Circular No. 33/2026/TT-BGDĐT Issuing the Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam

CIRCULAR

Issuing the Framework for Foreign Language Competence for Vietnam

            Based on Law No. 43/2019/QH14, amended and supplemented by Law No. 123/2025/QH15 amending and supplementing certain provisions of the Education Law;

      Based on the Vocational Education Law No. 124/2025/QH15;

      Based on the Higher Education Law No. 125/2025/QH15;

      Based on Decree No. 37/2025/NĐ-CP dated February 26, 2025 of the Government regulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

      Based on Decision No. 1982/QĐ-TTg dated October 18, 2016 of the Prime Minister approving the National Qualification Framework of Vietnam;

      In accordance with the proposal by the Director of the Quality Management Department;

      The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular on the Framework for Foreign Language Competence for Vietnam.

Article 1. Scope of Application and Applicable Subjects

1. Attached to this Circular is the Framework for Foreign Language Competence for Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as: FFLCVN).

2. This Circular applies to educational institutions; foreign language training programs, foreign language training institutions, and foreign language learners in the national education system; relevant organizations and individuals.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

1. Multilingualism is the ability to communicate in multiple foreign languages with people using different languages.

2. Specialized vocabulary refers to a set of words with special meanings used in specific contexts, often carrying a stronger connotation than idioms.

3. Intercultural competence is the skill of communication that demonstrates appropriateness and subtlety in interacting with people from different cultures.

4. Language A is the language that the speaker uses first and most frequently.

5. Language B is the language used as a foreign language by the user.

6. Target language is the language being focused on for proficiency, or the language of the text to be translated.

7. Register refers to the tone of voice depending on social context (e.g., formal, informal...).

8. Dialect is a local variety of a national language used by a community in a specific geographic region or social group.

9. Real-time online discussion is an activity of chatting through online channels with direct interaction.

Article 3. Purpose of the Framework for Foreign Language Competence for Vietnam

1. To serve as a unified basis for requirements on language competence for all foreign languages taught in the national education system.

2. To provide a foundation for educational institutions, agencies, and organizations to research, refer to, and apply in developing programs, compiling or selecting textbooks, teaching plans, examination plans, evaluation of foreign language competence at each level of education, training levels, ensuring continuity in foreign language training across different levels of education and training.

3. To serve as a basis for teachers and lecturers to select and implement content, methods of teaching, assessment, and evaluation, and standards of achievement so that learners meet the requirements of the training program.

4. To help learners understand the content and requirements for each level of foreign language competence and self-assess their own abilities.

5. To facilitate cooperation, exchange in education, recognition of diplomas, and certificates with countries applying the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

6. To serve as a basis for recognizing levels of foreign language proficiency certificates from abroad that are equivalent to the levels of the Framework for Foreign Language Competence for Vietnam for use in admission and training at different levels of higher education.

Article 4. Implementation

1. State management agencies for education shall develop and implement the Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam in accordance with their assigned functions and tasks.

2. Educational institutions shall exercise professional and academic autonomy to develop and promote educational programs, based on which they shall, in accordance with the provisions of the Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, conduct research, supplement, update curricula, instructional materials, and ensure necessary conditions in line with directives and guidelines from higher-level management agencies and current laws.

3. For countries with languages not belonging to the Latin script that have established their own language proficiency frameworks, they shall follow the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Training on applying and equivalently converting such frameworks to the Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam.

Article 5. Enforceability

1. This Circular takes effect from May 31, 2026.

2. This Circular replaces Circular No. 01/2014/TT-BGDĐT dated January 24, 2014, which issued the Foreign Language Proficiency Framework of Six Levels for Vietnam by the Minister of Education and Training.

3. Educational training programs, assessment programs currently being implemented under Circular No. 01/2014/TT-BGDĐT dated January 24, 2014, may continue to be used until December 31, 2027.

Article 6. Enforcement Responsibilities

The Director of the Office, Director of the Quality Management Bureau, Heads of relevant units under the Ministry of Education and Training; Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and municipalities directly under the Central Government; Directors of Departments of Education and Training; Directors of universities, academies, and Principals of colleges, universities, and higher education institutions shall be responsible for enforcing this Circular.