Vietnam’s University Autonomy Policy: An Educational Policy Analysis Perspective

Abstract

This article explores the evolution of university autonomy policy in Vietnam from the 1990s to the present, within the broader context of the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy and the globalization of higher education. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of university autonomy and the New Public Management (NPM) model, the study employs a qualitative policy analysis approach using secondary data from legal documents, government reports, and official statistics provided by the Ministry of Education and Training. The analysis reveals notable progress in the development and implementation of university autonomy policies, particularly in areas such as institutional self-governance, academic staff development, financial capacity, and research productivity. However, despite these advancements, the implementation process continues to face significant challenges. These include inconsistencies in the legal and regulatory framework, disparities in institutional governance capabilities, limited accountability mechanisms, and ongoing dependence on state funding. The persistence of these barriers has impeded the realization of full autonomy across the higher education system. In response, the article proposes a set of strategic policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the sustainability and global competitiveness of Vietnamese higher education. These include comprehensive legal reforms to ensure policy coherence, the substantive empowerment of university governing boards, the acceleration of digital transformation in management and instruction, and the promotion of robust university–enterprise partnerships. By addressing both structural and contextual constraints, these measures aim to support a more autonomous, accountable, and innovation-driven higher education system in Vietnam.