Ho Chi Minh City Prohibits Establishment of Class and School Funds

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Education and Training has issued guidelines to districts, communes, and public and private educational institutions regarding tuition fees and other charges for the 2026-2027 academic year. Notably, the guidelines explicitly prohibit the establishment of "class funds" and "school funds" by parent representative committees. This move is understood to aim at curbing opaque fundraising practices and excessive burdens on parents within educational settings. Under Vietnam's one-party system led by the Communist Party, education policies are implemented under the guidance of the central and local governments. In recent years, as the economy has grown, investment in education has also tended to increase. However, challenges concerning educational quality and equity have also been pointed out. In urban areas, in particular, it has been customary to solicit donations and establish funds to enhance school operations and educational activities. This notification from Ho Chi Minh City can be interpreted as an effort to foster a more transparent and equitable educational environment. While voluntary donations from parents will still be permitted, organized fund establishment will be restricted. This reinforces the principle that educational institutions should be operated with public funds and legitimate financial resources. The Vietnamese government is pursuing policies that balance economic development with the promotion of a socialist-oriented market economy, and the education sector is no exception. Improving the educational standards of the populace is considered a crucial pillar in the nation's long-term development strategy. The future impact of these measures on the operation of educational institutions remains to be seen.