Decision No. 18/2000/QĐ-BGDĐT on Issuing the "Regulations on Postgraduate Training"

Pursuant to …;

On the issuance of the "Regulations on Postgraduate Education"

MINISTER OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 15/CP dated March 2, 1993, regarding the tasks, powers, and responsibilities for state management of ministries and ministerial-level agencies;

Pursuant to Decree No. 29/CP dated March 30, 1994 of the Government on the tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to the Education Law No. 11/1998/QH10 dated December 2, 1998;

At the proposal of the Director of the Postgraduate Studies Department,

Pursuant to …;

Article 1: The attached "Regulations on Postgraduate Education" are hereby issued with this Decision.

Article 2: This Decision shall take effect fifteen days from the date of signature and shall replace Decision No. 647/GD&DT dated February 14, 1996, of the Minister of Education and Training on the issuance of the Regulations on postgraduate education and training. All previous regulations of the Ministry of Higher Education and Secondary Specialized Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Secondary Specialized Education and Vocational Training, and the Ministry of Education and Training on postgraduate education and training that conflict with the provisions of the "Regulations on Postgraduate Education" are hereby abolished. The Deputy Minister in charge of the Department of Postgraduate Education under the Ministry of Education and Training shall be responsible for guiding the implementation of these Regulations.

Article 3:Directors of the Office, Heads of units directly under the Ministry of Education and Training, Heads of postgraduate education institutions, and individuals involved in postgraduate education work shall be responsible for implementing this Decision.

 

REGULATIONS

Postgraduate Education
(Issued together with Decision No. 18/2000/QĐ-BGD&ĐT

 dated June 8, 2000 of the Minister of Education and Training)

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of application

The postgraduate education regulations stipulate activities in postgraduate education, postgraduate education institutions, training programs, and the management of postgraduate education; the tasks, rights, and responsibilities of organizations and individuals participating in postgraduate education within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Article 2. Objectives of Postgraduate Education

1. Postgraduate education is intended for those who have completed undergraduate studies, aiming to equip them with postgraduate knowledge and enhance practical skills to build a team of scientific personnel with political qualities, moral integrity, a sense of service to the people, high levels of expertise, and the ability to meet the needs of economic and social development, as well as scientific and technological progress in the country.

2. Postgraduate education includes master's degree education, doctoral degree education, and postgraduate training.

A Master's degree holder must possess solid specialized knowledge; have practical capabilities and high adaptability to the development of science, technology, and economy; and be able to identify and resolve issues related to their field of study.

A Doctoral degree holder must have a high level of theoretical and practical knowledge; have creative and independent research abilities; be capable of guiding scientific research and professional activities; and be able to identify and resolve scientific and technological issues.

Postgraduate training is a form of education aimed at supplementing, updating, and enhancing knowledge to keep pace with domestic and international developments in science and technology.

Article 3. Forms and Duration of Education

1. Master's and doctoral education are conducted in two forms: centralized and non-centralized.

a. Centralized education is a form where students must dedicate all their time to studying and researching according to the program at the educational institution.

b. Non-centralized education is a form where students can allocate part of their time to other work, but the total time spent on concentrated study and research at the educational institution must equal the duration of centralized education.

The volume, content of the study program, and training requirements for both centralized and non-centralized forms of education are identical.

2. The duration of centralized master's education is two years, and three years for non-centralized education.

The duration of centralized doctoral education is four years for those with a bachelor's degree; two to three years for those with a master's degree. The duration of non-centralized doctoral education is five years for those with a bachelor's degree; three to four years for those with a master's degree.

Article 4. Postgraduate Training Institutions

1. Postgraduate training institutions are universities and scientific research institutes assigned by the Prime Minister to undertake postgraduate training tasks, including universities that train master's and doctoral levels; scientific research institutes that train doctoral level and cooperate with universities to train master's level.

2. Conditions for being assigned postgraduate training tasks:

a. Having a strong team of scientists with doctoral degrees, doctorates in science, or associate professor and professor titles; having the ability to develop and implement training programs, and organize and arrange supervisors for master's theses and doctoral dissertations.

b. Having necessary physical and technical facilities to ensure learning and scientific research activities for graduate students and doctoral candidates.

c. Having experience in scientific research work, training, and nurturing teams of scientists and technicians, demonstrated by completing scientific research topics at the doctoral dissertation level, implementing research tasks within national or ministry-managed programs, organizing scientific activities and postgraduate training courses effectively.

3. Postgraduate training institutions that fail to maintain the conditions stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article or fail to complete assigned tasks will be suspended from undertaking postgraduate training tasks.

Chapter II

MASTER'S DEGREE TRAINING

PART 1

MASTER'S DEGREE TRAINING PROGRAM

Article 5. Requirements for Master's Degree Training Programs

1. The Master's degree training program must ensure that graduate students can supplement and enhance knowledge learned at the undergraduate level; modernize specialized knowledge; strengthen interdisciplinary knowledge; have sufficient capability to perform professional duties and conduct scientific research in their field of study.

2. The Master's degree training program must consist of 80-100 credit units, where one credit unit is defined as approximately 15 theoretical lecture hours, 30 to 45 practical or experimental hours, or discussion hours, and 45 to 60 hours for writing term papers or theses. To absorb one theoretical or practical credit unit, students must dedicate at least 30 preparation hours.

3. The Master's degree training program consists of three parts:

a. Part 1 - General Knowledge: includes Philosophy and Foreign Language subjects aimed at equipping students with methodological knowledge and tools to study foundation and specialized subjects, and to carry out thesis research.

b. Part 2 - Foundation and Specialized Knowledge: includes supplementary and advanced foundation and interdisciplinary subjects, expanding and updating specialized knowledge, including specialized computer science subjects and scientific research methodology of the field, helping students grasp theoretical and practical capabilities and practical activity skills to solve professional issues. This part includes two groups of subjects:

- Compulsory Subjects Group: includes essential content subjects of the field and specialization, some of which are uniformly prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training based on proposals from the Field Council or Specialization Council.

- Elective Subjects Group (up to 30% of the total credit units of Part 2): includes subjects tailored to different occupational requirements within a specialization. Subject selection is proposed by the student, guided by the department or subject instructor, and must meet the required number of credit units.

c. Part 3 - Master's Thesis: the Master's thesis topic is a specific issue in science, technology, or management assigned by the training institution or proposed by the student, agreed upon by the supervisor, and approved by the Scientific Research and Training Council of the faculty and the training institution.

Article 6. Structure of the Master's Degree Training Program

The structure of the Master's degree training program is developed based on the characteristics, requirements, and training objectives of the field or specialization.

There are two types of structures for the Master's degree training program:

Type 1: applicable to programs primarily aimed at equipping knowledge and practical skills. This structure is as follows:

Part 1 accounts for 20% of the training program volume.

Part 2 accounts for 65-70% of the training program volume.

Part 3 accounts for 10-15% of the training program volume.

Type 2: applicable to the training programs for those engaged in scientific research work. The structure is as follows:

Part 1 accounts for 20% of the training program volume.

Part 2 accounts for 50-55% of the training program volume.

Part 3 accounts for 25-30% of the training program volume.

Article 7. Framework Program

The framework program is established based on the requirements and structure of the training program stipulated in Article 5 and Article 6 of this Regulation. The framework program of each specialty must clearly state the training objectives and requirements of the specialty; the training program structure, total number of credit units; the composition, basic content, and allocation of credit units for foundation knowledge courses and specialized knowledge courses; the allocation of theoretical teaching time, practical training time, and methods of evaluating each course.

The framework program of each specialty is developed by the training institution or a group of training institutions. The framework program of each specialty must be approved by the Scientific Research and Training Council of the training institution and ratified by the Ministry of Education and Training when assigning the task of training that specialty to the training institution.

In addition to the subjects prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training, the remaining subjects may be adjusted and supplemented by the training institution as necessary but must be approved by the Scientific Research and Training Council of the training institution, reported to the Ministry of Education and Training for information, and kept at the training institution as a legal basis for organizing training.

PART 2

ORGANIZATION OF MASTER'S DEGREE TRAINING

Article 8. Teaching Organization

1. The organization of teaching subjects within the master's degree training program is the responsibility of the training institution, including determining the requirements and content of the subject programs, and developing a teaching plan based on the approved framework program.

The content of the subjects must be adjusted, updated, supplemented, and modernized to meet the development requirements of science and technology in the field. Any adjustments or supplements to the basic content of the subjects must be approved by the Scientific Research and Training Council of the department and recorded in a file kept at the training institution.

2. At the beginning of the academic year, the training institution must inform students about the study plan, the full training program, the examination and evaluation plan for each specialty, the schedule for defending graduation theses, the study regulations and graduation recognition, the obligations and rights of students.

3. The teaching of subjects in the master's degree training program must be implemented through a combination of classroom learning with self-study and independent research, emphasizing the promotion of practical skills and the ability to identify and solve professional issues.

4. To implement the teaching plan, each subject must have a detailed syllabus approved by the department. The detailed syllabus must specify:

a. Objectives, content, and teaching methods for each section, chapter, and sub-section.

b. Class hours, practical sessions.

c. List of reference materials.

d. Requirements for assignments, essays, regular tests, and final exams.

e. Weighting of each regular test, assignment, essay, and final exam.

g. Full name, academic title, position (associate professor or professor) of the lecturers of the subject.

5. The head of the department is responsible for arranging lecturers, checking the establishment and implementation of the theoretical and practical teaching schedules, assignments, tests, essays, and final exams for each training session.

6. The training institution is responsible for planning the teaching of subjects for each specialty for each session and managing the implementation of the teaching plan.

7. The head of the training institution is responsible for organizing inspections and checks on the implementation of the teaching plan, teaching schedules, the compilation of detailed syllabuses, and subject evaluations by lecturers.

Article 9. Subject Evaluation

1. General Provisions

Subject evaluation is conducted through assignments, regular tests, writing essays, and final exams. Each subject must be evaluated at least twice through assignments, essays, or regular tests and the final exam. Regular tests and final exams can be conducted in written or oral form.

2. Organization of Subject Evaluation

a. The lecturer responsible for the subject organizes regular tests, assignments, and essays according to the requirements of the detailed syllabus.

The department and the lecturer responsible for the subject organize the final exam. The final exam questions are prepared by the head of the department or drawn from a question bank. The questions must align with the subject curriculum content.

Annually, the training institution must organize research and analysis of the results of exams or regular tests in the training program to scientifically develop questions, ensuring accuracy and fairness in testing and evaluation.

b. Regular tests, assignments, and essays are graded by the lecturer responsible for the subject. Final exams must be graded by two lecturers who agree on the scores. In case of disagreement, the lecturers grading the exam present the issue to the head of the department for decision.

c. The evaluation points for each subject (including regular test scores, assignment scores, essay scores, and final exam scores) are graded on a scale from 0 to 10; if fractional scores are given, they must be in half-point increments. The subject score is the sum of the evaluation points for each subject multiplied by the weight specified in the detailed syllabus, rounded to one decimal place without rounding up. A subject is considered to meet the requirements when the subject score is 5.0 or higher.

d. The evaluation points for each subject must be announced after grading is completed. The evaluation points for each subject and the subject score must be recorded in the subject grade sheet for each training session according to a unified model prescribed by the school, signed by the lecturers grading the exam and the head of the department.

e. The evaluation points and subject scores for each student in each subject must be recorded and stored in the common grade book for each training session.

g. The head of the training institution specifies the storage of exam papers, the marking process, and the retention of exam papers after marking. Written exam papers must be retained for at least three years from the end of the training session. Other examination and testing records must be stored long-term at the institution.

3. Conditions for taking the final course examination

A student is eligible to take the final course examination if they meet all of the following conditions:

a. Attend at least 80% of the theoretical class hours specified in the detailed course outline.

b. Fully participate in all practical sessions and scientific activities.

c. Have completed all assignments, regular tests, and term papers as required by the course.

In case of justified absence from any practical session, the Department Head will consider rescheduling it; for justified absence from any scientific activity, the Department Head will consider allowing submission of a substitute scientific report.

Students with justified absence from any regular test or final course examination period may take a supplementary examination (this is considered the first attempt). The schedule for the supplementary examination must be determined in the teaching plan. Retesting will not be organized for students who scored below 5 on regular tests.

Supplementary examinations outside those scheduled in the teaching plan and announced at the beginning of the academic year will not be organized.

Students who do not meet the conditions for taking the final course examination must retake the course in the subsequent academic year.

4. Students who fail to meet the course requirements may take the final course examination again for the second time. The schedule for the re-examination must be set and announced at the beginning of the academic year in the teaching plan and must ensure that it takes place at least four weeks after the first examination period. At this point, the course grade will be recalculated based on the second final examination score and must clearly indicate that it is the second attempt.

If the course grade still does not meet the requirements after the re-examination, the student must retake the course in the subsequent academic year. The number of courses a student can retake in the subsequent academic year is limited to three, and the student must bear their own study costs for these courses. If a student has four or more courses to retake, or if they retake one to three courses but still have a course score below 5, the student will be suspended from studies.

5. Appeals regarding grading will be resolved according to the regulations of the training institution within one month after the results are published.

6. Handling violations during the evaluation process of the course

Violations during regular tests and final course examinations will be handled according to the postgraduate admission examination regulations. Students who copy assignments or term papers from others will receive zero points for that part.

Article 10. Master's thesis and supervisor

1. The head of the training institution issues a decision assigning a thesis topic and a supervisor for the student to carry out the master's thesis. The content of the thesis must demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge in the specialized field, as well as methods for solving problems posed. The results of the thesis must prove that the author has applied research methods and knowledge acquired during the study period to handle the thesis topic. For a master's thesis under program structure type 2, new proposals or results are required.

2. The supervisor of the master's thesis must meet the criteria stipulated in Article 32 of this regulation. Those with the title of associate professor, professor, or doctoral degree in science are allowed to supervise up to five students simultaneously. Those with a doctoral degree are allowed to supervise up to three students simultaneously.

3. Students are eligible to defend their master's thesis when they meet the following conditions:

a. Have completed and met the requirements for all courses specified in the program for the major.

b. The thesis has been approved by the supervisor for defense.

c. Are not currently under disciplinary action from a warning or higher.

Article 11. Thesis Evaluation Committee

1. The thesis evaluation committee is established by a decision of the head of the training institution. The committee consists of five members, each holding a doctoral degree, doctoral degree in science, or the title of associate professor, professor, relevant to the student's major, including two members from outside the institution. The committee includes a chairman, secretary, two opponents, and a member.

Opponents must be familiar with the thesis topic. Opponents cannot be co-authors with the defender in related published works. All committee members must be responsible under the law for the truthfulness of their comments and evaluations of the thesis.

Committee members must not have familial relationships such as parents, spouse, children, or siblings with the thesis author.

A trial thesis defense committee will not be established.

2. The thesis defense cannot proceed if any of the following situations occur:

a. Absence of the committee chairman.

b. Absence of the committee secretary.

c. Absence of an opponent who disagrees with the thesis.

d. Absence of two or more committee members.

The thesis must be publicly defended. For theses related to state secrets, the defense will be conducted according to special guidelines.

3. The training institution establishes rules for grading and evaluating the thesis and guides committee members in implementing them. The evaluation of the thesis must accurately reflect the student's level of knowledge and ability to apply knowledge to solve problems posed by the thesis topic. Each committee member grades the thesis on a scale from 0 to 10, with decimal points only to half a point. The thesis grade is the average of the scores given by present committee members, rounded to one decimal place without rounding up.

The thesis fails if the thesis grade is below 5. In this case, the student may revise and defend the thesis for a second time. The schedule for the second defense must be set after the last day of the first defense period, between four to six months later. Costs for revision and re-defense of the thesis are borne by the student. A third defense will not be organized.

Article 12. Changes during the training period

1. For valid reasons, a student may request to transfer to another training institution provided that the student is within the prescribed study period, the current institution agrees, and the requested institution accepts. The acceptance or non-acceptance of previously achieved results, and the determination of additional courses needed, are decided by the new training institution.

2. Students may request to change their major field of study once within the same discipline, provided that they share the same entrance examination subjects and compulsory courses under the basic knowledge component. Permission for changing the major field of study will only be granted when there are valid reasons and before commencing specialized knowledge courses.

3. In exceptional cases with compelling reasons, students may request to temporarily suspend their studies not more than once to join the next cohort; or to defend their thesis during the supplementary defense period or together with the subsequent cohort.

4. The heads of training institutions shall consider and decide on transferring students to another training institution, changing their major field of study, temporarily suspending their studies, or returning them to their place of origin or workplace if they fail to complete the training program or are suspended from studies according to Clause 4, Article 9 of this Regulation, and report to the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 13. Issuing master's degree certificates and academic transcripts

After the completion of the course within the prescribed time frame, the head of the training institution shall organize the assessment and recognition of graduation for students who have met all subject requirements and thesis criteria as stipulated in the program. Prior to issuing the certificate, the head of the training institution shall report to the Ministry of Education and Training the list of students in the graduating class approved for graduation in accordance with the prescribed format in the Guidelines for Organizing and Managing Postgraduate Training issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Graduating students shall be awarded a master's degree certificate along with a full academic transcript by the head of the training institution. The full academic transcript must clearly state the name of each subject, the number of credit units for each subject, the grade for each subject, the total number of credit units for all subjects, the overall average grade for all subjects, the title of the thesis, the thesis grade, and the list of the Thesis Defense Board.

Chapter III

DOCTORAL TRAINING PROGRAM

PART 1

 DOCTORAL TRAINING PROGRAM

Article 14. Requirements for doctoral training programs

1. Doctoral training programs must ensure that doctoral candidates enhance and complete their foundational knowledge, possess deep understanding of specialized knowledge, and have sufficient capacity for independent scientific research and innovation in professional activities.

2. A doctoral training program consists of three parts:

a. Part 1 - Courses specified in Points a and b of Clause 3, Article 5 of this Regulation for the master's training program.

Doctoral candidates who already hold a master's degree in the same specialty do not need to take this part. Those holding a master's degree in a closely related specialty must supplement necessary courses to achieve equivalent knowledge to those with a master's degree in the same specialty.

b. Part 2 - Doctoral seminars.

Doctoral seminars aim to equip doctoral candidates with research capabilities, update and enhance knowledge directly related to their thesis topics, enabling them to adequately address their thesis research.

Annually, the head of the training institution is responsible for approving the list of seminars for each specialty. The number of seminars for each specialty must be sufficiently large to allow selection. Advisors assist doctoral candidates in choosing relevant and practical seminars for their thesis research. Each doctoral candidate must complete at least three seminars with a total workload of 5 to 10 credit units (as defined in Clause 2, Article 5 of this Regulation).

c. Part 3 - Doctoral dissertation.

The doctoral dissertation must be a scientific work containing new valuable contributions in the field of specialized science, demonstrating the candidate's ability for independent and creative scientific research. New contributions of the dissertation can be:

- New results or proposals that supplement, develop, or enrich existing knowledge in the specialty.

- Innovative applications and developments based on existing achievements aimed at addressing practical socio-economic and scientific-technological needs.

PART 2

ORGANIZATION OF DOCTORAL TRAINING

Article 15. Management of doctoral candidates

1. During the study period, doctoral candidates are considered members of the department or research laboratory (hereinafter referred to collectively as the department) at the training institution.

2. The department has the following responsibilities:

a. Proposing advisors and determining the research topic for doctoral candidates.

b. Determining the training plan for doctoral candidates, creating conditions, monitoring, and inspecting the implementation of the plan.

c. Managing doctoral candidates during their study and research periods.

d. Organizing regular scientific activities for doctoral candidates to report on their research progress and seminars.

e. Organizing the evaluation of doctoral dissertations prior to national thesis defense.

Article 16. Advisors for doctoral candidates

1. Before recruiting doctoral candidates, the training institution must announce potential advisors and research directions to facilitate candidates in finding suitable advisors. Advisors for doctoral candidates must meet the standards set out in Article 32 of this Regulation and be under the direction of the training department.

2. Doctors of Science, Professors, and Associate Professors with extensive experience in mentoring and training doctoral candidates and conducting scientific research have the right to independently guide doctoral candidates if approved by the training institution.

3. In cases where a doctoral candidate has two advisors:

a. One is the main advisor responsible for leading and directing the advisory team to fulfill assigned tasks.

b. The other is the secondary advisor responsible for participating in the common activities of the advisory team as assigned by the main advisor.

4. Doctors of Science and Professors may simultaneously guide or participate in guiding up to five doctoral candidates. Doctors and Associate Professors may simultaneously guide or participate in guiding up to three doctoral candidates. Among each advisor’s candidates, there should be no more than two candidates from the same cohort.

5. After receiving the decision recognizing doctoral candidates from the Minister of Education and Training, the head of the training institution shall issue a decision on the list of advisors for doctoral candidates and report to the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 17. Organization of master's program courses

The training institution plans for the doctoral student to study and take exams for the subjects prescribed in point a, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Regulation, along with master's courses offered by the institution itself or another institution.

Article 18. Conducting doctoral topics

Doctoral topics are carried out through self-study and research by the doctoral student under the guidance of their supervisor. The evaluation and grading of the topics are conducted when the doctoral student presents before the topic assessment committee during a scientific seminar of the department. The topic assessment committee consists of three members who hold a doctorate, a doctorate in science, or the title of associate professor/professor and have deep knowledge about the doctoral student's topic. The head of the training institution decides on the establishment of the Topic Assessment Committee.

Article 19. Implementing the thesis project

The doctoral student is responsible for reporting the research outline, study plan, and research plan to implement the thesis project when returning to participate in department activities. During the implementation of the thesis project, the doctoral student must fully participate in all scientific seminars of the department, write scientific reports, publish scientific articles, and participate in related scientific activities both within and outside the training institution. The doctoral student must allocate time to engage in teaching at a university or guiding scientific research at a research institute according to the department's assignment.

Article 20. Content and form of the thesis

1. The doctoral thesis must demonstrate that the author has achieved the goals and requirements regarding knowledge and scientific research methods, making new contributions to the specialty prescribed in point c, Clause 2, Article 14 of this Regulation. The content of the thesis must be presented concisely and logically in the following sequence: introduction, chapters, conclusion, list of references, and appendices (if any).

2. It is absolutely necessary to cite sources or results from others used in the thesis. All uses of proposals or results from co-authors must also be clearly stated. If using materials from others (quoting tables, charts, formulas, graphs, and other materials) without citing the author and source, the thesis will not be approved for defense.

3. If the thesis is a scientific work or part of a collective scientific work where the author contributes significantly, then it must report and present all documents showing the agreement of the members of that collective with the training institution.

4. In terms of form, the thesis must be presented clearly, neatly, and in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Education and Training.

The doctoral thesis may be presented in approximately 45,000 characters (about 150 pages, excluding illustrations, tables, graphs, list of references, and appendices) on white A4 paper (210mm x 297mm). For social sciences, the length of the thesis can be longer but not more than 30%.

Absolutely no erasing, deleting, or altering is allowed in the thesis.

The thesis must be bound in a hard cover.

Article 21. Changes during the training period

1. Changes to the thesis topic will only be considered if there is a valid reason and within the first half of the training period.

2. Adding or changing the supervisor will only be implemented if truly necessary and no later than one year before the doctoral student's study period expires.

3. When there is a valid reason, the doctoral student may request to transfer to another training institution provided that at least one year remains in the stipulated study period, with the current training institution's consent and the receiving institution's acceptance. The recognition of completed study results, additional courses or doctoral topics, is decided by the new training institution.

4. A doctoral student is considered to have completed the training program on schedule if they successfully defend their thesis before the national thesis assessment council within the specified timeframe.

If a doctoral student is unable to complete the training program within the specified timeframe, they must apply for an extension of studies at least three months before the deadline, provided there is a valid reason and conditions ensuring completion of academic and research tasks within the extended period. The maximum extension period is twelve months.

5. Upon expiration of the training period or successful defense of the thesis, the doctoral student is returned to their agency or place of origin. For doctoral students who have not completed their thesis, within two years from the expiration date, they may return to the training institution to request a defense if recommended by their agency or place of origin, agreed upon by their supervisor, and accepted by the training institution. In this case, the doctoral student must bear the costs of defending the thesis themselves.

6. The head of the training institution considers and decides on adjustments or changes to the thesis topic name; extensions of studies up to six months; additions or changes to supervisors; returning doctoral students to their agencies or places of origin, and reports to the Ministry of Education and Training. Transfers to other training institutions, extensions beyond six months, and extensions for foreign doctoral students are decided by the Ministry of Education and Training.

PART 3

ORGANIZATION OF DOCTORAL THESIS EVALUATION

Article 22. Evaluation of doctoral theses

The evaluation of doctoral theses is conducted in two steps:

1. Department-level thesis evaluation.

2. National-level thesis defense.

Article 23. Department-level thesis evaluation

1. After the doctoral student has completed the thesis and the study program prescribed in Article 14 of this Regulation, and has published the main content of the thesis in at least two scientific journals, the department organizes the evaluation of the doctoral student's thesis.

2. The head of the training institution issues a decision to establish the Thesis Evaluation Council. The Council consists of five to seven members holding a doctorate, a doctorate in science, or the title of associate professor/professor, including two members who introduced the thesis. The majority of Council members are staff from the department and the training institution, and external scientists may be invited to join the Council.

3. Members of the Examination Board must read and provide comments on the draft dissertation. The evaluation of the dissertation at the department is a scientific activity of the department, attended by many scientists closely related to the field of the dissertation topic and those interested, aiming to assess the achieved results, identify shortcomings in both content and form of the dissertation for the doctoral candidate to supplement and correct. If the dissertation meets the requirements and is approved at the department, the training institution prepares necessary files and procedures to propose the doctoral candidate to defend the state-level dissertation.

4. The evaluation of the dissertation at the department has advisory value for the Head of the Training Institution to propose the Minister of Education and Training to allow the doctoral candidate to defend the dissertation before the State-Level Examination Board.

Article 24. State-Level Examination Board

Within no more than three months from the date the dissertation is approved at the department, the training institution is responsible for transferring the file proposing the doctoral candidate to defend the state-level dissertation to the Ministry of Education and Training. The Minister of Education and Training decides to establish the State-Level Examination Board.

Before establishing the State-Level Examination Board, the Ministry of Education and Training invites two independent reviewers regarding the dissertation. Independent reviews are scientists with good moral character and professional expertise in the research field of the doctoral candidate, high scientific reputation, and scientific integrity. The opinions of independent reviewers have advisory value for the Minister of Education and Training in considering permission for the doctoral candidate to defend the dissertation.

The State-Level Examination Board consists of seven members who are scientists holding a Doctorate degree (for at least three years), Doctor of Science, or Associate Professor, Professor positions, with good moral character, well-versed in the research issues of the dissertation. The Board includes a chairman, secretary, three reviewers, and other members. The number of members from the training institution shall not exceed three people.

Members of the State-Level Examination Board must be individuals who have no familial relationships such as parents, spouse, children, or siblings with the doctoral candidate.

Reviewers must be from different units and not co-authors with the doctoral candidate in published works related to the dissertation topic.

Article 25. Conditions for organizing the state-level dissertation defense

1. The training institution must directly implement the organizational work for the doctoral candidate's dissertation defense. The doctoral candidate may not participate in the preparation process for the organization of the defense and may not contact the members of the Board before their formal comments are sent to the training institution.

2. The training institution organizes for the doctoral candidate to defend the dissertation when the following conditions are met:

a. There are sufficient comments from the members of the State-Level Examination Board sent back to the training institution at least 15 days before the defense.

b. The dissertation and its summary have been sent to scientists, scientific organizations, and displayed in the reading room of the training institution's library at least 30 days before the defense to solicit opinions.

c. There are at least ten summaries of the dissertation reviewed by scientists holding a Doctorate degree, Doctor of Science, or Associate Professor, Professor positions within and outside the training institution.

d. The time, location, and topic of the dissertation defense have been published in a central or local daily newspaper at least 10 days before the defense.

3. The Board will not convene to evaluate the dissertation if any of the following situations occur:

a. Absence of the committee chairman.

b. Absence of the committee secretary.

c. Absence of a reviewer who does not agree with the dissertation.

d. Absence of two or more committee members.

e. The doctoral candidate is currently under disciplinary action starting from a warning.

g. Any of points a, b, c, or d of Clause 2 of this Article have not been fully implemented.

Article 26. Organizing the state-level dissertation defense

1. The dissertation must be publicly defended. Topics related to national secrets are organized according to special guidelines. The defense of the dissertation must be a scientific exchange between the author of the dissertation and members inside and outside the Board, ensuring principles and upholding scientific ethics. All members of the Board must be responsible for thoroughly understanding the dissertation before the defense.

2. The dissertation is evaluated by secret ballot. Members of the Board can only vote in favor or against. A blank ballot is considered a vote against. When voting in favor of the dissertation, based on the new contributions of the dissertation to theory, application, or practice, the voter can give an opinion on whether the dissertation achieves excellence.

The dissertation is considered to meet the requirements and is approved by the Board if at least 3/4 of the present members of the Board vote in favor. If all present members of the Board vote in favor and rate the dissertation as excellent, the doctoral candidate will be considered for commendation by the training institution and the Ministry of Education and Training.

3. The Board must issue a resolution on the dissertation, which must clearly state the basic scientific conclusions of the dissertation; the scientific basis and reliability of the arguments and conclusions presented in the dissertation; the new aspects of the dissertation; theoretical and practical significance and recommendations for using the research results of the dissertation; shortcomings in content and form of the dissertation; the extent to which the dissertation meets the requirements for a Doctoral dissertation; the Board's recommendations to the Ministry of Education and Training regarding recognition and awarding the Doctoral degree to the doctoral candidate. The Board's resolution is passed by public ballot.

4. If the dissertation is not approved by the State-Level Examination Board, the doctoral candidate is allowed to revise the dissertation and request a second defense at the earliest after 12 months and at the latest within 24 months from the first defense date. The composition of the Board remains the same. If there are absent members, the Ministry of Education and Training will appoint substitutes. The doctoral candidate bears the cost of the second defense. A third defense will not be organized.

Article 27. Appraisal and Awarding of the Doctoral Degree

Two weeks after the defense of the dissertation before the State-Level Examination Board, the training institution is responsible for transferring the entire file of the dissertation defense to the Ministry of Education and Training.

The Ministry of Education and Training shall review the results of the dissertation defense. If necessary, the Ministry of Education and Training shall establish a Quality Review Board to assess the quality of dissertations, the training process, and the operation of the national thesis evaluation board.

The Minister of Education and Training shall consider and decide to recognize academic degrees and issue doctoral diplomas for research students who successfully defend their dissertations.

Article 28. Complaints and reports regarding dissertations and dissertation defenses

Agencies, organizations, individuals who defend dissertations, as well as other individuals, may file complaints, reports, or provide opinions on dissertations, the training process, the resolutions of the thesis evaluation board, or the dissertation defense within two months from the date of the defense.

Complaint letters and reports shall be sent to the training institution or the Ministry of Education and Training and will be responded to the sender according to the provisions of the Law on Complaints and Reports.

Chapter IV

POSTGRADUATE TRAINING

Article 29. Objectives of postgraduate training

Postgraduate training is a non-formal education method aimed at providing new knowledge, supplementing, updating, and modernizing existing knowledge to meet urgent needs in work and professions of those who have bachelor's or postgraduate degrees. Postgraduate training is encouraged to be regularly organized at postgraduate training institutions.

Article 30. Postgraduate training program

The postgraduate training program is developed based on practical requirements of science and technology, economy, and society. The content of the postgraduate training program needs to be continuously renewed and supplemented to achieve the set objectives. Each year, postgraduate training institutions plan to develop programs, organize training, and widely announce their postgraduate training programs.

Article 31. Responsibilities and benefits when participating in postgraduate training

Participants in postgraduate training must cover the full or partial tuition costs depending on the financial support capability of the main ministry, locality, or sending agency.

Upon completion of the training program, participants will be issued a postgraduate training certificate by the head of the training institution. The postgraduate training certificate has value in assessing the progress in professional and specialized skills of the learner in their work and profession.

Chapter V

INSTRUCTORS

Article 32. Standards for postgraduate lecturers

1. Postgraduate lecturers are those responsible for teaching, assisting (guiding experimental work, exercises, discussions) courses in the postgraduate training program, master's degree training program, guiding students to implement master's thesis topics, or guiding doctoral candidates to implement doctoral dissertation topics.

2. Postgraduate lecturers must meet the following standards:

a. Clear personal history, good political qualities, ethics, and character.

b. Hold a master's degree or higher for lecturers in postgraduate training programs and assistant lecturers in the master's degree training program; hold a doctorate, doctor of science, or associate professor, professor title for lecturers teaching theoretical subjects in the master's degree training program, guiding master's theses, and guiding doctoral dissertations.

3. For some fields lacking doctoral holders, training institutions can select individuals with a master's degree and the title of senior lecturer to participate in teaching theoretical subjects in the master's degree training program, but they must report to the Ministry of Education and Training.

4. In addition to general standards, thesis advisors must meet the following standards:

- Master's thesis advisors must have the ability to independently conduct and organize scientific research, having published scientific works.

- Doctoral dissertation advisors must have held a doctoral degree for at least three years; made certain contributions to training and scientific research; currently have research directions and published scientific works consistent with the research topic and field of the doctoral candidate.

5. It is encouraged to invite foreign scientists meeting the standards stipulated in Clause 2 and 4 of this Article to participate in postgraduate training in Vietnam.

Article 33. Duties of postgraduate lecturers

1. Strictly and fully implement the training plan, program, and regulations of the training institution and the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Continuously improve teaching methods, enhance training quality; provide consulting and assistance to students and doctoral candidates in their studies and research.

3. Thesis advisors have the following responsibilities:

a. Determine the plan and program for implementing the research topic.

b. Guide and monitor doctoral candidates in conducting doctoral special topics.

c. Organize, guide, follow up, inspect, and urge students and doctoral candidates to conduct scientific research, complete theses and dissertations.

d. Regularly evaluate and report to the department on the study and research situation, progress achieved by doctoral candidates each year.

e. Confirm the achievements obtained, approve students' theses and doctoral candidates' dissertations, and recommend them for defense.

4. Other duties as prescribed by law.

Article 34. Rights of postgraduate lecturers

1. To receive advanced training to improve their qualifications, professional and vocational training.

2. To enjoy remuneration for postgraduate training as prescribed by the Government.

3. Other rights as prescribed by law.

Chapter VI

STUDENTS

Article 35. Postgraduate learners

1. Postgraduate learners are those currently enrolled in postgraduate training programs, master's degree training programs (referred to as students), and doctoral degree training programs (referred to as doctoral candidates).

2. Citizens of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam are eligible to pursue postgraduate studies and research when:

a. They have a clear personal history and are not under criminal prosecution.

b. They meet the conditions to participate in and pass postgraduate admission exams of postgraduate training institutions or are recognized for transfer credits.

Conditions for participation, admission, and credit transfer are stipulated in the Regulations on Postgraduate Admissions.

3. It is not allowed for someone studying a master's or doctoral program in one specialty or at one training institution to simultaneously enroll in or take admission exams for another specialty or postgraduate training institution.

4. Foreign students pursuing postgraduate studies in Vietnam shall comply with the Regulations on the Work of Foreign Students Studying in Vietnam issued by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 36. Duties of Postgraduate Students

Postgraduate students have the following duties:

1. Complete their study and research plans within the prescribed time according to the program and plan of the training institution. Report fully and on time about their academic results and research to the training institution.

2. Pay tuition fees as stipulated by the Government.

3. Respect teachers, administrative staff, and workers at the training institution, abide by state laws, and comply with the regulations and internal rules of the training institution.

4. Maintain and protect the property of the training institution.

5. Other duties as prescribed by law.

Article 37. Rights of Postgraduate Students

Postgraduate students have the following rights:

1. To be respected and treated equally by the training institution and to be provided with full information regarding their studies.

2. To participate in activities of social organizations within the training institution.

3. To use the library, scientific materials, laboratories, equipment, and other facilities of the training institution and cooperating institutions for their studies and research.

4. Postgraduate students who are civil servants during their studies shall receive their full salary and allowances as stipulated by the sending agency.

5. To allocate time for studies and research according to the training program specified in Article 3 of these Regulations.

6. Other rights as prescribed by law.

Chapter VII

MANAGEMENT OF POSTGRADUATE TRAINING

Article 38. Responsibilities of Postgraduate Training Institutions

The training institution has the responsibility to:

1. Develop annual enrollment plans and quotas for each specialty, submit them to the competent ministry, and report to the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Develop and manage programs, textbooks, and teaching plans for permitted specialties; prepare files requesting the Ministry of Education and Training to approve new training specialties.

3. Organize annual enrollments according to the quotas assigned and as stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training.

4. Issue decisions recognizing admitted students; propose to the Ministry of Education and Training to issue decisions recognizing doctoral candidates; issue decisions recognizing advisors and research topics for doctoral candidates.

5. Conduct training according to approved programs.

6. Determine research topics for doctoral candidates and officially register them in the research plan of the training institution.

7. Organize subject evaluations and national-level thesis defenses for doctoral candidates in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training.

8. Provide conditions and necessary equipment, materials, and resources to ensure the studies and research of doctoral candidates, similar to those provided to technical-scientific staff of the training institution.

9. Manage the training process, oversee the studies and research of students and doctoral candidates, manage examinations and issuance of transcripts and grade sheets.

10. Award master's degrees and manage the issuance of master's degrees within its authority.

11. Offer postgraduate courses and issue certificates.

12. Manage financial resources; exploit, create additional sources, use, and manage other resources in postgraduate training as stipulated by the Government.

13. Organize and manage scientific research activities in postgraduate training.

14. Engage in international cooperation in postgraduate training as prescribed by the Government.

15. Conduct inspections and audits of the implementation of regulations in postgraduate training.

16. Report to the Ministry of Education and Training on decisions recognizing students, decisions recognizing advisors and research topics for doctoral candidates, lists of graduates, decisions awarding master's degrees, other decisions as prescribed by these Regulations, and regular reports on postgraduate training work as stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training.

Article 39. Financial Sources for Postgraduate Training

1. Financial sources for postgraduate training include state funding, tuition fees from students and doctoral candidates, contributions from non-civil servant trainees sent for training according to quotas, and other sources of funding.

2. Civil servants sent for postgraduate training according to quotas, including extended periods, shall be supported financially by the state during their training period.

Other individuals must contribute to training costs. The contribution level should correspond to the state funding allocated for master's or doctoral training.

3. Transfer students from undergraduate programs shall enjoy training and living expenses.

4. For doctoral dissertation topics carried out at the request of the sending agency, that agency shall be responsible for providing financial, material, equipment, and resource support for the doctoral candidate's studies and research.

5. Trainees who receive state-funded training but fail to comply with job assignments after graduation shall compensate for the training costs as stipulated by the Government.

6. Civil servants sent for master's or doctoral training for the second time must cover their own training costs.

7. Remuneration for foreign postgraduate lecturers shall be paid from postgraduate training funds as if they were domestic lecturers. Other expenses shall be settled by the training institution.

Chapter VIII

REWARDS AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

Article 40. Awards

1. Lecturers with outstanding achievements in postgraduate training shall be rewarded by the training institution or the Ministry of Education and Training. Research outcomes of doctoral candidates shall be considered valuable scientific contributions in assessing associate professor and professor titles and scientific rewards as prescribed by law.

2. Postgraduate students with excellent academic achievements or scientific research shall be rewarded by the training institution or the Ministry of Education and Training. Those with particularly outstanding achievements in scientific research may be recommended for state rewards.

3. Organizations and training institutions with outstanding achievements in postgraduate training shall be rewarded as prescribed by law.

Article 41. Handling Violations

Any individual or organization committing any of the following acts shall be subject to disciplinary action, administrative sanctions, or criminal liability, depending on the nature and severity of the violation; if damage is caused, compensation must be provided in accordance with the provisions of the law:

1. Establishing a postgraduate training institution illegally.

2. Violating regulations concerning the organization and operation of training institutions.

3. Arbitrarily changing the curriculum and teaching content that have been stipulated; distorting the training content.

4. Providing false and untruthful evaluations of students' results and the quality of theses and dissertations.

5. Illegally publishing and distributing teaching materials.

6. Creating fake records, violating admission rules, examination procedures, and issuance of certificates, transcripts, and diplomas.

7. Fraudulently copying others' theses, dissertations, and scientific works.

8. Violating the dignity and physical integrity of teachers.

9. Disrupting and causing disorder, affecting security and public order in training institutions or educational management agencies.

10. Misusing postgraduate training funds for unauthorized purposes, resulting in loss of training funds; exploiting postgraduate training activities to collect fees in violation of regulations.

11. Causing material damage to training institutions or training management agencies.

12. Other acts violating postgraduate training regulations.