The problem: opening a private university in 2026 — how much money, how much land, any shortcuts? Quick answer: no shortcuts. Decree 361/2026/ND-CP (effective 17 September 2026) sets hard thresholds: new universities need minimum 5 ha of head-office land and minimum VND 300 billion in actual investment; colleges need 1 ha and capital from VND 30 billion. Among the highest education-investment bars today.
Hard thresholds for new universities (Decree 361/2026)
- Land: minimum 5 ha for the head office of a newly established university.
- Capital: minimum VND 300 billion in actual facility investment (accepted, audited/valued) at appraisal — not “paper” charter capital.
- Staffing: enough full-time lecturers meeting qualification standards (PhD/master ratios as prescribed) for registered programs.
- Programs: each program’s curriculum built and appraised as prescribed; facilities, libraries, and labs meeting requirements.
Colleges: lower but still significant
New colleges: minimum 1 ha of head-office land and investment capital from VND 30 billion. For investors seeking a lighter path into higher education, colleges are the practical choice — still with full staffing, program, and accreditation conditions.
Foreign-invested institutions: leasing allowed
A notable new point in Decree 361/2026: FDI private universities may lease stable, continuous facilities with each lease cycle of at least 05 years — instead of mandatory ownership. This materially eases foreign investors’ upfront capital burden, but leases must be genuinely stable and continuous (not “show” contracts for appraisal).
Accreditation: no pass, no sustainable enrollment
Universities and colleges must undergo institutional and program quality accreditation. Failing accreditation hurts reputation and enrollment and may draw sanctions. With VND 300 billion invested, accreditation is a mandatory “exam” to plan from the dossier day — not an afterthought.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Capital for a new private university?
Under Decree 361/2026: minimum VND 300 billion in actual accepted, audited/valued facility investment at appraisal, plus minimum 5 ha of head-office land.
2. Must FDI universities own land?
No. Decree 361/2026 lets FDI private universities lease stable, continuous facilities, each cycle at least 05 years.
3. Conditions for a new college?
Minimum 1 ha head-office land, capital from VND 30 billion, plus staffing, program, and facility conditions under Decree 361/2026.
4. Does “paper” VND 300 billion charter capital count?
No. The rule requires actual accepted, audited/valued facility investment — declared charter capital isn’t enough.
5. What if accreditation fails?
Reputation and enrollment suffer; sanctions may follow. Accreditation must be planned from the dossier stage.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council.
