Basic Education in Vietnam

This chapter provides an overview of the basic education sector in Vietnam, highlighting its typical and unique features. The sector’s structure, management, and recent development are described. Issues concerning equity, sustainability, and efficiency are discussed. Compared with many other developing countries, Vietnam allocates a significantly high proportion of its national budget to education. It also outperforms many other countries in the same income tier regarding student learning outcomes, universal access to education, and gender equality. However, challenges remain to be addressed concerning relevance and efficiency. In an age of digitalization, Vietnamese policymakers and educators must continue to prepare learners more effectively for a future that will be distinctive for the speed of organizational change and the need to keep acquiring new skill sets. An aptitude for lifelong learning and adapting to change will be essential. There must also be a solid public commitment to educating and training future generations in Vietnam.