Vietnam: Are first-grade students in public primary schools eligible for tuition exemption?

Are first-grade students in public primary schools eligible for tuition exemption in Vietnam?

Tuition is the amount payable by learners to cover part or all the costs of educational and training services.

Under Article 14 of Decree 81/2021/ND-CP, the provisions are as follows:

Eligibility for not having to pay for tuition

1. Students of public primary schools.

2. Learners studying in specific majors satisfying socio-economic development demands, national defense and security according to Law on Higher Education. Specific majors regulated by Prime Minister.

According to the above regulations, primary school students in public schools are eligible for tuition exemption.

Thus, students entering Grade 1 in public primary schools will be exempt from tuition.

Are first-grade students in public primary schools eligible for tuition exemption in Vietnam? (Image from Internet)

In Vietnam, are students entering Grade 1 who are over-aged by 1 year eligible for school admission?

According to Article 33 of the Primary School Charter promulgated together with Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT, the provisions regarding the age of primary school students are as follows:

Age of primary school students

1. The age for students to enter Grade 1 is 06 years of age and is calculated by year. Disabled children, children with physical or intellectual underdevelopment, children in particularly disadvantaged areas, ethnic minority children, orphaned children without support, children returning from abroad, children of foreigners studying, working in Vietnam may enter Grade 1 at an older age not exceeding 03 years. In cases where children enter Grade 1 beyond the 03-year limit, decisions will be made by the Head of the Divison of Education and Training.

2. Primary school students whose age is over the stipulated age may study if they are retained garde, students in particularly disadvantaged areas, ethnic minority students, disabled students, children with physical or intellectual underdevelopment, orphaned children without support, children returning from abroad, and other cases as prescribed by law.

Thus, typically, the age for students entering Grade 1 is 06 years of age and is calculated by year.

However, in cases where students entering Grade 1 are over-aged by 1 year, if they are disabled children, children with physical or intellectual underdevelopment, children in particularly disadvantaged areas, ethnic minority children, orphaned children without support, children returning from abroad, children of foreigners studying, working in Vietnam, they may still enter Grade 1.

What are the rights of students entering Grade 1 in Vietnam?

Under Article 35 of the Primary School Charter promulgated together with Circular 28/2020/TT-BGDDT, the specific rights of primary school students include:

(1) To learn

- Students may study for comprehensive development, and fully realize their personal potential; attend a school implementing the primary education program located conveniently within the residential area.

- Students may choose a school or transfer to another school outside their residential area if the school can accommodate them.

- Primary education-aged students returning from abroad, children of foreigners studying, working in Vietnam, and children who for various reasons have not been able to attend school, if they wish to transfer to a primary school, shall have their levels assessed by the principal for appropriate class placement.

- Disabled students are allowed to study integrally at a primary school; conditions for study and training shall be ensured; students will study and be assessed according to the individual education plan.

- Students may shorten the time required to complete the curriculum, study at an older age, extend the study period, or repeat a grade.

- Students showing good physical and intellectual development can skip grades within the primary education program.

The procedures for consideration in each specific case is carried out as follows:

Parents or guardians of the student shall submit a petition to the school.

The school principal establishes an assessment and advisory council, including the principal or vice-principal and the representative board of parents, the current class teacher, the homeroom teacher of the grade above, health personnel, and counselor.

Based on the council’s assessment results, the principal shall complete the dossier and report to the Head of the Divison of Education and Training for consideration and decision.

- Students with limited study results, even after receiving guidance and help from teachers, parents, or guardians, and who still do not meet the requirements, will be reported by the teacher to the principal for consideration of class promotion or retention, along with determining appropriate educational measures with the family.

(2) To be protected, cared for, respected, and treated equally and democratically; to ensure legitimate rights and interests; to be fully informed about their learning and training process; to ensure conditions of time, facilities, hygiene, and safety for study and training.

(3) To participate in activities that maximize personal abilities; to express personal opinions and aspirations.

(4) To receive scholarships and enjoy social policies as prescribed.

(5) To enjoy other rights as prescribed by law.