Vietnam Aims to Make English the Second Language for All Students by 2035

Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) is preparing a national initiative to ensure that by 2035, English becomes a second language for every student in general education. The plan, with long-term vision through 2045, would see English no longer just as a subject but as a widely used language for everyday interaction, instruction in other subjects, and academic communication. 

1. Key Objectives

• Preschool (ages 3–5): By 2035, all eligible preschools should have conditions to teach English as a second language. By 2045, all nursery and kindergarten students will be included. 
• Primary & Secondary Education (Grades 1–12): Aim for 100% of students in grades 1 through 12 to study English under levels 1–3 by 2035; by 2045, levels 4–6 will be implemented in all schools.
• Higher Education & Vocational Training: All universities are to apply levels 4–6 of the program. Vocational institutions will incorporate career-oriented English programs, and at least half will teach some subjects partially in English. 
• Continuing Education: By 2030, complete development of English teaching/learning programs and English-medium education for adults and continuing education to meet societal demands.
   

2. Implementation Strategies

• Build and revise institutional frameworks, curricula, textbooks, and learning resources. 
• Retrain and enhance the capacity of teachers and lecturers.
• Reform assessment, examination, and evaluation to focus more on practical skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing.
• Improve infrastructure (facilities, technology, support for remote/underprivileged areas).
• Promote public awareness and social participation; encourage cooperation with international partners.
   

3. Expected Impact

MoET hopes this policy will:

• Raise English proficiency across students, making them more competitive in the global workforce.
• Support Vietnam’s global integration, enabling better study, work, research opportunities using English. 
• Reduce educational disparities between regions by enhancing teacher quality, equal access, and resource distribution.

Turning English into a second language nationwide is a bold vision, the 2025-2035 plan (with steps toward 2045) aims to transform English from an optional subject into a pervasive tool for education and daily life. If fully implemented, it could reshape teaching methods, teacher training, and student opportunities across Vietnam. Success will depend heavily on strong teacher development, resource investment, inclusive policies, and consistent execution across all levels and regions.