Violators will receive a fine of up to VND100 million (US$4,800) if they are found to illegally set up educational institutions, under a newly-issued decree from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

* Education institutes that break law to be fined up to $4,600

The Prime Minister has approved amendments to several articles in Decree No 49/2005/ND-CP regulating administrative fines for training institutes that break education laws.

According to Decree No 40/2011/ND-CP, institutes that break regulations governing entrance requirements for overseas study – or for those applying to foreign-affiliated high schools, vocational schools, colleges and universities in Viet Nam will be subject to a fine ranging from VND5-VND60 million (US$232-$2,800).

Those who break rules governing the establishment of universities face a fine of between VND60-VND100 million ($2,800-$4,600).

Meanwhile, those who organise educational activities at kindergartens, high schools, vocational schools, colleges and universities without proper authorisation will be subject to a fine of between VND500,000 – VND10 million ($23 – $465).

The decree also specifies fines for violence and abuse, corrupt assessment of a learners’ performance and the use of bogus documents or certificates.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News