Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training has issued Circular 85/2026/TT‑BGDDT, which sets new rules for extra‑curricular courses and joint programmes. Understanding these rules helps students know whether they may be charged for optional classes and which partnership courses can stay open.

Thai Van Tai, Director General of the General Education Department, says enhanced educational activities are state‑responsibility content and must be free. Funding must come from schools’ recurrent budgets, shared resources or other lawful sources; costs cannot be turned into per‑student fees.

Learner‑demand‑based activities – the optional courses – may charge fees if they satisfy the circular’s conditions. Tai listed examples such as specialised foreign‑language classes, programming, robotics, Internet of Things, scientific research or talent‑development programmes in culture, arts and sports.

The circular does not force all partnership‑based programmes to end. Tai explained that each programme will be assessed case‑by‑case, based on its actual content and operating conditions. Those approved or contracted before 15 November may continue until the end of the 2026‑2027 academic year.

Schools are required to review the content, partners, fee structures and operating conditions of every programme. They should also seek guidance from provincial education authorities to confirm compliance with the circular.

In short, core educational activities must stay free, while optional, demand‑driven courses can charge fees when they meet the rules. Many existing joint programmes can keep running through 2026‑27, provided they pass the case‑by‑case assessment.