How long are schools in Vietnam?

Education System in Vietnam: Duration and Structure

Vietnam’s education system follows a 12-year formal education structure, providing a comprehensive academic journey for students. This structure consists of three distinct stages:

1. Primary Education (5 years)

This foundational stage begins at the age of 6 and continues for five years. It focuses on developing students’ basic literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills. Children are taught essential subjects such as Vietnamese, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education.

2. Secondary Education (4 years)

Transitioning to secondary education at age 11, students embark on a four-year journey. This stage expands on the knowledge gained during primary education and introduces more specialized subjects. The curriculum includes Vietnamese, Math, Science, History, Geography, and Foreign Language.

3. High School (3 years)

At age 15, students enter high school, the final three years of formal education in Vietnam. The curriculum becomes more rigorous, preparing students for higher education or the workforce. Students choose a stream of study that aligns with their interests and career aspirations, such as math and science (natural sciences), social sciences, or humanities.

Additional Information:

• Students are required to take national exams at the end of each education level (primary, secondary, and high school).

• The completion rate for primary and secondary education in Vietnam is high, over 95%.

• The government places great emphasis on education, allocating a significant portion of its budget to the sector.

• In recent years, there has been a growing focus on improving the quality of education through curriculum reforms and teacher training programs.