of higher education institutions; Operations of vocational education institutions; Education quality accreditation activities; Study abroad consultancy services. 

• Strengthen the application of information technology: Supplement regulations on the form of online application to reduce the administrative burden for both investors and management agencies. 

2. Accreditation of regional and national universities 

Decree 125/2024/ND-CP supplements regulations on conditions, authority, and procedures for accreditation of regional and national universities, instead of requiring re-establishment of units that have been operating according to regulations. 

To gain recognition, institutions must meet the following criteria: 

• Educational standards: Achieve doctoral training qualifications and be certified to meet quality education standards as prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training. 

• Training program: Offer doctoral training programs across various fields such as natural sciences, engineering, information technology, social sciences, humanities, and business. 

• Development Proposal: Possess a development proposal for regional or national university status, approved by the Prime Minister, aligned with education planning and regional development plans. 

3. Regulations on education quality accreditation organizations 

• Conditions for establishment of domestic accreditation organizations: The Decree specifies and clarifies the conditions, ensuring the feasibility and substance in accordance with the model of public and private organizations in accordance with the provisions of Vietnamese law. 

• Operating conditions of foreign inspection organizations: More specific and strict regulations to ensure fairness between domestic and foreign inspection organizations.