Vietnam University's Master's Degree Holders Face Shift to Specialist Roles Amidst Faculty Concerns

The recent resolution by the University of Finance and Marketing regarding the reassignment of master's degree holders to specialist positions has sparked significant concern among faculty. This policy, set to take effect in 2027, mandates that lecturers with master's degrees who are not pursuing doctoral studies must transition to non-teaching roles. While the university frames this as an initiative to encourage advanced academic pursuits and enhance the quality of education and research, many lecturers feel it undermines their professional standing and job security.

“

The university's requirement for master's degree holders without doctoral studies to switch to specialist roles, meaning they can no longer teach, raises questions about whether this policy aligns with current legal provisions.

Many faculty members argue that this directive contradicts existing regulations, such as Ministry of Education and Training Circular 26, which outlines the professional standards for university lecturers, including holding a master's degree or higher in a relevant field. They point out that their current employment contracts as lecturers are indefinite and that unilateral changes to their roles are legally questionable. The fear is palpable: a loss of the opportunity to teach, a core aspect of their professional identity and a requirement for career progression, despite possessing the necessary qualifications.

“

The university's resolution 152 is not a document that decides to change the job position or professional title of each public employee.

University leadership, however, maintains that the resolution is not a definitive change in job titles but rather a framework for personnel management aimed at fostering a highly qualified academic staff. Vice-Rector Pham Quoc Viet emphasized that any reassignments will adhere strictly to Vietnamese law concerning public employees, considering job requirements, legal standards, and individual capabilities. The university's stance is that this policy encourages professional development, but the faculty's apprehension highlights a potential disconnect between administrative goals and the practical realities faced by educators on the ground. The situation underscores a broader discussion in Vietnam about academic standards, faculty development, and the legal rights of university employees.

“

The assignment, use, task allocation, job transfer, or consideration for changing professional titles (if any) must be carried out in accordance with the law on public employees; based on job position, employment needs, professional title standards, actual capacity, and legal rights of public employees, and within the authorized scope.