Viet Nam to adopt single set of textbooks from 2026

This requirement is stated in the Government's Resolution No. 281/NQ-CP approving an action plan to the Politburo's Resolution 71-NQ/TW on breakthrough development in education and training.

The Government tasked the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) to review and complete the general education curriculum; increase instructional time for science, technology, informatics, and the arts; and ensure the nationwide adoption of a unified textbook set from 2026.

MoET is also tasked with developing a roadmap to deliver free textbooks for all students by 2030.

Special policies will be introduced to attract top-performing students to the teaching profession, alongside enhanced training and professional development for educators and administrators. 

The action plan places strong emphasis on foreign language education, setting out a gradual roadmap for English to become the country's second language in schools, while also encouraging the teaching of neighboring countries' languages and the use of English as the medium of instruction in selected subjects.

MoET will also lead the development of high-quality vocational education institutions meeting international standards, implement the 2021–2030 vocational education master plan with a vision to 2045, and reform the system to strengthen vocational training. Tasks include designing regulations for a vocational secondary track, developing criteria to assess professional competencies, and formulating policies to attract experts and skilled workers into teaching.

In higher education, MoET is directed to coordinate with relevant ministries to draft a development framework strategy for 2026–2035, with a vision to 2045. This will involve restructuring the higher education system through the merger or dissolution of underperforming institutions, integrating research institutes with universities, streamlining governance, and considering the transfer of certain universities to local authorities to better align training with regional needs.

The Government also requires a plan to mobilize investment and adopt breakthrough policies to establish three to five world-class universities, modeled on leading international research institutions, to nurture national talent.

At present, three complete sets of textbooks and several stand-alone titles are available on the market. All general education students are using the new-generation textbooks, with schools selecting materials suited to their circumstances./.