Date: September 26, 2026 (effective date) Source: MOET Circular No. 65/2026/TT-BGDĐT, full text reproduced by HoaTieu Last verified: October 21, 2026
MOET’s Circular 65/2026 was issued August 11 and took effect September 26. It replaces Circulars 13/2021, 07/2024 and 34/2017, with specific transition protections.
Why it matters: If your graduates will use their degree in Vietnam, recognition needs its own plan alongside delivery. Approved joint programs no longer have a general exemption under the new rules.
Key details:
- Apply through the National Public Service Portal. Results take 20 working days from a complete file, up to 30 when verification or clarification is needed.
- Verification fees for Vietnamese holders are VND 250,000 per qualifying foreign award from lawful Vietnam-based delivery, including joint programs, or VND 500,000 for an award from lawful overseas training.
- Doctorates combining direct study at the foreign institution with fieldwork elsewhere require at least 12 months’ direct study and research there. Earlier recognition procedures remain for this route if the program recruited before September 26, 2026.
Weighing something similar? Talk it through with a USVN senior advisor.
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