Proposal to build a law on private higher education

A lawyer present at the forum on private higher education proposed that Vietnam needs a law on private higher education so that the non-public university system has a legal framework and favorable mechanisms for real development.

This morning, November 11, Hung Vuong University, Ho Chi Minh City, organized the first Vietnam Private University Education Forum, gathering representatives of nearly 40 units including leaders of private universities nationwide, some leaders of public universities, experts and businesses.

3 challenges and the phenomenon of "blurred edges"

At the forum, Dr. Tran Viet Anh, Vice Principal in charge of Hung Vuong University, Ho Chi Minh City, said that Resolution No. 71 (August 2025) on breakthroughs in education and training development, and Resolution No. 68 (May 2025) on private economic development, showed that private university education is identified as playing a key role, both as an important supplementary force and a direct driving force for development. At the same time, he affirmed that the private sector is the most important driving force of the national economy, a pioneer in innovation, science and technology development and digital transformation.

"These two major resolutions not only create a strategic vision but also set out an urgent requirement: private universities must quickly take the initiative to affirm their position, mission and contributions," said Dr. Viet Anh.

Representatives of private universities discussed at the forum.

PHOTO: MY QUYEN

According to Associate Professor Dr. Dao Thi Thu Giang, Principal of Dai Nam University, the private university system is facing many opportunities, but there are still three challenges. The first is finance and facilities. Private schools' revenue still depends mainly on tuition fees, while operating costs are high, especially investment in facilities.

Second, human resources are limited due to the lack of good lecturers due to income and weak career development policies. Third, the management model has not been innovated and is still traditional. In addition, its reputation has not been improved, so it is still the second choice of candidates, after public universities.

Meanwhile, Professor Nguyen Loc, former Director of the Vietnam Institute of Educational Sciences and former Principal of Ba Ria - Vung Tau University, talked about the phenomenon of "blurred borders" that has hindered the development of private university education in Vietnam. That is the boundary between the public and private sectors - where the "border" is unclear, blurring the role, mission and autonomy of private schools.

For example, in the past, the financial source of public schools was the budget, and private schools was tuition fees, but now both are a mix of public and private sources. In the past, public schools had administrative management, and private schools were flexible, but now both apply autonomous and business models...

Should private university education have its own laws?

Referring to international experience on the private university model following the ABC method (Academic – Business – Corporate Governance), lawyer Nguyen Kim Dung, Director of Legal Affairs and External Relations of British University Vietnam, said that although the private university system in Vietnam was formed from the socialization policy since the late 90s of the last century, the legal framework on investment forms and investment capital management, and academic management is still unclear.

Student at a private university in Ho Chi Minh City

PHOTO: MY QUYEN

"This limits the role and contribution of the private higher education sector to the national education system. Therefore, building a legal framework based on the application of the ABC integrated governance model is essential to guide the establishment and operation model of private higher education institutions, improve governance capacity and promote the sustainable development of private higher education in Vietnam," said lawyer Kim Dung.

At the same time, Ms. Dung also proposed that Vietnam should have a law on private university education to have a clear legal framework, because currently private schools are applying the company model and applying the Enterprise Law.

Ms. Dung gave the example of Singapore, which has a developed private university system because of its flexible application of the ACB model. Meanwhile, Malaysia has a Private University Education Law and the ACB model has been generalized in the law. Accordingly, this model clearly stipulates the rights and responsibilities of investors, the governance model, the responsibility of the school board for academics, etc.

Associate Professor Dr. Thu Giang also recommended the need to improve the legal framework, such as amending the Law on Higher Education, clarifying the legal status and governance mechanism of the private university system. "In addition, private schools need to be equal in educational policies, finance, and access to state resources like public schools. They should enjoy incentives on land, taxes, credit, and public-private partnerships..."

Need to boldly invest in facilities and research

Professor Nguyen Dinh Duc, Chairman of the Vietnam University Education Quality Assurance Network Club, acknowledged that private universities have many advantages and need to focus on taking training quality, scientific research quality and innovation... as the guiding principles for their operations.

"In addition to the multi-disciplinary and multi-field development model and strategy, it is necessary to promote input and output quality, closely linking training with research, meeting the needs of domestic and foreign enterprises, and at the same time focusing on developing STEM (science-technology-engineering-mathematics), foreign languages, artificial intelligence and soft skills for students. In particular, boldly investing in research, facilities, infrastructure, building strong research groups...", Mr. Duc shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/de-xuat-xay-dung-luat-giao-duc-dai-hoc-tu-thuc-185251111162410245.htm