“This is one of the nine important tasks that will create a dramatic change in the sector to meet the country’s requirements in its integration and development process,” Mr Luan said.

The 2007-08 academic year has been highlighted as a significant milestone in the delivery of new educational reforms that look to standardise the country's tertiary education sector.

To date, the State has allocated US$4.1 billion for education for 2007, accounting for 20 percent of the entire State budget, an annual increase of nearly 21 percent.

Foreign donors have contributed nearly US$75 million to the educational framework since 1990. Around 1.5 million sq.m of land has also been donated by businesses to the sector.

According to the ministry, there will be almost 22 million students and pupils enrolling for the new academic year.