International university training partnerships: Tightening legal regulations to protect students.

International joint degree programs in Vietnam are increasingly attracting students. However, alongside the clear benefits, this model also raises concerns about management and quality assurance.

Associate degree "stuck" due to insufficient eligibility.

In recent days, the concerns raised by many former students of the London College of Design and Fashion (Hanoi) regarding the recognition of diplomas in the joint training program with Liverpool John Moores University (UK) have attracted public attention.

According to reports, these students had studied a program from Liverpool John Moores University (UK) and received direct training at the London College of Design and Fashion. When applying for diploma verification at the Department of Quality Management, Ministry of Education and Training , the students were informed that their diplomas were not yet eligible for recognition because the program had not been licensed by the Ministry for implementation in Vietnam.

Students of London College of Design and Fashion ( Hanoi ). Photo: LCDF – Hanoi

In response to the feedback, a representative from the London College of Design and Fashion acknowledged shortcomings in updating regulations and failing to provide complete information to students. According to the college, the universities they recommend to students are reputable, well-known, and their degrees are recognized in many major countries. However, obtaining recognition in Vietnam requires a complex process.

The school stated that it has coordinated with the British Embassy to discuss the matter with the Ministry of Education and Training and other relevant management agencies to find a solution, prioritizing the best interests of the students. The school commits to reviewing the entire legal process and ensuring that academic information is fully and accurately updated.

Regarding the regulatory body, the Ministry of Education and Training stated that the Quality Management Department has issued a response. Accordingly, the university degrees of these individuals do not yet meet the requirements for recognition under current regulations.

Based on the available records, documents, and information, and in comparison with current legal regulations, the relevant specialized units of the Ministry assess that this is a complex issue involving multiple legal entities, with indications of non-compliance with current regulations on international training partnerships.

The Ministry of Education and Training is considering establishing an inspection team to clarify the school's international training activities and affirms that it will handle the matter in accordance with the law, strictly addressing any violations (if any) within its authority; while ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of students based on full compliance with current regulations.

It is necessary to ensure the legal protection and rights of students.

In recent years, international joint training programs in Vietnam have increasingly attracted more students. According to statistics from the Ministry of Education and Training, as of 2024, there were more than 60 higher education institutions nationwide with joint training programs with foreign universities.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Hieu Hoc - Head of the Faculty of Educational Science and Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, stated that joint training programs open up opportunities for students to access internationally standardized programs, high-quality lecturers, and modern training methods in the context of globalization and internationalization of education.

However, when choosing a joint program, students need to pay special attention to legal aspects. First, it is necessary to carefully check information about the overseas training partner, the operational status of the institution on its official website, and the school's ranking in reputable rankings in each field. More importantly, all joint degree certificates intended for use in studying or working in Vietnam must be recognized by the Ministry of Education and Training according to current legal regulations. This is something students and parents need to be aware of.

From a state management perspective, Associate Professor Dr. Le Hieu Hoc believes that ensuring the quality of joint training programs should begin with reviewing and improving the legal framework in a way that is both rigorous and facilitates educational institutions' proactive international cooperation, while simultaneously linking it to responsibility in partner selection and program implementation.

At the same time, it is necessary to strengthen supervision, especially regarding the recruitment and promotion of joint programs, to promptly detect and prevent violations, and to issue early warnings so that students and parents have complete information. In addition, the role of counseling and guidance from teachers is also very important, helping students identify risks and be more cautious before deciding on an educational institution.

Furthermore, according to Associate Professor Dr. Le Hieu Hoc, providing information, counseling, and early warnings to students, especially high school students, through teachers and school staff is considered necessary, helping them and their families have sufficient data before making decisions about choosing an educational institution.

Dr. Nguyen Hoang Vinh, former Director of the Department of Professional Education, Ministry of Education and Training, believes that ensuring the quality of current joint training programs requires a management system with deeper expertise and a stricter monitoring mechanism.

During the licensing process, regulatory agencies often rely heavily on the results of inspections and standards from foreign partners. However, according to Mr. Vinh, simply "trusting" the inspections from partners is not enough; a substantive assessment based on concrete evidence and continuous monitoring throughout the program's implementation are necessary.

In addition, Dr. Nguyen Hoang Vinh noted the uncontrolled advertising in the field of joint training programs, while students and parents lack official information. Therefore, he suggested that the Ministry of Education and Training and provincial education departments need to build and maintain channels for providing accurate and transparent information to protect students' rights and avoid financial risks.

Nguyen Hoai

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/lien-ket-dao-tao-dai-hoc-quoc-te-siet-phap-ly-de-bao-ve-nguoi-hoc.html