The Hanoi Department of Education and Training requires schools not to collect reservation fees, while this amount is up to 10-20 million VND at non-public establishments.
The information is stated in the Department's announcement dated March 22. The Department said that in recent times, it has received many complaints about early-level enrollment, in which many schools require parents to pay money to reserve seats or collect and keep student records. This "causes frustration for students, parents and public opinion".
The Department will coordinate with relevant units, strengthen inspection and examination, and strictly handle violations if violations are detected.
Grade 1 students at Thang Long Primary School, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi return to school, August 8. Image: Giang Huy
Hanoi has nearly 600 private schools, from preschool to high school. These schools often recruit students by reviewing transcripts or holding separate exams.
In addition to tuition and expected fees for uniforms, facilities, boarding services, and transportation, many schools require parents to pay additional registration fees and admission fees if admitted. This level is usually from 1,5 million VND or more, many schools charge 10-20 million VND.
This amount is often called a "deposit" or reservation fee by parents. If the student enrolls, the school will deduct the costs. If you drop it, depending on the school, parents can take it back or not.
The leader of a private school said that introducing a deposit requirement is to limit virtual applications, while also allowing families to consider and be responsible for their choices.
Fee schedule of a private school in Hanoi, including booking fee. Screenshots
Registration and reservation fees have been controversial for many years. The reason is that the regulations of the education sector do not have this clause, but many schools say that they operate like businesses so they can negotiate with parents.
In 2018, the Hanoi Department of Education and Training asked private schools not to charge registration or reservation fees, but then this continued.
Thanh Hằng
