In a significant move towards administrative efficiency, the government of Vietnam is set to restructure its local administrative units. Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra announced that the arrangement of commune-level administrative units is expected to be completed by June 30, 2025, with the consolidation of provincial-level units to follow by August 30, 2025.
This restructuring is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of local governance and ensuring that educational policies align with the needs of the community. The consolidation of these units will necessitate careful planning regarding recruitment and the safeguarding of benefits for pedagogical students, as outlined in Decree No. 116/2020/ND-CP, which supports tuition fees and living expenses for students in teacher training programs. This decree has recently been amended by Decree 60/2025/ND-CP, which aims to further refine the educational landscape in Vietnam.
Dr. Phan Phiến, Principal of Khanh Hoa University, emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, "Under Decree No. 116/2020/ND-CP, teacher training can occur through assignment, ordering, or training based on social needs. Students benefiting from this decree will receive funding for tuition and living expenses. However, if they do not fulfill their work commitments post-graduation, they must repay the support received." This highlights the critical balance between educational support and accountability for students.
Recruitment of teachers will continue to adhere to the regulations set forth by the Ministry of Home Affairs, ensuring that all candidates undergo a transparent recruitment process regardless of any preferential training mechanisms. As the first group of university-level students trained under Decree 116 is set to graduate around May-June 2025, the implications of these administrative changes are becoming increasingly relevant.
The merger of provinces and the subsequent adjustments to administrative boundaries may create a more dynamic job market for graduates, expanding their employment opportunities. As Dr. Phiến noted, "The changes may alleviate shortages or surpluses in specific departments, thus providing pedagogical students with a broader array of job options." This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Quach Thanh Hai, Vice Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, who stated that the restructuring is a necessary step towards improving management efficiency and service quality in education.
Dr. Hai elaborated, "Each year, our university allocates around 60 billion VND for scholarships to alleviate financial burdens on students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. We also collaborate with various businesses to establish additional scholarship funds, which can support pedagogical students in completing their studies and fulfilling their commitments to work in education." This proactive approach underscores the commitment of educational institutions to ensure that students are well-supported throughout their academic journeys.
Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. Dr. Truong Dinh Thang, Principal of Quang Tri Pedagogical College, cautioned that while the restructuring may lead to changes in the organizational structure, adherence to Decree 116 is crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring students' rights. He stated, "The upcoming changes will not significantly affect students' obligations and responsibilities, and the merger may indeed open up more job opportunities as the scope of recruitment expands."
As educational institutions adapt to these changes, they are also taking proactive steps to survey the recruitment needs of non-public educational establishments. Khanh Hoa University is currently conducting such surveys to ensure that graduates are matched with suitable job opportunities post-graduation.
In addition to these efforts, Dr. Hai emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between supply and demand for teachers across different regions. He noted that despite the potential reduction in recruitment quotas due to the merger, the university is committed to supporting students in finding opportunities in provinces that may be experiencing teacher shortages.
To ensure that the rights of pedagogical students are upheld, Dr. Hai proposed several solutions. First, localities need to accurately assess the surplus and shortage of teachers and make this information publicly available. Second, if the initial ordering locality no longer has recruitment positions, mechanisms should be established to allow students to be recruited in other areas with teacher shortages. Third, there should be supplementary training policies to equip students with the necessary skills to meet the actual demands of the education sector.
In the event that students are unable to secure employment despite these measures, the possibility of recovering state funding previously allocated for tuition and living expenses may be considered. However, Dr. Hai emphasized that the focus should remain on utilizing the high-quality human resources that have been trained, as teacher training requires significant investment and a rigorous selection process.
In Hanoi, similar administrative restructuring is underway, with the city planning to reduce its number of wards, communes, and towns from 526 to approximately 263. This decision, announced on April 3, 2025, aligns with central directives aimed at improving governance and enhancing service delivery. The city is also considering naming conventions for the new administrative units that reflect both historical and cultural significance.
Director of the Department of Home Affairs Tran Dinh Canh stated that the restructuring will preserve the unique cultural and historical features of each region, ensuring that areas like Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Son Tay retain their distinct identities. This approach not only aims to streamline governance but also to foster a sense of community and continuity in the face of change.
As Vietnam continues to navigate these significant changes in its administrative landscape, the focus remains on ensuring that educational policies and job opportunities for graduates align with the evolving needs of society. The commitment to enhancing the quality of education and the efficiency of local governance will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the nation's educational framework.
