The scheme, announced by the Government on October 29, 2025, targets nationwide implementation of compulsory English from grade 1 in all primary and secondary schools. Currently, English is mandatory from grade 3, while grades 1 and 2 study it as an elective if the school meets certain conditions. Under the new roadmap, at least 20% of schools are expected to reach level 1 teaching standards, 5% level 2, and 2% level 3, based on English usage environment, teaching quality, learning materials, digitalization, and teacher capacity.

At the preschool level, within the next five years, all schools must ensure conditions for children to become familiar with English, with at least 10% reaching level 1.

By 2045, these proportions will increase to 50% at level 1, 20% at level 2, and 10% at level 3. At the university level, 50% of institutions are expected to reach level 2 and 35% level 3.

The scheme also aims to create a school environment where English is actively used in learning and daily activities, integrating technology and artificial intelligence into teaching, while strengthening international cooperation, developing the teacher workforce, and innovating assessment methods.

Vietnam will need more than 22,000 English teachers at the preschool and primary levels, and to train at least 200,000 teachers capable of teaching in English by 2030 to meet the scheme’s goals.

The plan is expected to enhance students’ and university students’ foreign language proficiency, making English a common communication and learning tool to support Vietnam’s deeper international integration.

Vietnam aims to make English a second language for all students by 2035

The Ministry of Education and Training held a workshop on March 5 to collect feedback on the draft national scheme designed to gradually introduce English as a second language in schools nationwide.