English to become compulsory language from grade 1 nationwide by 2030

Viet Nam plans to make English a mandatory subject from grade 1 by 2030

The scheme aims to build a generation of globally minded citizens equipped for international integration.

It marks a significant step forward from the current system, under which English is mandatory from grade 3, while grades 1 and 2 may study it as an elective if their schools meet certain criteria.

Under the new roadmap, by 2030, at least 20 percent of schools are expected to achieve level 1 teaching standards, 5 percent level 2, and 2 percent level 3, based on criteria such as the English learning environment, teaching quality, digital resources, and teacher competency.

At the preschool level, all institutions must, within five years, create conditions for children to become familiar with English, with at least 10 percent reaching level 1.

By 2045, these proportions are expected to rise to 50 percent at level 1, 20 percent at level 2, and 10 percent at level 3.

At the higher education level, 50 percent of universities are targeted to achieve level 2, and 35 percent level 3.

The scheme also emphasizes developing an English-rich learning environment, integrating technology and artificial intelligence into teaching, promoting international cooperation, improving teacher training, and modernizing assessment methods.

To materialize these goals, Viet Nam will need more than 22,000 English teachers for preschool and primary education, and will have to train at least 200,000 teachers capable of teaching in English by 2030.

In Viet Nam, the three teaching levels are assessed based on several factors, including the language environment, teaching programs, learning materials, digital transformation, AI application, teacher quality and international cooperation.

An education official added that the evaluation may also consider how often English is used in classes, signage and school websites.

Currently, in Viet Nam, English is mandatory from grade 3. Some schools with enough qualified teachers and facilities can offer it from grade 1, but only as an elective with two lessons per week.

The Politburo last year called for greater foreign-language education, with English a potential second language for schools nationwide./.