Circular No. 21/2018/TT-BGDĐT promulgates the Regulation on the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers.

CIRCULAR

Issuing the Regulation on the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers

Pursuant to the Education Law dated June 14, 2005; the Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Education Law dated November 25, 2009;Decision No. 75/2006/NĐ-CP

Pursuant to Decree No.dated August 2, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law; Decree No.31/2011/NĐ-CPdated May 11, 2011 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No.07/2013/NĐ-CPdated August 2, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law; Decree No.31/2011/NĐ-CPdated January 9, 2013 amending Point b Clause 13 Article 1 of Decree No.dated May 11, 2011 amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No.dated May 11, 2011 of the Government amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No.dated August 2, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law;dated August 2, 2006 of the Government detailing and guiding the implementation of certain provisions of the Education Law; Decree No.Pursuant to Decree No. 46/2017/NĐ-CP dated April 21, 2017 of the Government stipulating conditions for investment and operation in the field of education;

Pursuant to Decree No. 69/2017/NĐ-CP dated May 25, 2017 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to Decree No. 86/2018/NĐ-CP dated June 6, 2018 of the Government stipulating foreign cooperation and investment in the field of education;

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular issuing the Regulation on the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers.

At the request of the Director of the Department of Continuing Education;

 Attached to this Circular is the Regulation on the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers.

Article 1. This Circular replaces Circular No. 03/2011/TT-BGDĐT dated January 28, 2011 of the Minister of Education and Training issuing the Regulation on the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers and shall take effect from October 10, 2018.

12/2025/TT-BNNMT dated June 19, 2025 issued by the Minister of Agriculture and EnvironmentThe Heads of the Office, Directors of the Department of Continuing Education, Heads of units related to the Ministry of Education and Training, Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities, Directors of Departments of Education and Training, Directors of foreign language and information technology centers, and organizations and individuals related thereto are responsible for implementing this Circular.

Article 3. Organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers

REGULATIONS

(Issued together with Circular No.: 21/2018/TT-BGDĐT

dated August 24, 2018 of the Minister of Education and Training)

1. This Regulation stipulates the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers including: organizational structure and personnel; teaching activities; teachers and students; finance and assets; inspection, supervision, commendation, and handling of violations of foreign language and information technology centers.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

2. This Regulation applies to foreign language and information technology centers; foreign language centers; information technology centers (hereinafter referred to as foreign language and information technology centers or centers) and related organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Legal status of foreign language and information technology centers

Foreign language and information technology centers are part of the national education system, including:

1. Public foreign language and information technology centers established and operated by the State with the necessary conditions as prescribed by law, having legal personality, seals, and separate bank accounts.

2. Private foreign language and information technology centers established and operated by domestic organizations and individuals with the necessary conditions as prescribed by law, having legal personality, seals, and separate bank accounts.

3. Foreign language and information technology centers with foreign investment established wholly or partly funded by foreign economic organizations or individuals, operating with the necessary conditions as prescribed by law, permitted to use seals and separate bank accounts.

3. Foreign language and information technology centers with foreign investment, established either wholly or partly through capital contribution by foreign individuals or economic organizations and ensuring operating conditions in accordance with the law, are permitted to use their own seals and separate accounts.

Article 3. Tasks and powers of foreign language and information technology centers

1. Organizing the implementation of training programs to enhance foreign language and information technology capabilities to meet learners' needs.

2. Admitting students and managing learners.

3. Organizing the compilation or selection of teaching materials that meet the standards of training and development programs suitable for the target learners.

4. Organizing examinations, evaluations, and issuing certificates confirming completion of foreign language and information technology training and development programs organized by the center. Organizing exams and issuing national education system foreign language and information technology certificates when meeting conditions as prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training.

5. Performing related tasks such as translation, interpretation, programming, software installation.

6. Organizing training and enhancing professional expertise for staff and teachers of the center.

7. Organizing activities to develop and improve the quality of education at the center.

8. Publicizing the conditions ensuring educational quality.

9. Being determined and publicized tuition fees for courses according to the quality of training and development.

10. Establishing internal regulations and defining functions and tasks of units within the center; managing, recruiting, and developing a management and teaching staff team according to the center's development strategy.

11. Managing the financial resources and assets of the center and enjoying preferential support policies as stipulated by law.

12. Other tasks and powers as prescribed by law.

Article 4. Procedures for establishment, permission to establish, operation, merger, division, suspension, dissolution, and name of foreign language and information technology centers

1. Procedures for establishing, permitting establishment of foreign language and information technology centers; procedures for center operations; procedures for mergers, divisions, suspensions, and dissolutions of centers shall be carried out in accordance with the Government's regulations.

2. The name of foreign language and information technology centers shall be set according to the following principles:

a) Foreign Language and Information Technology Center + Specific Name;

b) The specific name of the center must not duplicate the specific name of previously established centers; it must not use words or symbols that violate Vietnam's historical traditions, culture, ethics, and customs.

2. Foreign language and information technology centers have a Vietnamese trading name and an international trading name in English (or another commonly used foreign language) with equivalent content.

3. The name of the foreign language and information technology center shall be recorded on the decision to establish the center, seal, signboard, and transaction documents of the center.

Chapter II

ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE AND STAFF

Article 5. Organizational structure of foreign language and information technology centers

1. Director

2. Deputy Director (if any).

3. Specialized and professional departments.

4. Advisory councils (if any).

5. Party organization (if any) and other mass organizations.

Article 6. Director of foreign language and information technology centers

1. The director of the center directly manages and oversees the organization and administrative structure and is responsible under the law and to the superior supervisory authority for all activities of the center.

2. The director of the center must meet the following criteria:

a) Good personal conduct;

b) Management capability;

c) Graduated from a university in foreign languages or graduated from a university and holds a minimum level 3 foreign language certificate according to the six-level Vietnamese Foreign Language Competency Framework or equivalent (for directors of foreign language centers).

Graduated from a university in information technology or graduated from a university and holds a basic information technology application certificate according to the Information Technology Skill Standard or equivalent as currently prescribed by the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of Information and Communications (for directors of information technology centers).

Meeting one of the two conditions specified above (for directors of foreign language and information technology centers).

d) Experience in working in the field of education and training.

3. The director of the center is appointed by the competent authority establishing the center. The competent authority permitting the establishment of the center decides to recognize the director (for private centers and centers with foreign investment). The term of office for directors of foreign language and information technology centers is five years.

Article 7. Duties and Authorities of the Director of the Foreign Language and Information Technology Center

1. Develop plans, organize implementation, supervise, and evaluate the results of the center's tasks.

2. Establish and appoint heads of specialized and operational departments, advisory boards according to the center's internal regulations.

3. Manage teachers, staff, and students of the center in accordance with this regulation and relevant laws.

4. Decide or propose rewards and disciplinary actions for managers, teachers, staff, and students within the scope of authority delegated for management.

5. Manage the financial resources and assets of the center in accordance with the regulations of the competent authority establishing the center and relevant laws.

6. Issue certificates confirming completion of foreign language and information technology training programs organized by the center and issue certificates upon completion of such training programs when the center meets the conditions stipulated in the Ministry of Education and Training’s regulations on organizing exams and issuing foreign language and information technology certificates.

7. Organize selection or development, compilation, review, and issuance of curricula and teaching materials to meet learners' needs.

8. Be allowed to attend advanced professional courses to enhance their qualifications and enjoy other benefits as prescribed by law.

Article 8. Deputy Director of the Foreign Language and Information Technology Center (if any)

1. The deputy director assists the director in managing and operating the center's activities; has good moral character; possesses management capabilities; holds a bachelor's degree in foreign languages or information technology or a bachelor's degree with a certificate in foreign languages or information technology.

2. The deputy director is appointed by the competent authority establishing the center upon the director's recommendation. The competent authority permitting establishment of the center decides to recognize the deputy director (for private centers and centers with foreign investment).

3. The term of office of the deputy director corresponds to that of the director.

Article 9. Duties and Authorities of the Deputy Director of the Foreign Language and Information Technology Center

1. Assist the director in managing and operating the center's activities according to assigned duties or delegated management; directly oversee certain areas of work as assigned by the director and handle tasks assigned by the director.

2. When handling tasks assigned by the director, the deputy director is responsible before the director and the law for the results of the assigned work.

Article 10. Specialized and Operational Departments

1. Based on the scale and training programs, the director decides to establish specialized and operational departments under the center.

2. Specific duties of specialized and operational departments are defined by the director.

Article 11. Advisory Boards (if any)

Advisory boards are established by the director's decision. Their functions, duties, authorities, duration of operation, number, and composition of members are decided by the director or submitted to the competent authority establishing the center for decision.

Article 12. Communist Party of Vietnam Organization (if any) and Other Mass Organizations

1. The Communist Party of Vietnam organization in the center operates according to the Party Charter within the framework of the Constitution and laws.

2. Mass organizations in the center operate according to their charters and legal provisions, contributing to effectively fulfilling the center's tasks.

Chapter III

ACTIVITIES OF THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Article 13. Programs and Teaching Materials

1. Foreign Language and Information Technology Centers shall use programs issued by the Ministry of Education and Training; compile their own programs or select programs and teaching materials from domestic and international educational institutions that meet the learners' needs and the center's capacity.

2. The Director of foreign language and information technology centers shall be responsible under the law and to the education management agency for the content of the programs and teaching materials at the center; simultaneously, they shall report to the school principal (for centers affiliated with higher education institutions and teacher training colleges) or the provincial Department of Education and Training (for other centers within their jurisdiction) on the programs and teaching materials used at the center.

Article 14. Admissions

1. Annually, foreign language and information technology centers shall develop admission plans and publicly announce information about courses including the program, teaching materials, learning outcomes, study conditions, teachers, assessment methods, confirmation of learning results, commencement date, tuition fees, and other necessary information.

2. For admission plans for foreign language and information technology courses designed according to individual learner requirements, course information shall be agreed upon between the center and the learners and publicly announced before the course start date.

Article 15. Teaching Activities

1. Teaching activities shall be organized flexibly through direct instruction, online instruction, or a combination of both.

2. Learners shall be organized into classes and managed. Each class shall have a staff member or teacher overseeing and managing it.

Article 16. Examinations, Assessments, and Evaluations

1. For foreign language and information technology training programs leading to certification within the national education system, the center shall organize examinations and issue certificates when meeting the conditions for organizing examinations and issuing foreign language and information technology certificates as stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. For other foreign language and information technology training programs, the center shall conduct assessments and evaluations and issue certificates confirming completion.

Article 17. Training Linkages, Capacity Building, and International Cooperation

1. The center shall implement training linkages and capacity building in foreign languages with educational institutions licensed to operate within its jurisdiction based on meeting learners' needs and the center's capacity. When implementing training linkages, a contract must be signed between the two parties. The contract must clearly specify the content of teaching, funding, teaching staff, teaching methods, location, and responsibilities of each party. After signing the contract, it must be reported to the direct management agency and the provincial Department of Education and Training.

2. The center shall carry out international cooperation activities to develop programs and teams to meet integration trends and improve the quality of training and capacity building. These international cooperation activities must align with the center's conditions and capabilities and comply with current regulations.

Chapter IV

TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CENTERS

Article 18. Position and Standards for Teachers

1. Teachers at foreign language and information technology centers are those who teach and guide practical work, including permanent teachers, contractual teachers, Vietnamese teachers, native-speaking teachers (for specific foreign languages), and foreign teachers.

2. Vietnamese teachers qualified to teach information technology must meet one of the following standards:

a) Hold a bachelor's degree in information technology education or higher;

b) Hold a bachelor's degree in information technology or higher and a vocational teaching certificate.

3. Vietnamese teachers qualified to teach foreign languages must meet one of the following standards:

a) Hold a bachelor's degree in foreign language education or higher;

b) Hold a bachelor's degree in foreign languages or higher and a vocational teaching certificate.

4. Foreign teachers qualified to teach information technology: Hold a bachelor's degree in information technology or higher and a suitable information technology teaching certificate.

5. Native-speaking teachers qualified to teach foreign languages (for specific foreign languages): Hold a bachelor's degree or higher and a suitable foreign language teaching certificate.

6. Foreign teachers qualified to teach foreign languages must meet one of the following standards:

a) Hold a bachelor's degree in foreign language education or higher;

b) Hold a bachelor's degree in foreign languages or higher and a suitable foreign language teaching certificate;

c) Hold a bachelor's degree or higher, a foreign language proficiency certificate at level 5 or above according to the six-level Vietnamese Foreign Language Proficiency Framework or equivalent, and a suitable foreign language teaching certificate.

Article 19. Duties and Authorities of Teachers

1. Teach in accordance with educational goals, content, curricula, and teaching plans; attend classes fully and on time; manage learners during activities organized by the center; participate in professional activities of the center.

2. Implement decisions of the director; be subject to inspection by the director and educational management levels as prescribed; comply with internal regulations of the center and provisions of this Regulation.

3. Adhere to the Code of Ethics for Teachers as stipulated by the Ministry of Education and Training.

4. Be entitled to enroll in training and upgrading courses to enhance professional competence; enjoy all material and spiritual benefits and health care services provided for teachers under established policies; actively and proactively upgrade their professional skills.

5. Be provided with conditions by the center to perform duties and participate in center management; attend meetings for commendation, rewards, disciplinary actions, and issues related to learners under their responsibility.

Article 20. Duties and Authorities of Learners

1. Foreign Language and Information Technology Center learners are those currently enrolled at the center.

2. Learners have the following duties:

a) Fulfill all study and practice requirements set by the center, respect teachers, managers, and staff of the center;

b) Comply fully with the center's internal regulations and this Regulation, maintain and protect the center's property;

c) Behave and communicate appropriately according to community morals and culture, dress neatly and respectfully suitable for age, conducive to learning and activities at the center.

3. Learners have the following rights:

a) Be respected and treated equally by the center; receive full information about their studies;

b) Choose programs, forms, and locations of study that suit their conditions and abilities and those of the center; be provided with conditions to switch programs, forms, and places of study if they wish and are accepted by the new location;

c) Directly or through authorized representatives to protect legitimate rights and provide feedback on teaching content, methods, and other activities of the center;

d) Participate in examinations, assessments to obtain national education certificates or certificates of completion of training and upgrading programs organized by the center.

Chapter V

FINANCE AND ASSETS

Article 21. Property and Management and Use of Property

1. The property of the Foreign Language and Information Technology Center includes land, construction works; equipment and assets assigned by the State for management and use (for public centers) or contributed by individuals or groups when establishing the center (for private centers and centers with foreign investment) or donated, gifted, or sponsored; assets formed from the center’s activities. The center manages and uses property in accordance with the law.

2. All members of the Foreign Language and Information Technology Center are responsible for maintaining and protecting the center's property. Annually, the center must conduct an inventory and re-evaluate the value of its property and implement reporting procedures as prescribed by law.

Article 22. Financial Sources and Management, Use of Finance

1. Financial sources:

a) State budget allocation or capital contribution from organizations and individuals;

b) Borrowed funds in accordance with the provisions of the law;

c) Non-repayable investment, gifts, donations, and aid in accordance with the provisions of the law;

d) Tuition fees collected from students in accordance with the provisions of the law;

e) Other lawful income sources (if any).

2. Foreign language and computer centers manage and utilize their financial resources in compliance with all financial, accounting, auditing, tax, statistical, and regular reporting and public financial disclosure requirements as stipulated by law.

3. Private foreign language and computer centers and foreign language and computer centers with foreign investment are financially autonomous, self-balancing revenue and expenditure, and their financial activities must be based on voluntary principles and comply with current regulations.

Chapter VI

INSPECTION, AUDIT, REWARD, AND VIOLATION HANDLING

Article 23. Inspection and auditing

1. Foreign language and computer centers establish and develop internal quality assurance systems, annually implementing self-inspection and evaluation activities of the center's organization and operations in accordance with current regulations.

2. Foreign language and computer centers are subject to inspection and audit by state agencies with authority to ensure the conditions and quality of education committed. The results of inspections and audits regarding the organization and activities of foreign language and computer centers must be made public for students and society to know and supervise.

Article 24. Rewards

1. Foreign language and computer centers and units under these centers that implement this Regulation well and make significant contributions to the development and improvement of the quality of foreign language and computer training and development will be rewarded in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. Teachers, staff members of foreign language and computer centers who achieve notable results will be rewarded, conferred commendation titles, and other titles in accordance with the provisions of the law.

3. Students of foreign language and computer centers who achieve notable results in study and discipline will be rewarded by the centers and management levels in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 25. Handling Violations

Groups or individuals, including teachers, staff members, and students of foreign language and computer centers who violate this Regulation will be disciplined, administratively punished, or criminally prosecuted according to the provisions of the law 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.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 26. Responsibilities of Provincial People's Committees

1. Direct the Department of Education and Training to take the lead and coordinate with relevant departments and sectors to guide, inspect, and audit the organization and operation of foreign language and computer centers within their jurisdiction.

2. Direct district-level people's committees to cooperate with the Department of Education and Training to guide, inspect, and audit the organization and operation of foreign language and computer centers within their jurisdiction.

Article 27. Responsibilities of the Department of Education and Training

1. Manage and direct the activities of foreign language and computer centers within their jurisdiction.

2. Take the lead in coordinating with relevant departments and sectors to organize inspections and audits of the activities of foreign language and computer centers within their jurisdiction; promptly correct and handle violations when they occur.

3. Publicize the list of foreign language and computer centers within their jurisdiction, quality commitments, quality assurance conditions, establishment time, and permitted operating locations on the Department of Education and Training's website for students and society to participate in supervision.

4. Annually compile and evaluate the operational situation of foreign language and computer centers within their jurisdiction and report to the provincial/municipal People's Committee and the Ministry of Education and Training.

5. Direct the Education and Training Office to manage and inspect the organization and operation of foreign language and computer centers within their jurisdiction.

Article 28. Responsibilities of universities and teacher training colleges establishing foreign language and information technology centers

1. Manage the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers established by the unit.

2. Coordinate with the Department of Education and Training and related units to inspect and supervise the activities of foreign language and information technology centers established by the unit; promptly rectify and handle violations when they occur.

3. Publicly disclose the list of foreign language and information technology centers established by the unit, quality commitments, quality assurance conditions, establishment time, and licensed operating locations on the unit's electronic portal for students and society to participate in oversight.

4. Annually, compile and evaluate the operational status of foreign language and information technology centers established by the unit and report to the Department of Education and Training every six months.

Article 29. Responsibilities of organizations and individuals investing in the establishment of foreign language and information technology centers

1. Strictly implement relevant legal provisions concerning the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers; subject to the management of educational administrative agencies.

2. Bear responsibility for the organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers established by the organization; resolve issues related to personnel and students; manage assets, finances, and physical facilities within the scope of their management.

Article 30. Responsibilities of foreign language and information technology centers

1. Strictly implement the provisions of this Regulation and relevant laws.

2. Publicize and be accountable for explaining quality education commitments and actual quality, quality assurance conditions, and financial income and expenditure of the center according to current regulations.

3. Implement record-keeping in accordance with legal provisions.

4. Annually organize mid-term and year-end reviews and report results of center operations to the direct supervisory agency every six months.