Many Vietnamese choose to study abroad to enhance their qualifications and expand career opportunities. However, upon returning to Vietnam, many face challenges in having their degrees recognized. To avoid unnecessary complications, thoroughly understanding the process and requirements for recognizing foreign degrees is crucial.

I. What is the Recognition of Foreign Degrees for Use in Vietnam?

Recognition of foreign degrees is the process of assessing the educational qualifications of degree holders based on the education system of the degree-issuing country and determining their equivalence with the educational levels defined in Vietnam’s National Qualification Framework. This process ensures that your degree has legal value and is acknowledged for use in Vietnam.

II. Conditions for Recognizing Foreign Degrees for Use in Vietnam

Degrees issued by foreign educational institutions are recognized if the educational program meets the following conditions:

The program duration aligns with Vietnam’s National Education System Framework, and it fulfills one of these two conditions:

• The educational program is accredited by the education quality assurance organization in the country where the foreign educational institution is headquartered.
• The foreign educational institution is authorized by the competent education authority in its home country to conduct training and issue degrees or has been accredited for education quality by the respective organization.

In addition, a diploma issued by a foreign educational institution operating in another country where the educational institution has its headquarters (including Vietnam), in addition to meeting the above regulations, is recognized when the educational institution is permitted by the competent educational authorities of the two countries to open a branch, to provide training or to approve cooperation and joint training; to conduct training activities according to the license.

For diplomas issued by foreign educational institutions to learners in the form of online training, direct training combined with online training, it is recognized when it meets the regulations in condition (1) and one of the following two conditions:

• The training program is licensed by the Ministry of Education and Training to be trained in Vietnam when the learner resides and studies in Vietnam;
• The training program is licensed by the competent educational authority of the country where the training is organized when the learner resides and studies in that country.

The recognition of diplomas granted by foreign educational institutions to learners affected by war, natural disasters, epidemics, fires and other force majeure events shall be decided by the Minister of Education and Training.

III. Which Foreign Degrees are Recognized for Use in Vietnam?

• The Director General of the Department of Quality Management under MoET recognizes bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, as well as equivalent qualifications.
• The Director of the Department of Education and Training recognizes lower secondary school diplomas, high school diplomas, and certificates of completing general education programs.

IV. Cases Exempted from Foreign Degree Recognition Procedures in Vietnam

Foreign degrees are automatically recognized for use in Vietnam without requiring recognition procedures in the following cases:

• Degrees issued by foreign institutions covered under agreements or treaties on equivalence or mutual recognition of qualifications signed by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, as announced by MoET.
• Degrees issued to students sent abroad for study by MoET using state budget funding.
• Degrees issued by foreign institutions through joint training programs in Vietnam approved by competent authorities from the effective date of the revised Higher Education Law (Law No. 34/2018/QH14 dated November 19, 2018).

V. Conditions for Foreign Degrees to Be Exempted from Recognition Procedures

Foreign degrees are exempted from recognition procedures if they meet the following criteria:

• The degree title complies with Vietnam’s national education system regulations.
• The program duration and admission requirements align with MoET regulations.
• The training is conducted in-person or in a blended format, where the online component does not exceed 30% of the program’s total duration.

Exemption from recognition procedures does not include verification of degrees; employers, organizations, or institutions are responsible for verifying degrees when necessary.

VI. About Us, Hankuk Law Firm

■ Hankuk Law Firm – Introduction

The goal of the legal services provided by HANKUK LAW FIRM is to support businesses, investors, and people. Our organization employs skilled Korean lawyers, partners, and professionals to provide legal services to businesses related to corporations and litigation.

To support the startup process, our lawyers and staff provide a wide range of services, including business law consulting, tax and immigration law consulting, real estate services, business consulting, marketing and communications, human resources, product distribution, franchise options, etc. We provide expert advice on every aspect of your business needs.

To protect the legitimate rights and interests of our clients and achieve the best results, we provide legal advice and participate in civil lawsuits related to business, labor, marriage, family, and inheritance.

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For reliable and effective legal advice, please contact HANKUK LAW FIRM now. We are committed to providing you with the best possible answers and our team of experienced lawyers has extensive knowledge in many legal fields. We are always here to provide the most competent and dedicated support, whether you are dealing with contractual issues, commercial disputes or need guidance on foreign investment. HANKUK LAW FIRM is honored to have assisted hundreds of domestic and international clients in skillfully resolving complex legal issues as their trusted legal partner. Do not let legal issues hinder your success. Let us accompany you towards legal achievement and comfort. For prompt guidance and support to ensure your rights are always maintained at the highest standards, contact HANKUK LAW FIRM now.

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