VI The business of overseas education consulting is growing strongly in Vietnam, becoming a vital bridge that helps students realize their dreams of studying abroad. However, to officially enter this promising field, individuals and organizations not only need deep professional knowledge but also must complete a mandatory legal procedure: obtaining a Certificate of provision of overseas education consulting services. This process is not just about submitting an application; it requires strict adherence to legal regulations, from preparing a complete and valid application to understanding the business conditions. Missing even a small detail can lead to obstacles, delays, or even failure in the registration process. Let’s explore these procedures with Pham Consult to ensure a legal and smooth start to your business!
- Regulations of Vietnamese Law on overseas education consulting services
Overseas education consulting is a type of business that provides information, support, and guidance to students and parents on issues related to studying abroad. This service helps learners make decisions that align with their abilities and aspirations, while also supporting them throughout the preparation and execution of their study abroad dreams. According to Article 115 of Decree No. 125/2024/NĐ-CP of the Government on investment conditions and activities in the education sector, overseas education consulting services include the following activities:
– Introducing and advising on education policies of countries and territories; advising on the selection of schools, courses, majors, and levels suitable for the learner’s ability and aspirations.
– Organizing advertisements, conferences, workshops, fairs, and exhibitions on overseas education in accordance with the law.
– Organizing student recruitment and enrollment for overseas education.
– Organizing necessary skills training for Vietnamese citizens studying abroad.
– Organizing the travel of Vietnamese citizens abroad for study, and the travel of their parents or guardians to visit the training location abroad, in accordance with the law.
– Other activities related to the business of overseas education consulting services.
In Vietnam, overseas education consulting is a conditional business line listed in the Law on Investment. Therefore, organizations wishing to register for this business must meet certain conditions set by the law.
- Conditions for operating an overseas education consulting services
a. Legal conditions
To operate an overseas education consulting services, organizations must be one of the following:
– An enterprise or a branch of an enterprise established and operating under the Law on Enterprises and registered for overseas education consulting services.
– Public service units with the function of operating overseas education consulting services.
– Foreign educational organizations operating legally in Vietnam.
In addition, another important condition is that the organization must be granted a Certificate of provision of overseas education consulting services to begin operations.
b. Facilities conditions
The overseas education consulting organization must have a stable operational office, physical facilities, and equipment to conduct consulting activities. They must also have materials for introducing and advising on education policies of countries and territories, as well as information on schools, courses, majors, and training levels.
c. Personnel conditions
The overseas education consulting organization must have a team of consultants who meet the following requirements:
(i) Have a university degree or higher; be proficient in at least one foreign language at level 4 or higher according to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam or its equivalent.
(ii) Have a professional overseas education consulting training certificate as regulated.
- Application for a Certificate of provision of overseas education consulting services
The application for a Certificate of provision of overseas education consulting services is regulated in Clause 2, Article 117 of Decree 125/2024/NĐ-CP, and includes the following documents:
(i) Application for Certificate of provision of overseas education consulting services (according to Form No. 07 Appendix IV, attached to Decree 125/2024/NĐ-CP).
(ii) Copy of the enterprise registration certificate, establishment decision, or investment registration certificate.
(iii) Copy of the legal document proving land use rights, house ownership, or a lease agreement for the location of the overseas education consulting organization.
- Procedures for obtaining a Certificate of provision of overseas education consulting services
Step 1: Application submission.
The organization registering for overseas education consulting services submits one set of documents via the online public service portal, by post, or in person to the Department of Education and Training where the business will operate.
Step 2: Application review.
Within 15 days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the Department of Education and Training will conduct an appraisal and prepare an appraisal report to evaluate compliance with the regulations in Article 116 of Decree 125/2024/NĐ-CP.
Step 3: Receiving the result.
Within 5 working days from the date of the appraisal report, if the conditions are met, the Director of the Department of Education and Training will issue the Certificate of provision of overseas education consulting services. If the conditions are not met, a written notice will be sent to the applicant, stating the reasons.
The Certificate of provision of overseas education consulting services is publicly announced and has a term of no more than 5 years. It can be extended, with each extension not exceeding 5 years.
