What is the validity of in-service degree in Vietnam?

Does an in-service degree hold value in Vietnam?

According to the provisions of Article 4 of the University Degree Training Regulations, issued together with Circular 08/2021/TT-BGDDT on forms of university training (also applicable for in-service training), it is stipulated as follows:

Forms of Training

1. Full-time Training:

a) Teaching activities are conducted at the training institution, except for practical activities, internships, real-world experiences, and online teaching, which can be conducted outside the training institution;

b) Teaching activities are conducted from 6:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday; the timing of specific activities of the training program is regulated by the training institution.

2. in-service Training:

a) Teaching activities are conducted at the training institution or at the cooperative training facility per the training coordination regulations in Article 5 of this Regulation; practical activities, internships, real-world experiences, and online teaching can be conducted outside the training institution and the cooperative training facility;

b) The timing of teaching activities is flexible within the day and week.

3. For training sectors prioritized for serving the human resource needs for economic-social development in different periods, the Ministry of Education and Training provides guidance on appropriate training forms.

Thus, in-service training is also managed by universities, and it can be understood that upon completion and issuance of a degree, it will be equivalent to other university degrees. However, it is possible that the diploma will specify "in-service training" as the training mode.

*Note: Normally, people use the phrase "in-service study while working"; however, legally, it is "in-service study."

Does an in-service degree hold value in Vietnam? (Internet image)

Is the curriculum for the in-service system shorter compared to the formal system in Vietnam?

Based on Article 2 of the University Degree Training Regulations issued together with Circular 08/2021/TT-BGDDT regarding the training program and study duration as follows:

Training Program and Study Duration

1. The training program is built on credit units and consists of courses or modules (hereinafter referred to as modules), including mandatory modules and meeting the training program standards according to current regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training. In the case of dual-degree programs or major-minor programs, the training program must clearly reflect the common and unique study load by each industry.

2. The content and output standards of the training program apply commonly to different forms and methods of training and various learner groups. For individuals who have graduated at different levels or different fields, the actual study load is determined based on the recognition or transfer of accumulated credits and exemptions from modules in previous training programs.

3. The training program must be publicized to learners before admission and at the start of the course; changes or adjustments related to the training program are made according to current regulations and announced before being applied, not adversely affecting students.

4. For each form of training, the training program needs to provide a standard study plan for the entire course to guide students.

a) The duration according to the standard study plan for full-time training must be appropriate to the timeframe stipulated in the National Education System Framework, ensuring that most students complete the training program;

b) The duration according to the standard study plan for in-service training must be at least 20% longer than the full-time training of the same program.

5. The maximum time for students to complete the course is regulated in the training institution's regulations but must not exceed twice the standard study plan's duration for each training form. For students in bridging programs exempted from a credit load, the maximum time to complete the course is determined based on the standard study plan's duration reduced correspondingly with the exempted load.

The duration according to the standard study plan for in-service training must be at least 20% longer than the full-time training of the same program.

Thus, it can be seen that the University Training Program for in-service education will not be reduced but instead will be 20% longer compared to the full-time education.

How Many Online Classes are Allowed in in-service Training in Vietnam?

Regulations on online teaching and learning are stated in Clause 2, Article 8 of the University Degree Training Regulations issued together with Circular 08/2021/TT-BGDDT as follows:

Organizing Teaching and Learning

...

2. Online Teaching and Learning:

a) The training institution may organize online classes when meeting current regulations on applying information technology in managing and organizing online training; having solutions to ensure quality and evidence that the online class quality is not lower than the face-to-face class quality;

b) For full-time and in-service training, a maximum of 30% of the total program load can be conducted via online classes. In cases of natural disasters, complex epidemics, and other force majeure situations, training institutions follow the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Training.

...

Thus, in-service training is allowed to have a maximum of 30% of the total program load conducted via online classes.

**Note: **In cases of natural disasters, complex epidemics, and other force majeure situations, training institutions follow the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Training.