The southern metropolis became the first locality in Vietnam to launch an intensive English language program in 1998, before gradually expanding it across the school system. It subsequently introduced elective and universal English courses and programs to improve English proficiency.
In 2014, the city took another pioneering step by implementing an integrated English-Vietnamese curriculum under Project 5695, allowing students in public schools to study mathematics and science in English alongside the national curriculum.
The program has produced encouraging results by equipping students with subject knowledge and language skills while fostering the ability to use English naturally as a second language.
Students at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted in Ho Chi Minh City in May 2026. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran
English education has been expanded across all levels, including preschool. More than 206,800 preschool children, accounting for over half of those enrolled in early childhood education institutions, now participate in English familiarization programs. At the general education level, English is taught under the 2018 national curriculum, while more than 90% of public schools offer enhanced English or bilingual programs. Many schools also teach mathematics and science in English through Project 5695 or socialized education programs involving native-speaking teachers.
