Vietnam education system

The education system in Vietnam is managed by the Ministry of Education and Training. It is divided into five levels: pre-primary, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary, and tertiary education.

Pre-primary education, also known as preschool or kindergarten, is optional and available for children aged 3 to 6 years old. It focuses on developing children’s basic skills and preparing them for primary education.

Primary education starts at age 6 and lasts for five years. It is compulsory and aims to provide students with a solid foundation in basic subjects such as Vietnamese, mathematics, science, and social studies.

Lower secondary education begins at age 11 and lasts for four years. It focuses on expanding students’ knowledge and introduces them to a wider range of subjects, including foreign languages, physical education, and vocational training.

Upper secondary education is divided into two tracks: general education and vocational education. General education lasts for three years and prepares students for the university entrance exam. Vocational education lasts for two to three years and provides students with practical skills and knowledge for specific occupations.

After completing upper secondary education, students can choose to pursue tertiary education at universities, colleges, or vocational schools. Tertiary education in Vietnam includes bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in various fields of study.

Overall, the education system in Vietnam emphasizes academic achievements and places a strong emphasis on the importance of higher education. The government has made efforts to improve the quality of education and increase access to education in rural areas. However, there are still challenges such as outdated teaching methods, lack of infrastructure, and disparities in education quality between urban and rural areas.