In the context of increasingly deep global integration, foreign languages have become an essential and indispensable tool for various groups, from students and university attendees to working professionals. To meet this demand, language centers have emerged and developed rapidly. However, to ensure legal operation and compliance with regulations, these centers must obtain a license in accordance with the law. The following article provides detailed information on the process of obtaining a license to establish a language center, helping individuals and organizations with plans to set up a center understand the necessary steps to take.
I. CONDITIONS FOR ESTABLISHING A LANGUAGE CENTER
1. General conditions for the establishment of foreign language centers[1]
- Having locations, facilities, classrooms, functional rooms, and teaching equipment that meet the requirements of continuing education programs implemented at the center;
- Having educational programs, teaching and learning materials that meet the requirements of continuing education programs implemented at the center according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training;
- Having a contingent of managers, teachers, employees and employees sufficient in number and meeting the standards to meet the requirements of each continuing education program implemented at the center according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training;
- There is a draft regulation on organization and operation of the center.
2. Human resource requirements
2.1 Requirements for teaching staff[2]:
Teachers are qualified to teach foreign languages if they meet one of the following standards:
- For Vietnamese teachers:
- Hold a diploma in foreign language pedagogy at the college level or higher.
- Hold a college degree in foreign languages or higher and a certificate in teaching methodology.
- For native foreign language teachers: Hold a college degree or higher and a suitable certificate in foreign language teaching.
- For non-native foreign teachers:
- Hold a diploma in foreign language pedagogy at the college level or higher.
- Hold a college degree in foreign languages or higher and a suitable certificate in foreign language teaching.
- Hold a college degree or higher, a language proficiency certificate of level 5 or above, and a suitable certificate in foreign language teaching.
2.2 Requirements for the language center director[3]:
The director of a language center is responsible for directly managing, organizing, and operating the center’s structure and is accountable to the law and higher management authorities for all activities of the center. The director must meet the following standards:
- Have a good personal background.
- Possess managerial competency.
- Hold a degree in foreign languages or a bachelor’s degree and a foreign language certificate of at least level 3 (Vietnam’s six-level language competency framework) or equivalent.
3. Naming the language center[4]:
The name must follow these principles:
- Language Center + Specific Name, ensuring the specific name is not identical to any pre-existing language centers as well as avoiding words or symbols that violate Vietnam’s historical, cultural, ethical, and traditional values.
- The center must have an international trading name in English or another commonly used foreign language equivalent to the Vietnamese name.
II. PROCEDURE FOR ESTABLISHING A LANGUAGE CENTER[5]
According to Decree 125/2024/ND-CP, effective from November 20, 2024, the procedure for obtaining a license to establish a language center has been streamlined and is now more time-efficient. The process is as follows:
Step 1: Prepare all required documents for the language center establishment application as specified in Clause 2, Article 44 of Decree 125/2024/ND-CP.
Step 2: Submit the application via the online public service portal, by postal service, or directly to the Department of Education and Training.
Step 3: The Department of Education and Training will review the application and either accept it or request amendments/additional documents within five working days.
Step 4: The Department of Education and Training will evaluate and verify the application within 10 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application.
Step 5: Within five working days after the evaluation, the Director of the Department of Education and Training will issue a decision to establish the language center if all conditions are met or provide a written explanation for rejection.
Understanding the conditions and procedures for obtaining a license to establish a language center not only helps individuals and organizations better prepare but also ensures the center’s operations comply with the law and develop sustainably. We hope this article provides valuable information to support your preparation and effective implementation of your plans. Wishing individuals and organizations success in realizing their vision of establishing a language center, contributing to meeting the growing demand for language learning and skill enhancement in today’s modern society.
[1] Article 43 of Decree 125/2024 ND-CP regulating conditions for investment and operation in the field of education
[2] Article 18 Regulations on organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers issued together with Circular 21/2018.TT-BGDDT
[3] Article 6 Regulations on organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers issued together with Circular 21/2018.TT-BGDDT
[4] Article 4 Regulations on organization and operation of foreign language and information technology centers issued together with Circular 21/2018.TT-BGDDT
[5] Clause 3, Article 44 of Decree 125/2024 ND-CP regulating conditions for investment and operation in the field of education
See more:
1/ Application for sub-licenses for chemical trading activities
3/ Conditions for operating large-scale livestock farms
Disclaimers:
This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide any legal advice for any particular case. The legal provisions referenced in the content are in effect at the time of publication but may have expired at the time you read the content. We therefore advise that you always consult a professional consultant before applying any content.
For issues related to the content or intellectual property rights of the article, please email cs@apolatlegal.vn.
Apolat Legal is a law firm in Vietnam with experience and capacity to provide consulting services related to Business and Investment and contact our team of lawyers in Vietnam via email info@apolatlegal.com.