Does the law in Vietnam permit the provision of master's degree programs under the part-time system?

Does the law in Vietnam permit the provision of master's degree programs under the part-time system?

Based on Article 3 of the Regulations on Admission and Master's Degree Programs issued in conjunction with Circular 23/2021/TT-BGDDT, the form and duration of training are stipulated as follows:

Form and Duration of Training

1. The full-time training form applies to research-oriented programs and application-oriented programs. The part-time training form applies to application-oriented programs. The organization of teaching activities for each form of training follows the Regulations on Undergraduate Training of the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. For each form of training, the training institution provides a standard full-course study plan for each program to guide students. The training duration is stipulated as follows:

a) The duration according to the standard full-course study plan must conform to the duration specified in the National Education System Framework while ensuring the majority of students complete the training program;

b) The duration according to the standard full-course study plan for the part-time training form is at least 20% longer than the full-time training form of the same program;

c) The maximum duration for students to complete the course is stipulated in the training institution’s regulations but must not exceed twice the duration of the standard full-course study plan for each form of training.

Thus, it is permissible to pursue a Master's Degree Program in a part-time form for application-oriented programs.

Does the law in Vietnam permit the provision of master's degree programs under the part-time system? (Image from the Internet)

Can foreign citizens pursue master's degrees in Vietnam?

Based on Article 5 of the Regulations on Admission and Training for Master's Degrees, issued in conjunction with Circular 23/2021/TT-BGDDT, the eligibility and conditions for admission are as follows:

Eligibility and Conditions for Admission

1. Requirements for applicants:

a) Must have graduated or met the conditions for undergraduate graduation (or an equivalent or higher qualification) in a relevant field; for research-oriented programs, a graduation grade of fairly good or above, or relevant scientific publications are required;

b) Must have a foreign language proficiency of level 3 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam;

c) Must meet other requirements of the training program standards set by the Ministry of Education and Training and the training program regulations.

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4. Foreign applicants, if enrolling in master’s programs taught in Vietnamese, must achieve a Vietnamese proficiency of level 4 or higher according to the Vietnamese Proficiency Framework for Foreigners or have graduated from undergraduate (or an equivalent or higher level) programs taught in Vietnamese; must meet the requirements for a second foreign language as per the training institution regulations (if any).

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Thus, foreign citizens can pursue master’s degrees in Vietnam, provided they meet the conditions:

- Achieve a Vietnamese proficiency of level 4 or higher according to the Vietnamese Proficiency Framework for Foreigners or have graduated from an undergraduate (or an equivalent or higher level) program taught in Vietnamese;

- Meet the requirements for a second foreign language as per the training institution regulations (if any).

What are the standards for master's dissertation mentors in Vietnam?

Based on Article 8 of the Regulations on Admission and Training for Master's Degrees, issued in conjunction with Circular 23/2021/TT-BGDDT, the standards for master's dissertation mentors must:

- Hold a doctoral degree in a field relevant to the training discipline and the dissertation topic of the student;

- Have foreign language proficiency and IT application skills to conduct research and engage in international scientific exchanges;

- Possess research results related to the dissertation topic within 5 years preceding the assignment as an advisor;

- Meet other requirements according to the training program standards of the field and training institution regulations.