Joint Circular No. 144/2007/TTLT-BTC-BGDĐT-BNG guiding the regime, allocation, and management of state budget funds for training overseas Vietnamese students.

JOINT CIRCULAR

Guidelines on the system, allocation, and management of funding for training overseas Vietnamese students abroad

funded by state budget capital

from state budget funds

____________________

Pursuant to:

- Decree No. 60/2003/NĐ-CP dated June 6, 2003 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of the State Budget Law;

- Decision No. 322/QĐ-TTg dated April 19, 2000 of the Prime Minister approving the project "Training scientific and technical cadres at foreign institutions with state budget funds";

- Decision No. 356/QĐ-TTg dated April 28, 2005 of the Prime Minister adjusting the project "Training scientific and technical cadres at foreign institutions with state budget funds";

- Decision No. 77/2001/QĐ-TTg dated May 14, 2001 of the Prime Minister regarding costs for training scientific and technical cadres at foreign institutions with state budget funds;

- Agreements or agreements between the Government of Vietnam and other countries on cooperation in the field of education;

- Agreement between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Russian Federation on the settlement of Vietnam's debt to the Russian Federation signed on September 13, 2000 and Circular No. 3663/VPCP-KG dated July 15, 2004 of the Office of the Government agreeing to allow the Ministry of Education and Training to use the debt settlement funds of Vietnam with the Russian Federation to train Vietnamese cadres abroad;

- Based on the guidance opinion of the Prime Minister in Circular No. 4993/TB-VPCP dated September 8, 2006 of the Office of the Government on issuing a revised joint circular No. 88/2001/TTLT/BTC-BGDĐT-BNG dated November 6, 2001, in the direction of expanding the scope of regulation to include agreement-based overseas students,

The Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issue guidelines on the system, allocation, and management of funding for training overseas Vietnamese students abroad funded by state budget capital as follows:

Part I - GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Application:

This Circular stipulates the preparation of budgets, management, allocation, and final accounts of funding for training overseas Vietnamese students abroad using state budget capital.

Funding for the management system of training overseas Vietnamese students abroad, which is guaranteed by the state budget within the annual budget allocated to the Ministry of Education and Training, does not fall within the scope of this Circular.

第二条 组织和实施奖励工作的支出水平，如政府第152/2025/NĐ-CP号决定关于分级授权和奖励领域的分权规定

This Circular applies to overseas students selected according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training in the following cases:

- According to agreements (or agreements) between the Government of Vietnam and other countries or between the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam and other countries on cooperation in the field of education and training (hereinafter referred to as the agreement-based category);

- According to the Project "Training cadres at foreign institutions with state budget funds" (hereinafter referred to as Project 322);

- According to the Project "Training Vietnamese citizens abroad using converted Russian Federation debt funds" of the Ministry of Education and Training - the part managed by Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as the Debt Conversion Project);

3. Contents of expenditures:

a. Expenditures for domestic training institutions under the combined training model;

b. Support expenditures for students during their study period in Vietnam under the combined training project framework;

c. Expenditures for political and ideological training and language improvement for students before they go abroad to study.

3.2 Overseas expenditures:

a. Tuition fees for foreign training institutions;

b. Living expenses for students;

c. Air tickets (or train tickets) for students;

d. Health insurance;

đ. Travel expenses;

e. Awards for students;

g. Partial support for risks and force majeure for students;

h. Bank transfer and receipt fees (if applicable).

Part II - SPECIFIC PROVISIONS

1. Tuition fees and related expenses:

1.1/ Tuition fees and mandatory fees (if any) payable to foreign educational institutions, as notified in the acceptance letter (valid under current regulations) issued by foreign educational institutions for overseas students, may be paid in US dollars or local currency. For overseas students studying in the Russian Federation, the tuition fee shall be agreed upon in the contract signed between the Ministry of Education and Training and the Russian Federation's educational institution.

1.2/ Expenses for Vietnamese educational institutions implementing training within Vietnam under the Joint Training Program (for the period of study conducted in Vietnam), shall be paid in Vietnamese Dong (VND) with a maximum expenditure of up to 3,500 USD per academic year for a doctoral student; 3,000 USD per academic year for a master’s student; and 2,500 USD per academic year for a university undergraduate student, based on the monthly exchange rate stipulated by the Ministry of Finance. The aforementioned expenditure includes the living support allowance for overseas students in Vietnam as prescribed in Clause 2.5, Section I, Part II of this Circular.

2. Living expenses:

2.1/ Living expenses for overseas students are calculated to meet their minimum living needs, including food, accommodation, daily travel expenses, and learning materials and supplies.

2.2/ Living expenses for overseas students are provided from the date of enrollment until the actual end date but not exceeding the time specified in the decision of the Ministry of Education and Training. The level of living expenses is defined in Appendix 01 attached to this Circular.

2.3/ For overseas students studying under bilateral agreements, if the living expenses covered by the agreement are lower than the state-prescribed level, the difference will be supplemented. The supplementation level is implemented according to the provisions in Column C of Appendix 01 attached to this Circular.

2.4/ For overseas students studying under Project 322 and the Debt Conversion Project with Russia, the living expenses are defined in Column B of Appendix 01 attached to this Circular.

2.5/ For overseas students studying under the Joint Training Program, during the period of training in Vietnam, the stipend for overseas students is defined in Appendix 03 attached to this Circular.

3. Health insurance:

3.1/ The health insurance level for overseas students is provided in US dollars or local currency, not exceeding the level specified in Appendix 02 attached to this Circular.

3.2/ The minimum health insurance level applicable to all foreign students in the host country is as follows:

a. Health insurance is provided at the level specified in Appendix 02 attached to this Circular. For countries not listed in Appendix 02, the Ministry of Education and Training will make specific decisions based on the agreement with the Ministry of Finance.

b. In cases where overseas students purchase health insurance at a higher level than that stipulated in this Circular, they must cover the difference themselves.

c. Specifically, for overseas students studying in the Russian Federation:

- Health insurance is paid annually (from September of this year to August of next year) for preparatory and undergraduate overseas students; for postgraduate overseas students, it is paid for each twelve-month period starting from the date of enrollment; for internship and Russian language transition students, it is paid for a specific period (from September of this year to June of next year).

- Health insurance expenses are reimbursed based on original invoices or health insurance contracts of individual overseas students.

4. Airfare for departure and return (or train fare):

4.1/ Overseas students are provided with one round-trip ticket from Vietnam to the place of study and one round-trip ticket from the place of study back to Vietnam (except when the host country covers the airfare). For overseas students who have graduated and been transferred to a higher level, they will also be provided with a round-trip ticket according to this principle.

4.2/ The outbound airfare is provided according to Circular No. 91/2005/TT-BTC dated October 18, 2005, of the Ministry of Finance "Regulations on Travel Expenses for State Officials Going Abroad Funded by the State Budget."

4.3/ The return airfare is reimbursed through the Vietnamese representative office in the host country or directly provided to the overseas student via Vietnam National Airlines or other legally operating airlines in Vietnam, following current regulations. If the overseas student purchases the return ticket independently, reimbursement will be made based on the actual receipt and original boarding pass, but not exceeding the pre-paid ticket amount for economy class announced by Vietnam National Airlines or other legally operating airlines in Vietnam.

5. Transportation costs (to offset Vietnamese airport fees and transportation from the airport to residence) are provided once with a fixed amount of 100 USD per overseas student for the entire duration of study according to the decision (including cases where the overseas student receives partial scholarships or is transferred to a higher level).

6. Other expenses:

6.1/ Reward expenses for overseas students:

a. Overseas students who complete their studies ahead of schedule with excellent results, confirmed by the foreign educational institution, will receive 50% of the living expenses for the period completed ahead of schedule.

If the Ministry of Education and Training has transferred the full amount of living expenses to the overseas student according to the time specified in the dispatch decision, the overseas student must be responsible for refunding 50% of the living expenses for the period completed ahead of schedule to the state budget. completed ahead of schedule.

b. Overseas students who achieve outstanding results and are exempted or granted reduced tuition fees by the foreign educational institution, as evidenced by a notification from the foreign educational institution, will receive 50% of the amount exempted or reduced and will be provided once in the year of exemption or reduction.

6.2/ Support expenses for risks and unforeseen events occurring to overseas students during their study abroad such as natural disasters, war, or other situations not due to the fault of the overseas student, the specific support levels are defined as follows:

a. In case of death: The state budget will cover 100% of the cost of transporting the body or ashes back home or provide the remaining portion of the transport cost after insurance has paid out.

Based on the application of the overseas student's family, the Ministry of Education and Training shall be responsible for examining and considering each case specifically and formulating support plans.

b. In cases where the study period must be extended due to force majeure reasons but the overseas student still ensures academic performance, which is confirmed by the school, they will still be entitled to living expenses. In this case, based on the application of the overseas student, the Ministry of Education and Training shall be responsible for coordinating with the Vietnamese Embassy abroad to examine and consider each case specifically and provide according to the prescribed regulations.

6.3/ Expenses for related training institutions:

a. Pre-departure language proficiency enhancement before going abroad to study shall be carried out in accordance with the decision of the Minister of Education and Training.

b. Political and ideological training expenses for students before going abroad to study.

6.4/ Bank transfer fees (if applicable): Based on the regulations of the local bank, if there are charges for transferring or receiving money through the bank, the State Budget will cover these costs.

1. Issuance principles:

a. The allocation of training funds for overseas Vietnamese students studying abroad (including domestic and foreign expenditures) is conducted in Vietnamese dong; payments made in foreign currency or Vietnamese dong (depending on usage needs) are processed through the State Treasury.

b. The Ministry of Education and Training is responsible for preparing budgets, withdrawing funds from the State Treasury, issuing funds, and settling accounts according to current regulations.

2. Budget preparation and detailed allocation:

2.1/ Annually, based on assigned training tasks, the Ministry of Education and Training prepares a budget for overseas student training using state budget funds and sends it to the Ministry of Finance for consolidation and submission to competent authorities for approval.

2.2/ Based on the annual budget approved by authorized authorities for overseas student training and the review comments on budget allocation by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and Training allocates funds in detail for each specific expenditure item (domestic and foreign expenditures). For foreign expenditures, the Ministry of Education and Training needs to allocate funds in detail for each country where Vietnamese students are studying, according to specific expenditure items as follows:

a. Tuition fees for foreign training institutions;

b. Living expenses for students;

c. Air tickets (or train tickets) for students;

d. Health insurance;

đ. Travel expenses;

e. Awards for students;

g. Partial support for risks and force majeure for students;

h. Bank transfer and receipt fees (if applicable).

This detailed allocation table is sent to the State Treasury as a basis for issuance.

3. Issuance and payment:

3.1/ For domestic expenditures: Implemented according to current regulations on payment control and settlement.

3.2/ For foreign expenditures (paid in US dollars or local currency): Based on the annual budget and the request to withdraw funds from the Ministry of Education and Training, the State Treasury implements payment and issuance as follows:

- Tuition fees for overseas training institutions: Based on the application documents of the Ministry of Education and Training, the State Treasury transfers the corresponding funds to the overseas training institution.

- Living expenses and travel fees for overseas students: Based on the application documents of the Ministry of Education and Training, the State Treasury transfers the funds into the account of the recipient or into the account of the Vietnamese representative office abroad for the office to pay the overseas students.

- Air tickets (or train tickets): Based on the application documents of the Ministry of Education and Training, the State Treasury transfers the funds into the account of the recipient to purchase air tickets or directly into the service provider's account.

- Health insurance: Based on the application documents of the Ministry of Education and Training, the State Treasury transfers the funds into the account of the recipient.

- Rewards for overseas students: Clearly list the names of the overseas students and the specific reward amounts for each student.

- Partial risk and force majeure support for overseas students: Clearly list the names of the overseas students and the specific support amounts in accordance with the provisions of this Circular.

- Fees for transferring and receiving money through the Bank (if applicable): In accordance with current regulations.

3.3/ For all items listed in Clause 3.2 Section II of this Circular,

a. The Ministry of Education and Training reviews and is responsible for the accuracy, honesty, and legality of the documents in the file submitted to the State Treasury for payment.

b. The State Treasury immediately records the state budget expenditure in Vietnamese dong according to the accounting exchange rate stipulated by the Ministry of Finance after making the payment.

4. Settlement: Settlement of training funds for overseas students funded by the state budget is implemented according to current regulations.

5. Compensation for training funds:

5.1/ Overseas students (including all levels) dispatched by the state for training abroad with full or partial funding by the state, who fail to return to the country upon completion of their course without justifiable reasons; return late without valid reasons; or fail to complete their course as decided by the Ministry of Education and Training, must compensate for the training funds.

5.2/ The compensation for training funds is implemented according to Circular No. 130/2005/TT-BNV dated December 7, 2005, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs "Guidelines for Implementing Certain Provisions of Decree No. 54/2005/NĐ-CP on Resignation Regulations and Compensation for Training Costs for Civil Servants" and Circular No. 89/2006/TT-BTC dated September 29, 2006, issued by the Ministry of Finance "Guidelines for Managing, Using, and Settling Accounts for Resignation Allowances and Recovery of Training Cost Compensation."

PART III - RESPONSIBILITIES OF MINISTRIES

AND OBLIGATIONS OF STUDENT SCHOLARS

1. Ministry of Education and Training:

1.1/ Responsible for recruiting students and managing student scholars from the start of enrollment until the end of their study period in accordance with state requirements and current regulations.

1.2/ Prepare the annual budget estimate for training student scholars.

1.3/ Organize the distribution of funds in appropriate methods suitable for each location and category of student scholars to ensure timely and accurate compliance with the standards set forth in this Circular.

1.4/ Annually approve the final account report on funding for training student scholars according to each source of funding (under the Agreement, under Project 322, and the debt conversion project from Russia).

1.5/ Collect training cost reimbursement fees from student scholars required to reimburse training costs and submit the full amount to the state budget in accordance with current regulations.

1.6/ Coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnamese representative agencies abroad in matters concerning:

- Managing and protecting the legitimate rights of student scholars;

- Reviewing and recommending the Ministry of Finance to adjust living expense allowances for student scholars when the consumer price index in the country where they are studying increases by 10% or more, or when economic and financial conditions permit.

1.7/ Coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize inspections of management and distribution of funds for student scholars when necessary.

2. Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

2.1/ Direct Vietnamese representative agencies abroad in matters concerning:

- Surveying and investigating educational institutions in host countries to identify the most suitable institutions for Vietnam (suitable in terms of specialization, training capacity, costs, or according to orders from the Ministry of Education and Training) to introduce to the Ministry of Education and Training or to student scholars.

- Monitoring and compiling lists of student scholars (for agreement-based programs) to send to the Ministry of Education and Training for the issuance of living expense allowances.

2.2/ Coordinate with the Ministry of Education and Training to resolve all issues related to student scholars (including those involving the distribution of funds for student scholars in special locations).

3.  Ministry of Finance:

3.1/ Ensure the availability of funds according to the approved budget estimates for expenses related to training student scholars abroad in a timely manner at the request of the Ministry of Education and Training (both domestic and foreign currencies) in accordance with current regulations. Recommend necessary measures for handling cases of improper payment or exceeding the limits specified in this Circular. Be responsible for auditing final accounts and reporting final accounts in accordance with current regulations.

3.2/ Audit the budget allocation plan of the Ministry of Education and Training and direct the State Treasury to implement payments and control expenditures in accordance with Clause 3.1 and 3.2, Section II, Part II of this Circular.

3.3/ Resolve requests from the Ministry of Education and Training regarding adjustments to living expense allowances for student scholars within its authority.

Responsibilities of student scholars:

4.1/ Strictly comply with the decision to send them for study issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

4.2/ Submit to the management of the school and the Vietnamese representative agency in the country where they are studying.

4.3/ Report academic results at the end of each semester, confirmed by the school, to the Vietnamese representative agency in the country where they are studying and the Ministry of Education and Training.

4.4/ If they violate the decision to send them for study issued by the Ministry of Education and Training, they must reimburse the costs in accordance with Clause 5, Section II, Part II of this Circular.

PART IV - IMPLEMENTATION

1. This Circular takes effect from January 1, 2008, and replaces Circular Joint Circular No. 88/2001/TTLT/BTC-BGDĐT-BNG dated November 6, 2001, issued by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education and Training, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs guiding the management and allocation of state budget funds for the "Training of Scientific and Technical Cadres at Overseas Educational Institutions" Program.

2. The Ministry of Education and Training and the State Treasury shall base on the provisions of this Circular to provide detailed guidance in accordance with their respective disbursement and management procedures.

3. State-owned enterprises, foreign-invested enterprises, limited liability companies, and private companies may apply the provisions of this Circular to organize training for cadres and civil servants of their units.

4. During implementation, any difficulties encountered by overseas students should be reported to the Vietnamese representative office in the host country and the Ministry of Education and Training. The Ministry of Education and Training will consolidate and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve them.