Universities will not be allowed to use the words 'international' or 'national' when naming their institutions.

Accordingly, the general principle when naming is to avoid causing confusion regarding the type, ownership, scope of operation, governing body, quality, or status of the higher education institution, and to avoid using words that indicate titles or rankings.

In addition, the Ministry requires that no words or symbols that are identical or similar and cause confusion with the names of state agencies; armed forces units; political and social organizations; educational institutions, vocational training institutions or other higher education institutions in the country or abroad be used.

The name must accurately reflect the legal form, the right to grant degrees, and the level of training as prescribed by law; the use of the words "university," "college," and "institute" must be consistent with the establishment conditions and organizational structure approved by the competent authority.

Names must not use words or phrases that are "national" in nature or express a special status ("international", "national", "Vietnam", " Ho Chi Minh ", "International", "National", "State") unless reviewed and decided upon by the competent authority.

According to the draft, higher education institutions are also required to have a Vietnamese name, except in cases where they are established under an agreement between the Vietnamese Government and a foreign government.

The Vietnamese name includes: a phrase identifying the type of higher education institution (university, college, academy); a phrase identifying the field or profession of training (if necessary); and a proper name, which may be a domestic place name or the name of a cultural or historical figure.

Do not combine Vietnamese and foreign words in Vietnamese names; the words used must be meaningful, standard, and commonly used in Vietnamese.

Foreign names or international trade names must be equivalent translations of the Vietnamese names; they must not increase the level, status, or type compared to the Vietnamese names.

Furthermore, the internet domain name, trade name, and abbreviation used in transactions must be consistent with the Vietnamese name and the foreign name; if abbreviations are used, they must not cause confusion with other educational institutions.

Current regulations do not provide such detailed principles, but only require that the name must not be identical to or cause confusion with the name of another established or registered higher education institution; ensure the clarity of language, not use words or symbols that violate the historical, cultural, ethical traditions and customs of the nation; and not cause confusion regarding the school's status, ranking, or curriculum content.

The draft also includes provisions regarding the naming of branch campuses.

Accordingly, for branches of foreign higher education institutions in Vietnam, the name must include the following elements: the name of the foreign higher education institution in Vietnamese; the name of the country where the institution is established; and the phrase "Branch" followed by the corresponding geographical location. Branches may not use names or terms that could be misleadingly interpreted as public, national, or government-sponsored institutions, including the words: "National," "State," "Federal," "Royal," "Government," or similar words, unless approved by the competent authority. Branch names may not be given in a way that suggests the branch is "international," "intergovernmental," or has the right to award degrees independently, unless authorized by the competent authority.

For branch campuses of Vietnamese higher education institutions, the name must include: the phrase "branch campus"; the name of the higher education institution; and the name of the locality where the branch campus is located. The branch campus name must accurately reflect the scope of authority and functions as prescribed by the competent authority; it must not indicate a higher level of authority, power, or type than the parent institution. The names of famous people, special place names, or words that create an impression of independence from the higher education institution may not be used, unless approved by the competent authority.

Comment (0)