Vietnam: What are the conditions for converting a university into a parent university? What are the procedures for converting a university into a parent university?

What is a parent university in Vietnam?

Under Clause 3, Article 4 of the Law on Higher Education 2012, as amended by Clause 2, Article 1 of the Law on Amendments to Law on Higher Education 2018, the regulations are as follows:

Article 4. Definitions

For the purposes of this Law, the terms below are construed as follows:

1. “higher education institution” means an education institution of the national education system and is permitted to provide higher education training, engage in science and technology activities and serve the community.

2. “university” means a higher education institution that provides training in multiple academic disciplines and has an organizational structure conformable with this Law.

3. “parent university” also refers to a higher education institution that provides training in multiple fields, has an organizational structure conformable with this Law and multiple units that pursuit the same missions and objectives.

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Thus, a parent university is a higher education institution providing training in multiple fields,

The parent university has an organizational structure conformable with the Law on Higher Education 2012 and multiple units that pursuit the same missions and objectives.

What are the conditions for converting a university into a parent university in Vietnam? What are the procedures for converting a university into a parent university? (Image from the Internet)

What are the conditions for converting a university into a parent university in Vietnam?

Under Clause 1 Article 4 of Decree 99/2019/ND-CP providing for conditions for converting a university into a parent university in Vietnam:

Conversion from a university into a parent university and establishment of a school affiliated to a higher education institution

1. Conditions for conversion from a university into a parent university:

a) The university has been accredited by a legal educational accreditation body (“accreditation body”);

b) At least 03 of its affiliates are established according to regulations in Clause 4 herein; doctoral training is available in at least 10 academic disciplines; and it is capable of accommodating more than 15,000 full-time learners;

c) If it is a public university, the conversion must be approved by its supervisory authority; if it is a private university or non-profit private university, the conversion must be approved by investors owning at least 75% of its total contributed capital.

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Therefore, the conditions for converting a university into a parent university in Vietnam include:

- The university has been accredited by a legal educational accreditation body (“accreditation body”);

- At least 03 of its affiliates are established according to regulations in Clause 4 Article 4 of Decree 99/2019/ND-CP;

- Doctoral training is available in at least 10 academic disciplines; and

- It is capable of accommodating more than 15,000 full-time learners;

- If it is a public university, the conversion must be approved by its supervisory authority;

- If it is a private university or non-profit private university, the conversion must be approved by investors owning at least 75% of its total contributed capital.

What are the procedures for converting a university into a parent university in Vietnam?

According to the provisions in Article 4 of Decree 99/2019/ND-CP, the procedures for converting a university into a parent university in Vietnam are as follows:

Step 1: Submit the application

The university shall send 01 application in person or by post together with the electronic file to the Ministry of Education and Training or via the public services portal of the Ministry of Education and Training;

An application for conversion from a university into a parent university includes:

- An application for conversion from a university into a parent university; and resolution of the university council;

- A scheme for conversion from a university into a parent university, which includes the necessity, evidence on the requirements in Clause 1, Article 4 of Decree 99/2019/ND-CP; a draft of operation regulations of the parent university; solutions to risks upon conversion (if any); assessment of the conversion’s impact on personnel, finance and property and plans for handling of such impact.

Step 2: Appraise the application, and submit it to the Prime Minister for decision

Within 30 working days from the date of receipt of an adequate application, the Ministry of Education and Training shall appraise the application and submit it to the Prime Minister for decision;

If the application is inadequate, within 10 working days from the date of its receipt, the Ministry of Education and Training shall provide a written notice and explanation to the institution.

What is the organizational structure of a parent university in Vietnam?

Under Clause 1,  Article 15 of the Law on Higher Education 2012, as amended by Clause 9, Article 1 of the Law on Amendments to Law on Higher Education 2018, the organizational structure of a parent university is stipulated as follows:

- The organizational structure of a parent university consists of:

+ The school council;

+ The principal and vice-principals;

+ The science and training council; other councils (if any);

+ Affiliated universities and research institutes (if any); schools, boards, science and technology organizations, library and other organizations serving training activities;

+ Faculties, campuses, research institutes, service facilities, centers, enterprises, business establishments and other units (if any) necessary for development of the parent university.

- The specific organizational structure or a parent university, relationship and level of autonomy of its subsidiaries, affiliated units and internal units shall be specified in the university’s internal rules and regulations.