Circular No. 44/2026/TT-BGDĐT stipulates the procedures and formalities for drafting, reviewing, promulgating, managing, implementing, and evaluating scientific, technological, and innovation programs of the Ministry of Education and Training.

 

CIRCULAR

Providing for the procedures and formalities for drafting, reviewing, promulgating, managing, implementing, and evaluating science, technology, and innovation programs of the Ministry of Education and Training

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Pursuant to the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation No. 93/2025/QH15;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 37/2025/NĐ-CP dated February 26, 2025, providing for the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

Pursuant to the Government Decree No. 267/2025/NĐ-CP dated October 14, 2025, detailing and guiding certain provisions of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation regarding science, technology, and innovation programs and tasks and certain provisions on promoting scientific research activities, technological development, and innovation;

At the proposal of the Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Information;

The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular providing for the procedures and formalities for drafting, reviewing, promulgating, managing, implementing, and evaluating science, technology, and innovation programs of the Ministry of Education and Training.

Chapter I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

1. This Circular provides for the procedures and formalities for drafting, reviewing, promulgating, managing, implementing, and evaluating science, technology, and innovation programs of the Ministry of Education and Training as prescribed in Clause 3, Article 57 of the Government Decree No. 267/2025/NĐ-CP dated October 14, 2025, detailing and guiding certain provisions of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation regarding science, technology, and innovation programs and tasks and certain provisions on promoting scientific research activities, technological development, and innovation (hereinafter referred to as Decree No. 267/2025/NĐ-CP).

2. This Circular applies to units under the Ministry of Education and Training, higher education institutions, colleges, and research institutes directly under the Ministry of Education and Training, organizations, and individuals selected or directly assigned to head the program and its tasks (hereinafter referred to as organizations and individuals).

3. This Circular does not apply to national universities.

Article 2. Explanation of Terms

In this Circular, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1. Science, technology, and innovation program of the Ministry of Education and Training (hereinafter referred to as the program) is a set of task clusters or chains of science, technology, and innovation tasks (hereinafter referred to as program tasks) within the same field or multiple interdisciplinary fields.

2. Program framework is a document stipulating the name, objectives, main contents, expected products, implementation period of the program.

3. Reviewing the program is the process of selecting and forming the name, objectives, main contents, expected products, evaluation criteria, implementation period, estimated total budget, and sources of funds for the program.

4. Selecting organizations and individuals to head the program is the process of choosing organizations and individuals with appropriate capacity and experience to implement the program through the procurement of the Minister of Education and Training based on the study and evaluation of registration files for selection.

5. Directly assigning organizations and individuals to head the program is the process of designating organizations and individuals with sufficient capacity, conditions, and relevant expertise to implement the program ordered by the Ministry of Education and Training.

6. Procuring the program is the process of the Minister of Education and Training issuing requirements for the program for organizations and individuals to implement through contracts.

7. Program leading organization is the organization selected or directly assigned by the Minister of Education and Training to head the implementation of the program.

8. Organizations and individuals leading program tasks (hereinafter referred to as organizations and individuals leading tasks) are organizations and individuals selected or directly assigned to implement program tasks.

Article 3. Program and Task Codes

1. The program code is recorded as follows: CT-XXXX-Y, where:

a) CT is the common symbol for the program.

b) XXXX is the symbol of the year the program starts.

c) Y is the symbol of the serial number of the organization assigned to head the program.

2. The program task code is recorded as follows: CT-XXXX-Y-Z.

Where Z is a group of characters defining the program task code according to the management regulation of scientific and technological tasks issued by the Minister of Education and Training.

 

3. The implementation period of the program depends on the objectives, contents, and products of the program but shall not exceed five years (60 months). The implementation period of program tasks shall not exceed two years (24 months) and may be extended once but not more than twelve months.

Article 4. Principles of Program Management

1. Implementing in accordance with the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation and related legal regulations; clearly defining the management rights and responsibilities of the Ministry of Education and Training and the leading organization of the program.

2. Ensuring that the program is implemented in accordance with its objectives, contents, schedule, and products ordered by the Minister of Education and Training.

3. Using the program's budget for its intended purpose, effectively, without waste, and in compliance with current state financial management regulations.

Chapter II

MANAGEMENT OF PROGRAMS

Article 5. Tasks of the Department of Science, Technology, and Information

The Minister of Education and Training assigns the Department of Science, Technology, and Information to manage the program and perform the following tasks:

1. Submitting to the Minister of Education and Training for approval the decision to procure the program, the program framework, and program tasks.

2. Compiling the annual plan and budget estimate for program tasks included in the overall plan and budget estimate for science, technology, and innovation.

3. Submitting to the Minister of Education and Training for approval the adjustment of the program's content, products, and implementation schedule based on the consideration of the leading organization's proposals, ensuring compliance with practical requirements and current regulations.

4. Supervising, inspecting, and requesting the leading organization to report periodically or urgently on the implementation of the program in accordance with this Circular.

5. Organizing periodic evaluations of program tasks at least once a year or urgent evaluations to serve as the basis for continuing funding for program task implementation; adjusting task assignment contracts or terminating task implementation in accordance with Article 16 of Government Decree No. 267/2025/NĐ-CP and Article 6 of Circular No. 36/2025/TT-BKHCN dated November 26, 2025, issued by the Minister of Science and Technology, providing for the framework of procedures and formalities for drafting, reviewing, promulgating, managing, implementing science, technology, and innovation programs and regulations on procedures for evaluating, procuring, signing contracts, organizing implementation, terminating implementation, liquidating task assignment contracts, and evaluating science, technology, and innovation tasks.

6. Guiding mid-term, final, and outcome effectiveness evaluations of the program.

Article 6. Steering Committee of the Program

1. The Steering Committee of the Program shall be established by the Minister of Education and Training, consisting of 03 or 05 members, including the Chairperson and other members, based on the proposal of the main organizing body of the program, to assist the Minister of Education and Training in organizing and implementing the program.

2. Members of the Steering Committee of the Program must meet the following conditions:

a) Having led at least 01 scientific, technological, and innovation task at the ministry level, international cooperation task in science, technology, and innovation, or equivalent tasks that have been evaluated within the last 05 years from the date of proposing to join the Steering Committee of the Program;

b) Possessing professional qualifications and research experience in the field of science of the program;

c) Having good health to complete the tasks of the program;

d) Age for work according to current regulations;

đ) Ensuring sufficient time for managing the program activities;

e) Not having overdue scientific, technological, and innovation tasks at various levels that have not yet been assessed or evaluated at the time of proposing to join the Steering Committee of the Program.

3. The Chairperson of the Program must meet the following requirements:

a) Meeting the conditions stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article;

b) Being the author of at least 05 publications in reputable international scientific journals, including at least 03 publications in the WoS/Scopus category ranked Q1 or Q2 for social sciences and humanities; WoS category ranked Q1 or Q2 for other fields;

c) Meeting one of the following conditions:

Having participated in managing scientific, technological, and innovation programs at the ministry level or equivalent;

Having participated in managing scientific, technological, and innovation programs in cooperation with foreign countries;

Having led and completed at least 01 national-level or equivalent project with satisfactory results;

Having participated in managing scientific, technological, and innovation activities from the university level or equivalent.

4. Tasks of the Steering Committee of the Program:

a) Cooperating with the main organizing body of the program and related organizations and individuals to propose and select tasks of the program; members of the Steering Committee may participate in or lead tasks of the program;

b) Leading and cooperating with the main organizing body to supervise, urge, inspect, and periodically evaluate the implementation results of the program's tasks (during the period, mid-term, and final term); proposing necessary adjustments regarding the content, products, progress, and individuals leading and participating in the implementation of the program's tasks;

c) Cooperating with the main organizing body of the program to build reports (during the period, mid-term, final term, and ad hoc as required) on the implementation results of the program to send to the Science, Technology, and Information Department; recommending handling violations by the organizing bodies and individuals of the program's tasks (if any) during the implementation process.

Article 7. Responsibilities of the main organizing body of the program and the organizing bodies and individuals leading the program's tasks

1. Responsibilities of the main organizing body of the program:

a) Approving the Operation Regulations of the Steering Committee of the Program proposed by the Steering Committee of the Program;

b) Organizing the implementation of the program;

c) Bearing responsibility for the progress and results of the program's implementation;

d) Submitting written recommendations to the Science, Technology, and Information Department about adjusting the content, products, progress, chairperson, and members of the Steering Committee of the Program in accordance with actual needs and current regulations;

đ) Updating full information, data, evaluation reports on the online public service portal or corresponding information system according to the Ministry of Education and Training's regulations;

e) Implementing reporting systems as prescribed; providing full information to supervisory agencies for monitoring, inspection, and audit of the program;

g) Managing allocated funds and settling accounts for program implementation expenses according to current regulations;

h) Mobilizing additional legal funds to implement the program;

i) Fulfilling other tasks related to the program assigned by the Minister of Education and Training.

2. Responsibilities of the organizing bodies leading the program's tasks:

a) Organizing the implementation of the program's tasks;

b) Bearing responsibility for the content, progress, and results of the program's task implementation;

c) Being subject to inspection and supervision of the program's task implementation;

d) Submitting written recommendations for adjusting the content, products, progress, leading individuals, and participants in the program's tasks based on the Steering Committee of the Program's recommendations;

đ) Managing allocated funds, submitting to competent authorities for approval of tender selection plans; organizing bidding, procurement, and management of equipment for the task according to current regulations;

e) Fully implementing periodic reporting on the implementation status of the program's tasks and final settlement reports with competent authorities.

3. Responsibilities of the Chairperson of the program's tasks:

a) Organizing the implementation of the task strictly according to the content and schedule recorded in the task implementation contract; complying with management agency requirements for task implementation inspections; proposing adjustments to the content, products, progress, and participants in the program's task implementation to the Steering Committee of the Program and the organizing body of the task;

b) Ensuring the authenticity of the program's task implementation results;

c) Building comprehensive and summary reports on the implementation of the program's tasks; submitting the implementation results report and fully delivering the task's products after the final evaluation according to regulations;

d) Using funds for their intended purposes, in compliance with regulations, effectively according to the task contract and task description; settling accounts for funds according to current regulations;

đ) Inspecting and urging organizations and individuals participating in the implementation of the task; reporting on the implementation status of the program's tasks every six months, annually, and ad hoc as required by competent authorities;

e) Implementing the publication, submission, and transfer of research results of the task according to current regulations.

Chapter III

PROCEDURES FOR BUILDING AND ISSUING THE PROGRAM

Article 8. Procedures and formalities for developing and promulgating programs

1. Organizations and individuals shall base on the provisions of Article 9 of this Circular to develop programs and submit them to the Science, Technology and Information Department for review.

2. Within thirty days from the date of receiving complete files in accordance with Clause 1 of Article 10 of this Circular, the Ministry of Education and Training shall organize the review of the program; select organizations or individuals directly to implement the program. The review, selection, or direct assignment shall be conducted through a review board, a selection board, a direct assignment board, or through written opinions of relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals. The Minister of Education and Training shall decide to establish the review board, selection board, and direct assignment board; the composition includes representatives of related units within the ministry and experts with appropriate expertise.

3. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the conclusion of the selection or direct assignment board, the selected or directly assigned organization or individual shall be responsible for preparing a report explaining, incorporating opinions, perfecting the program file, and submitting it to the Science, Technology and Information Department.

4. Within fifteen days from the date of receiving the explanatory report, incorporated opinions, and the completed program file, the Minister of Education and Training shall examine, approve, and promulgate the program.

Article 9. Basis for proposing programs

Programs shall be proposed based on one of the following grounds:

1. Strategies for the development of the education sector, strategies for the development of science, technology, and innovation, national economic and social development strategies, and strategies for the development of sectors and fields.

2. Priority orientations of the sector and the country at each stage.

3. Requirements of the Party, State, and the Ministry of Education and Training regarding urgent issues of the sector and the country.

4. Orders from organizations, individuals, and enterprises.

5. Guidelines for annual and five-year plans for scientific and technological development and innovation issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Education and Training.

6. Trends in education and training development in the region and worldwide.

Article 10. Criteria for reviewing programs

Programs must meet the following criteria:

1. The objectives of the program aim to address important issues in enhancing the quality of education and training; developing priority areas of science, technology, and innovation; contributing to solving urgent socio-economic issues.

2. The content of the program includes scientific, technological, and innovative tasks that are directly and indirectly related in terms of expertise and consistent with the program's objectives; feasible and not overlapping in content with ongoing scientific, technological, and innovative tasks.

3. The scientific, technological, and innovative products of the program are aimed at serving one of the major directions: Developing the scientific, technological, and innovative capacity of certain fields over a five-year or ten-year period; developing priority and strategic technologies; developing key and main products, strategic technology products of the country, or serving the objectives of the education sector. The results of the program must demonstrate novelty, high commercialization potential, application value, and meet the program's objectives. Research results have the potential to establish intellectual property rights, link to the market, postgraduate training, prioritize full-time doctoral training, promote international publication, and have clear application addresses.

4. Resources for implementing the program's tasks include human resources, material infrastructure, the ability to mobilize other necessary resources to implement the program, and the ability to coordinate with domestic and foreign organizations and individuals.

Article 11. Proposing Programs

1. Based on the grounds for proposing programs stipulated in Article 9 of this Circular, organizations and individuals shall proactively propose programs that meet the criteria set out in Article 10 of this Circular and submit them to the Science, Technology and Information Department.

2. The content of the program proposal includes: Program name, urgency, objectives, content, expected products, evaluation indicators, implementation time, total budget estimate, and funding sources.

3. The program proposal file includes:

a) A request for review document from the proposing organization or individual;

b) Draft of the scientific, technological, and innovation program (Form 01).

4. The program proposal for review shall be submitted as a single electronic file containing all original documents. The submitted program proposal can be replaced or supplemented within the prescribed timeframe. Supplemental documents are part of the file.

5. The Science, Technology and Information Department shall compile proposals that meet the criteria set out in Article 10 of this Circular and organize the review of programs and the selection of organizations and individuals to implement the programs.

6. Units under the Ministry of Education and Training shall proactively or upon the request of the Minister of Education and Training propose new programs with significant impact on the development of the education sector and the national economy and society.

Article 12. Review Board for Programs

1. The review board for programs shall be established by the Minister of Education and Training to advise the Minister on reviewing program proposals.

2. The review board for programs shall consist of seven, nine, or eleven members, including the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, two (2) opposing members, a scientific secretary member, and other members. Members of the review board for programs are experts in science, technology, and innovation, management officials with high professional qualifications and extensive experience in the field of the program's science.

3. Individuals in the following cases shall not participate in the review board for programs:

a) Individuals who have registered to participate in implementing the program;

b) Individuals belonging to organizations that have registered to lead the program.

4. Responsibilities of members of the review board for programs:

a) Provide written comments on the registration file for participating in the program review;

b) Evaluate honestly, objectively, and fairly; bear personal responsibility for the evaluation results and collective responsibility for the review board's final conclusion;

c) Members of the review board for programs, independent experts (if any), and administrative secretaries have the responsibility to keep confidential information related to the program review process;

d) Independently score according to evaluation criteria groups and point scales.

5. The meeting procedures of the review board for programs shall be carried out in accordance with the guidance in Form 02.

6. Working methods of the review board for programs:

a) The meeting of the review board for programs must have at least two-thirds of the members present, including the presence of the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson and at least one (1) opposing member. In case the Chairperson is absent, there must be a written authorization for the Vice-Chairperson to chair the meeting;

b) The administrative secretary has the responsibility to send meeting materials to board members at least ten (10) days before the review board meeting;

c) Members of the review board for programs provide comments on the program file (Form 03). Written opinions of absent members only have reference value;

d) The conclusion of the review board for programs is adopted when at least two-thirds of the present members agree. Members of the review board for programs may reserve their opinion if it differs from the board's conclusion;

đ) The Science, Technology and Information Department assigns two (2) specialists as administrative secretaries to assist in preparing materials and organizing meetings of the review board for programs.

7. Results of the program review:

a) The program review results are implemented through the voting process of the review board for programs (Form 04). The results are compiled into the Voting Record (Form 05);

b) The program is approved when at least two-thirds of the present members vote in favor of its implementation. The review board for programs discusses specifically to vote unanimously on recommendations to amend the program's name, objectives, main content, expected products, implementation time, and other related contents;

c) The review board for programs discusses specifically and agrees on reasons for not implementing the program that does not meet the criteria;

d) Contents implemented at points b and c of this clause are recorded in the Meeting Minutes of the review board for programs (Form 06).

8. Based on the Meeting Minutes of the review board for programs, the Science, Technology and Information Department compiles a list of programs (Form 07) to be submitted to the Minister of Education and Training for consideration and decision on the list of programs to be put up for selection or direct assignment. In case of necessity, the Minister of Education and Training may instruct the Science, Technology and Information Department to organize consultations with independent experts before making the order list decision.

9. The Science, Technology and Information Department is responsible for publicly announcing the list of ordered programs to be put up for selection on the Ministry's website.

Article 13. Principles for Selecting and Directly Assigning Organizations and Individuals to Lead Programs

1. General Principles:

a) Selection and direct assignment must ensure transparency, fairness, democracy, and objectivity; the results of selection and direct assignment must be publicly announced on the Ministry's electronic portal or other mass media, except for tasks related to state secrets and special purposes serving national security and defense;

b) The application files of organizations and individuals leading programs for participation in selection and direct assignment shall be evaluated through a selection and direct assignment council established by the Minister of Education and Training;

c) The Minister of Education and Training decides to select organizations and individuals to implement programs based on the advisory opinions of the selection and direct assignment council. In necessary cases, the Minister of Education and Training may instruct the Department of Science, Technology, and Information to organize consultations with independent experts before making a decision.

2. Principles for Selection:

a) Comply with the general principles stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Selection shall be applied to department-level programs where many organizations and individuals have the ability to participate in implementation;

c) A list of department-level programs, conditions, and procedures for participating in selection shall be publicly announced on the Ministry's electronic portal or other mass media so that organizations and individuals can prepare their application files for selection.

3. Principles for Direct Assignment:

a) Comply with the general principles stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Programs using budget funds from the Ministry of Education and Training’s science, technology, and innovation expenses shall be directly assigned according to Clause 2 of Article 16 of the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation 2025;

c) The Minister of Education and Training selects organizations and individuals who meet the required conditions to directly assign them to implement the program.

Article 14. Application Files for Selecting and Directly Assigning Organizations and Individuals Leading Programs

1. The program file includes:

a) A detailed description of the program including the following main contents: urgency, objectives, content, expected products, evaluation criteria; feasibility, novelty, commercialization potential, and impact of the program (Form 08).

b) Scientific curriculum vitae of the Program Leader and members of the Program Steering Committee (Form 09);

c) Documentation of material resources to organize the implementation of the program (Form 10);

d) Confirmation letter from the collaborating unit (if any) (Form 11).

2. The program application file for selection and direct assignment shall be submitted as one electronic file containing the original application file documents. Submissions already made can be replaced or amended within the prescribed time limit. Supplementary documents are part of the application file.

Article 15. Criteria and Scoring Scale for Evaluating Application Files for Selecting and Directly Assigning Organizations and Individuals Leading Programs

Application files for selecting and directly assigning organizations and individuals to implement programs will be scored out of a maximum of 100 points based on the following criteria and scoring scale:

1. Urgency of the program (maximum 10 points).

2. Objectives of the program (maximum 10 points).

3. Research content and progress of the program (maximum 15 points).

4. Products of the program (maximum 30 points).

5. Effectiveness, methods of transferring research results, applicability, and anticipated impact (maximum 10 points).

6. Implementation capacity (maximum 10 points).

7. Reasonableness and feasibility of the plan to mobilize non-budgetary funds from the Ministry of Education and Training’s science, technology, and innovation expenses to implement the program (maximum 10 points).

8. Bonus points (for organizations proposing the program) (maximum 5 points).

Article 16. Council for Selecting and Directly Assigning Organizations and Individuals Leading Programs

1. The Minister of Education and Training establishes the council for selecting and directly assigning organizations and individuals leading programs.

2. The council for selecting and directly assigning programs consists of seven, nine, or eleven members, including at least half of whom have participated in the program review council, comprising the Chair, Vice-Chair, two (02) opposing members, scientific secretary member, and other members. Members of the council for selecting and directly assigning programs are experts in science, technology, and innovation, and experienced management officials from relevant fields of the program.

3. Individuals in the following cases are not allowed to join the council for selecting and directly assigning programs:

a) Individuals who apply to lead or participate in implementing the program;

b) Individuals belonging to organizations applying to lead the program.

4. Responsibilities of council members for selecting and directly assigning programs:

a) Provide written comments on each application file for participation in selection and direct assignment;

b) Evaluate honestly, objectively, and fairly; bear individual responsibility for the evaluation results and collective responsibility for the council's final conclusion;

c) Council members for selecting and directly assigning programs, experts (if any), and administrative secretaries are responsible for keeping confidential information related to the evaluation process of application files for selection and direct assignment;

d) Score independently according to the evaluation criteria groups and scoring scale.

5. The meeting procedure of the council for selecting and directly assigning programs is carried out according to the guidelines in Form 12.

6. Working method of the council for selecting and directly assigning programs:

a) The council for selecting and directly assigning programs' meeting must have at least two-thirds of its members present, including the presence of the Chair or Vice-Chair and at least one (01) opposing member. In case the Chair is absent, there must be a written authorization for the Vice-Chair to chair the meeting;

b) The administrative secretary is responsible for sending meeting materials to council members at least ten (10) days before the council for selecting and directly assigning programs' meeting;

c) Council members for selecting and directly assigning programs provide comments on the program application file (Form 13). Written opinions of absent members only serve as references;

d) The council for selecting and directly assigning programs' concluding opinion is adopted when at least two-thirds of the present members agree. Council members for selecting and directly assigning programs may request to reserve their opinion if it differs from the council's conclusion;

e) The Department of Science, Technology, and Information assigns two (02) specialists to serve as administrative secretaries to assist in preparing materials and organizing council meetings for selecting and directly assigning programs.

7. Results of Selection and Direct Assignment of Programs:

a) The results of selecting and directly assigning organizations and individuals leading programs are implemented through voting to evaluate program application files by the council for selecting and directly assigning programs (Form 14). The results are compiled into the Minutes of Voting (Form 15);

b) An organization or individual is selected and directly assigned to lead a program when at least two-thirds of the council for selecting and directly assigning programs' members present vote "to implement." The council for selecting and directly assigning programs discusses specifically to vote unanimously on recommendations to amend the name, objectives, main content, expected products, implementation period, and other related contents of the program;

c) The council for selecting and directly assigning programs discusses specifically and agrees on reasons for not implementing the program for organizations and individuals leading programs that are not selected and directly assigned;

d) Contents implemented under Points b and c of this clause are recorded in the Minutes of the council for selecting and directly assigning programs (Form 16).

Article 17. Independent Consultant Experts

1. An independent consultant expert is a person with a university degree or higher, possessing competence and experience in the relevant field of consultancy. An independent consultant expert may be either domestic or foreign.

2. The Minister of Education and Training decides on the selection of independent consultant experts. The number of independent consultant experts for a program must be at least three (03) persons.

3. The Minister of Education and Training assigns the Science, Technology and Information Department to organize the solicitation of opinions from independent consultant experts in the following cases:

a) When the selection committee for direct assignment programs does not reach consensus on the results of the selection or direct assignment;

b) When the selection committee for direct assignment programs violates regulations concerning the selection or direct assignment of programs;

c) When there are complaints or reports related to the activities and conclusions of the selection committee for direct assignment programs.

4. The Science, Technology and Information Department sends documents to independent consultant experts according to Article 14 of this Circular.

5. Responsibilities of independent consultant experts:

a) Analyze, evaluate, and provide opinions on registration files for participation in the selection or direct assignment of programs as stipulated in Article 15 of this Circular;

b) Maintain confidentiality of evaluation information and complete advisory reports, submitting them to the Science, Technology and Information Department;

c) Shall not contact or exchange information with organizations participating in the selection or direct assignment of programs during the period they are invited for independent consultation. If there is a violation, the consultation results will not be recognized.

Article 18. Decision on Selection and Direct Assignment of Organizations and Individuals to Lead Programs and Approval and Issuance of Program Frameworks

1. The results of the meeting of the selection committee for direct assignment of organizations and individuals leading programs shall be notified to organizations and individuals who have registered to participate in the selection or direct assignment of leading programs after the end of the session to complete their files and report to the Science, Technology and Information Department (Form 17).

 

2. The Minister of Education and Training reviews and decides on the selection and direct assignment of organizations and individuals leading programs and approves and issues the Program Framework (Form 18). In necessary cases, the Minister of Education and Training may seek the opinion of independent experts before making a decision.

3. The Science, Technology and Information Department is responsible for publicly announcing the organizations and individuals selected through the direct assignment decision to lead programs on the Ministry of Education and Training's electronic portal.

4. The Minister of Education and Training assigns the Director of the Science, Technology and Information Department to approve the program description.

Chapter IV

ORGANIZATION OF BUILDING AND MANAGING TASKS OF THE PROGRAM

Article 19. Determination, Examination of Financial Support, Ordering Tasks, and Selection of Organizations and Individuals Leading Tasks of the Program

1. The Minister of Education and Training assigns the Science, Technology and Information Department to organize the determination, examination of financial support, and ordering tasks of the program based on the proposal of the program leading organization according to current regulations.

2. The organization of the selection of organizations and individuals leading tasks of the program shall be carried out according to the provisions of current management documents for scientific and technological tasks and innovation of the Ministry of Education and Training and other related documents.

3. In necessary cases, the Science, Technology and Information Department invites at least three (03) independent consultant experts to re-examine the results of the selection of organizations and individuals leading tasks of the program.

Article 20. Review of Content and Budget of Program Tasks

1. The Science, Technology and Information Department organizes the review of the content and budget of program tasks according to the provisions.

2. The review results shall be notified to organizations and individuals who have registered for the selection or direct assignment to lead program tasks to complete the task descriptions of the program.

3. The Science, Technology and Information Department submits the program tasks for the Minister of Education and Training to consider and approve for implementation.

Article 21. Allocation of Ministry Codes for Programs and Program Tasks Not Using the Ministry of Education and Training’s Scientific and Technological Affairs and Innovation Budget

1. Programs and program tasks not using the Ministry of Education and Training’s scientific and technological affairs and innovation budget proposed by organizations and individuals leading the program must meet the criteria set forth in Article 10 of this Circular to be allocated a ministry code from the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. The Minister of Education and Training establishes a program review board.

3. The Minister of Education and Training considers and decides to issue the program based on the recommendation of the program review board. In necessary cases, the Minister of Education and Training assigns the Science, Technology and Information Department to organize the solicitation of opinions from independent experts before approving the program.

4. Based on the approved program, the head of the program leading organization submits the program task proposals to the Science, Technology and Information Department.

5. The Science, Technology and Information Department organizes the review of program tasks not using the Ministry of Education and Training’s scientific and technological affairs and innovation budget according to current regulations. The program leading organization conducts the selection of organizations and individuals leading program tasks; reviews the content and budget for implementing program tasks according to regulations.

6. The costs for organizing the construction of programs and program tasks specified in this Article shall be borne by the proposing organizations and individuals according to current regulations.

Chapter V

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM

Article 22. Signing Contracts to Implement Program Tasks

1. The Minister of Education and Training assigns the Director of the Science, Technology and Information Department to sign contracts (Form 19) and terminate contracts (Form 20) to implement program tasks. The program leading organization and the organization leading program tasks are responsible to the Minister of Education and Training for the content and results of contract implementation.

2. In cases where the program and program tasks undergo adjustments, the adjustment document issued by the competent authority shall be part of the contract.

Article 23. Inspection and Evaluation of the Implementation of the Program and Tasks

1. The Head of the Task of the program shall be responsible for reporting periodically annually or unexpectedly on the implementation of the program's tasks to the Steering Board of the program and the main organizing entity of the program.

2. The main organizing entity of the program and the main organizing entity or individual of the program's task shall cooperate with the Steering Board of the program to report to the Science, Technology and Information Department on the implementation of the program and its tasks (Form 21) before December 15th each year.

3. In case of emergency, the main organizing entity of the program and the main organizing entity or individual of the program's task shall report on the implementation of the task according to the requirements.

4. The Science, Technology and Information Department shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to inspect the situation and results of the implementation of the program and its tasks regularly or unexpectedly. The inspection record shall be prepared according to Form 22.

Article 24. Adjustment of Content, Budget Estimate, and Implementation Schedule

1. The main organizing entity of the program and the Head of the Task of the program may proactively adjust the budget estimate among assigned expenditure items within the total allocated budget estimate based on work requirements and current regulations.

2. The Minister of Education and Training shall consider and decide on the adjustment of the program's contents based on the recommendations of the Steering Board of the program, the head of the main organizing entity of the program, and the opinions of the Science, Technology and Information Department, including the following contents:

a) For the program: The main organizing entity of the program, the Steering Board of the program; name, content, time, and progress of implementing the program;

b) For the task of the program: The main organizing entity of the program's task; name, content of implementing the program's task;

c) Approved budget estimate for non-budgeted expenditure items in the program's task.

3. The Minister of Education and Training assigns The Director of the Science, Technology and Information Department to review and adjust the Head of the Task, members participating in the task, time, and progress of implementing the program's task.

4. The adjustments stipulated in Clause 2 and Clause 3 of this Article shall not change the objectives and products of the program.

5. Documents related to the adjustments are part of the contract for implementing the program and its task.

6. Programs and tasks of the program that are not completed or violate the provisions on public information shall be handled in accordance with the law on budget allocation for implementing scientific and technological tasks and innovation using state budget funds.

Article 25. Evaluation of the Results of Implementing the Program's Task and the Program

1. The evaluation of the results of implementing the program's task shall be carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Education and Training's regulations on managing scientific and technological tasks and innovation.

2. The evaluation of the results of implementing the program shall be conducted in two stages: mid-term evaluation and final evaluation.

a) The main organizing entity of the program shall organize the evaluation of the program's implementation at least once a year, mid-term or unexpectedly as required, and report the evaluation results to the Minister of Education and Training.

b) The main organizing entity of the program shall organize the final evaluation of the program, with participation from representatives of the Science, Technology and Information Department, related units (if any), Heads and members implementing the program's task, organizations and individuals related to the program; and report the evaluation results to the Minister of Education and Training.

3. Final evaluation files and evaluation files of the program's output results include:

a) Final summary report and brief report on the implementation of the program according to the model (Form 23);

b) Report on scientific, technological, and innovative products of the program;

c) Detailed program description, Program framework;

d) Confirmation documents and related materials regarding publication, release, acceptance, and utilization of research results (if any);

đ) Report on the use of program funds;

e) Mid-term and final evaluation reports on the program's implementation results;

g) Other documents (if any).

Article 26. Management and Utilization of the Results of the Program's Tasks

1. The main organizing entity of the program shall be responsible for managing, utilizing, and transferring the results of the program's tasks in accordance with the law. Intellectual property rights and usage rights of the program's task results shall be implemented in accordance with the law on science, technology, innovation, and intellectual property.

2. Registration and retention of scientific, technological, and innovative task results; reporting on the application of scientific, technological, and innovative task results shall be carried out in accordance with current laws.

 

Chapter VI

FINANCE OF THE PROGRAM

Article 27. Funding for the Program

Funding for the program includes:

1. State budget from the science, technology, and innovation operating fund of the Ministry of Education and Training.

2. Legal funding, grants, contributions from organizations, individuals, and other legal sources as prescribed by law.

Article 28. Expenditure Items of the Program

1. Expenditure for implementing the program's tasks shall be carried out in accordance with current regulations.

2. Common program expenses include expenditures for meetings of the Steering Board, conferences, scientific seminars, periodic, mid-term, and final evaluations or unexpected evaluations, report preparation, inspections, travel expenses, etc., as prescribed. Funds for councils established by the head of the main organizing entity of the program can be sourced from the legal income of the main organizing entity of the program.

3. For programs not using the state budget from the science, technology, and innovation operating fund of the Ministry of Education and Training, the expenditure items and levels shall be determined according to the regulations of the main organizing entity of the program and the organizations or individuals providing funds in accordance with the law.

Article 29. Preparation of Budget Estimates for the Program and Its Tasks

1. Annually, based on the tasks and financial needs of the program and its tasks, the main organizing entity of the program shall compile the funds and budget estimates for the science, technology, and innovation operating fund of the main organizing entity and submit them to the Science, Technology and Information Department for consolidation and submission to the competent authority for approval in accordance with regulations.

2. Expenses for common program activities shall be implemented at the main organizing entity of the program in accordance with financial management regulations. The Science, Technology and Information Department shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant units to review, approve plans and funds for common program activities.

3. Based on the annual budget estimate approved by the competent authority, the Science, Technology and Information Department shall coordinate with relevant units to submit to the Minister of Education and Training for approval of the budget estimate for state budget expenditures for the main organizing entities of the program and its tasks.

Article 30. Finalizing the Program Budget

1. Annually, the organizing body of the program shall be responsible for reporting the finalization of the budget to the Program Steering Committee and the Department of Planning and Finance, the Science, Technology and Information Agency, Ministry of Education and Training. The examination and approval of the program budget finalization shall be carried out in accordance with current regulations.

2. Expenditure vouchers of the program and its tasks shall be managed and stored in accordance with current regulations; the organizing body of the program and the organizing body of the program's tasks shall be responsible for the legality and validity of the vouchers within their management scope.

Article 31. Assets of the Program

1. Procurement of materials, equipment, and working tools to serve the activities of the program and its tasks shall be carried out in accordance with current regulations.

2. The organizing body of the program's tasks shall be responsible for monitoring, managing, and handling assets formed through the implementation of tasks using state budget funds in accordance with current laws.

Chapter VII

IMPLEMENTATION PROVISIONS

Article 32. Implementation Provisions

1. This Circular takes effect from July 25, 2026, and replaces Circular No. 09/2018/TT-BGDĐT dated March 30, 2018 issued by the Minister of Education and Training on the Management of the Ministry of Education and Training’s Sectoral Scientific and Technological Programs. 2. Sectoral scientific and technological programs currently under review but not yet approved shall continue to be implemented according to this Circular from the date it becomes effective.

3. Sectoral scientific and technological programs that have been approved and are being implemented before the date this Circular takes effect shall continue to be implemented according to Circular No. 09/2018/TT-BGDĐT dated March 30, 2018

issued by the Minister of Education and Training on the Management of the Ministry of Education and Training’s Sectoral Scientific and Technological Programs. 4. During the implementation process, if the legal normative documents cited as the basis for application in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced, they shall be applied according to those amended, supplemented, or replaced documents.

Article 33. Responsibility for Implementation

1. The heads of the organizing bodies of the program and its tasks shall be fully responsible to the Minister of Education and Training for organizing the implementation in accordance with the provisions of this Circular; if any violations occur, they will be subject to responsibility assessment and handling in accordance with the regulations.

2. The Director of the Office, the Director of the Science, Technology and Information Agency, the Director of the Department of Planning and Finance, the heads of units under and affiliated with the Ministry of Education and Training, related organizations and individuals shall be responsible for implementing this Circular.

Place of Receipt: