Study-abroad consultant regulations tightened

Consultancy organisations for study abroad must deposit VND500 million ($23,800) in a commercial bank to operate in Vietnam, according to a regulation to come into effect on March 10.

Decision 05/2013/QD-TTg also states consultancy owners and agents must have university qualifications, be proficient in at least one foreign language and be certified by the Ministry of Education and Training.

The organisations must publicise all information about schools in foreign countries and the quality of their training and join with agencies to project their clients' rights when overseas.

Departments of education and training are responsible for sending the details of consultants to the ministry to be announced on its website.

A column on overseas students will be opened on websites of Viet Nam representative agencies in foreign countries.