Abolish many administrative procedures related to school transfers.

The Ministry of Education and Training has just issued a decision announcing new administrative procedures in the field of education and training within the national education system. Along with this, the Ministry abolishes a number of old administrative procedures related to school transfers at the primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels. The decision takes effect from May 10, 2026.

According to the new decision, the Ministry of Education and Training has abolished a number of administrative procedures related to transferring schools and admitting high school students. The abolished procedures fall into four main groups.

Firstly, the procedure for transferring schools for high school students. Secondly, the procedure for admitting foreign high school students. Thirdly, the procedure for admitting Vietnamese high school students returning to the country according to Decision No. 941/QD-BGDĐT of 2022. Fourthly, the procedure for "Re-enrollment at another school for high school students" according to Decision No. 2108/QD-BGDĐT of 2021.

Abolish the procedure for transferring primary and secondary school students.

In the field of primary and secondary education, the Ministry of Education and Training has also abolished many outdated administrative procedures.

The procedures that have been abolished include transferring primary school students, receiving Vietnamese secondary school students returning home, and receiving foreign secondary school students according to Decision No. 1755/QD-BGDĐT of 2025. The procedure for transferring secondary school students according to Decision No. 1693/QD-BGDĐT of 2025 is also no longer valid.

New procedures for school transfers.

Along with abolishing old procedures, the Ministry of Education and Training has issued new regulations on school transfer and student admission procedures. The new process is streamlined and applies to all three levels of education.

The first step is for students or their parents to submit a transfer application to the receiving school through the Public Service Portal. This is the official application channel that is recommended for use.

In cases where submission through the Public Service Portal is not possible due to technical issues or objective circumstances, applications may be submitted through alternative methods. These include submitting directly at the school, submitting online through other channels, or sending via postal mail.

Processing time for school transfer applications

After receiving the application, the receiving school will verify and cross-check the information to consider whether to accept the student. The processing time is divided into two different levels depending on the geographical location.

For transfers within the same province or city, the processing time is no more than 5 working days from the date of receiving all necessary documents. For transfers from other provinces or cities, the processing time is 8 working days.

Documents needed when transferring schools

According to the new regulations, the school transfer application dossier includes three basic types of documents.

Firstly, there is the student's or parent's application for school transfer. Secondly, there is a summary of the student's academic and behavioral performance at their previous school. Thirdly, there is an individualized education plan for students with disabilities, applicable to cases requiring special education.

Eligible students for school transfer

According to the new regulations, school transfers are permitted for groups of students with legitimate reasons. The first group includes students who are moving to a new residence with their parents. The second group includes students from families facing exceptional financial difficulties. The third group includes other cases with legitimate reasons.

Regarding the transfer from private to public high schools, the Director of the Department of Education and Training will issue specific regulations. These regulations must be based on the principle of ensuring objectivity, fairness, and transparency among candidates.

Fees and results of school transfer procedures

The new school transfer procedure is free of charge. Parents and students are not required to pay any money to the administrative agency when carrying out this procedure.

The final outcome of the procedure is the principal's approval from the receiving school for the student's admission. Once approved, the student is officially accepted and can begin their studies at the new school.