Vietnamese Universities to Gain Autonomy

Public universities in Vietnam will gain autonomy in academic knowledge, human resources, and finances, according to a government directive released after its October meeting. The state will reduce intervention by line agencies at universities, and government management mechanisms will be gradually removed. The management model at universities will be changed to one involving a university council, which will ensure the rights of all staff and teachers. At a recent conference on university autonomy, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam pointed out three obstacles: finance, government management, and the management model. He acknowledged that when State investment in universities is cut, almost all will have to increase their tuition fees and face pressure from public opinion. He affirmed that the State will not cut investment but will change the types and methods of investment. MoET figures for 2015 show that student numbers reached about 22.21 million, higher than in 2014. There were 4.42 million preschools, 15.08 million primary-, secondary-, and high schools, 350,000 vocational training, and 2.36 million university students. (plo.vn Oct 14)