Vietnam Raises Fines on Illegal Education Establishments

The Vietnamese Education and Training Ministry (MoET) will impose a higher fine of VND100 million ($5,100) on individuals or companies that operate illegal education facilities. The move aims to tighten controls over education facilities, which has been established rampantly in recent times, the Tuoi Tre newspaper reported September 8. Offenders who open preschools, secondary or high schools without permission would be fined between VND10 million and VND20 million ($510-$1,020). Individuals who establish higher education facilities illegally would have to pay between VND60 million -VND100 million ($3,060-$5,100) in fines. The fines are embodied in a draft decree which also stipulates offenders who enrol new students without permission will pay between VND5 million-VND10 million ($255-$510) in fines. Individuals who organize university entrance examinations illegally will be fined between VND20 million-VND30 million ($1,020-$1,530). Offenders will also be fined up to VND15 million ($765) for hiring teachers who fail to meet the ministry's standards.  Vietnam now has 375 universities and colleges. Despite the fast expansion and rapid growth in the numbers of universities and colleges, the quality of education cannot meet the social demand and development in the region. The country targets to have one university placed among the world’s top 200 universities by 2020. (Tuoi Tre - Youth Sept 8 p8)