Revolutionizing Talent: Vietnam’s Circular 37/2026 Sets New Standards for Arts and Sports Training
The landscape of professional development in the arts and sports sectors is undergoing a seismic shift. The Ministry of Education and Training has officially released Circular 37/2026, a landmark directive that establishes a rigorous new framework for identifying specialized fields and professions. This isn’t just administrative paperwork; it’s a strategic overhaul designed to ensure that the next generation of athletes, dancers, and artists meets international standards of excellence.
While vocational training codes for intermediate and university levels will remain unchanged for now, the circular introduces a transformative system for vocational secondary education. This reform aims to bridge the gap between theoretical study and the high-pressure reality of professional performance and competition.
The Eight Pillars of Professional Identification
To ensure that “specialized” actually means “elite,” Circular 37/2026 introduces eight specific criteria. These benchmarks are designed to distinguish truly specialized professions—those requiring unique skills and intense dedication—from general academic disciplines.
- Practical-First Curriculum: Training programs must prioritize hands-on experience. At least 60% of the total training duration must be dedicated to practical application, focusing on professional skills, performance abilities, or competitive prowess.
- Aptitude-Based Admission: Entry into these programs isn’t based on standard testing alone. Students must demonstrate specific talents and aptitudes through rigorous practical evaluations and tests.
- Long-Term Talent Cultivation: The circular emphasizes early identification. Talent development is viewed as a continuous, multi-stage process that often integrates professional training with deep cultural knowledge.
- Specialized Work Nature: Recognition is given to the unique realities of these careers, including irregular schedules, high mobility, and the necessity of using specialized equipment and advanced techniques.
- Skill-Centric Methodology: Training must move beyond the mere accumulation of theory. The focus remains strictly on developing artistic thinking, physical aptitude, and competitive skills.
- Performance-Based Assessment: Traditional exams are being sidelined. Success is measured through tangible results: artistic products, performance programs, creative works, or competitive achievements.
- Professional Uniqueness: The framework protects highly specialized roles that are considered irreplaceable, even if they operate on a smaller scale, to ensure cultural and artistic values are preserved.
- Socio-Economic and Cultural Impact: The circular recognizes that while some specialized fields may not offer immediate high economic returns, they are vital for national prestige and the preservation of traditional cultural values.
Investing in the Future: Incentives and Talent Programs
Recognizing that elite training requires significant resources, the government is implementing aggressive incentive structures to attract and retain talent. For instance, at institutions like the Ho Chi Minh City College of Dance, students admitted into specialized programs can receive a 70% tuition waiver.
the circular aligns with the broader “Talent Training Program in the Field of Culture and Arts for the 2016-2025 Period, with a Vision Toward 2030,” which was established under Decision 1341/2016. Students who qualify for these talent classes receive unparalleled benefits, including:
- Full tuition exemptions and dedicated scholarships.
- Direct instruction from both national and international experts.
- Opportunities for cultural exchange programs both within Vietnam and abroad.
Key Takeaways for Students and Educators
| Feature | New Standard under Circular 37/2026 |
|---|---|
| Practical Training Requirement | Minimum of 60% of total training time. |
| Primary Evaluation Method | Creative output and competitive results rather than traditional tests. |
| Admission Focus | Specific talent and aptitude testing. |
| Financial Support | Significant tuition waivers (70% to 100%) for specialized talent. |
The Road Ahead
Circular 37/2026 represents a definitive move toward professionalizing the arts and sports sectors in Vietnam. By codifying these eight criteria, the Ministry of Education and Training is ensuring that “talent” is no longer a vague concept, but a measurable, nurtured, and highly specialized asset. For athletes and artists, the path to professional success just became clearer, more rigorous, and more supported than ever before.
