Vietnam: Is a vocational diploma equivalent in value to a high school diploma?

How many types of intermediate graduation certificates are there?

Article 35 of Circular 04/2022/TT-BLDTBXH stipulates the classification of intermediate graduation certificates by modular and credit-based systems as follows:

Classification of Graduation

1. The classification of graduation is determined based on the cumulative GPA of the entire course as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 32 of this Circular.

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Clause 2, Article 34 of Circular 04/2022/TT-BLDTBXH regulates the conditions for intermediate graduation by modular and credit-based systems as follows:

Conditions for Graduation

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2. Learners are recognized for graduation when they meet the following conditions:

a) Accumulate enough modules or credits as stipulated by the program;

b) Achieve a cumulative GPA of the entire course of 2.0 or higher on a 4-point scale;

c) Complete other compulsory requirements as stipulated by the program;

d) Not under disciplinary suspension or higher, or criminal prosecution;

đ) Submit a graduation request application for early or delayed graduation compared to the program's timeline.

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Article 32 of Circular 04/2022/TT-BLDTBXH stipulates as follows:

Classification of Learning Outcomes

2. Classification of learners' academic results by semester is based on the cumulative GPA on a 4-point scale as follows:

Excellent: from 3.50 to 4.00

Good: from 3.00 to 3.49

Fair: from 2.50 to 2.99

Average: from 2.00 to 2.49

Weak: below 2.00

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Thus, intermediate graduation certificates will have four classifications: excellent, good, fair, and average.

Is an intermediate graduation certificate equivalent to a high school diploma? (Image from the Internet)

Is an intermediate graduation certificate equivalent to a high school diploma?

According to Official Dispatch 3645/BGDDT-GDCN in 2016, it is guided on intermediate professional graduation certificates for those with junior high school entry qualifications as follows:

Based on the Education Law and current regulations on training, in cases where learners have obtained an intermediate professional graduation certificate but do not have a high school diploma (THPT), if they have studied and are recognized for completing cultural subjects in the high school education program or in the intermediate professional training program (for those with a junior high school diploma) as stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training, the intermediate professional graduation certificate can be used in place of the high school diploma for further studies or employment requirements.

Thus, an intermediate graduation certificate will be equivalent to a high school diploma if the learner has studied and is recognized for completing cultural subjects in the high school education program or in the intermediate level training program.

When can intermediate level students retake courses or exams?

According to Article 14 of Circular 04/2022/TT-BLDTBXH, the following is stipulated:

Retaking Courses and Exams

1. Learners must retake courses and exams in the following cases:

a) Not meeting the conditions for taking exams;

b) Having exhausted the number of allowed exam attempts for module/course completion but scores are still not passing;

c) Learners in the modular or credit-based system register to retake courses and exams to improve scores.

2. Learners required to retake courses and exams will not retain previous scores and study times and must meet the exam conditions as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 13 of this Circular.

3. If there are no longer available courses/modules due to program changes, the principal will decide on suitable replacement courses/modules that meet the program's objectives.

In the following cases, intermediate level learners are allowed to retake courses and exams:

- Not meeting the conditions for taking exams;

- Having exhausted the number of allowed exam attempts for module/course completion but scores are still not passing;

- Learners in the modular or credit-based system register to retake courses and exams to improve scores.

When can intermediate level students study two programs simultaneously?

According to Clause 1, Article 8 of Circular 04/2022/TT-BLDTBXH, intermediate level students can study two programs simultaneously if they meet the following conditions:

- The learner has submitted an application to study two programs simultaneously;

- Have completed the first semester for programs lasting one to two school years, or have completed the second semester for programs lasting over two school years. The academic results of each completed semester of the first program must be at least in the good category;

- Not in the period of suspension from the current program, under disciplinary actions from the level of warning or higher, or not being criminally prosecuted.