Circular No. 85/2026/TT-BGDĐT, which regulates the organization of enhanced education activities and education activities based on learners' needs in general education institutions, has established a clearer distinction between enhanced education activities, education based on learners' needs, and supplementary teaching and learning. This is also the first time the Ministry of Education and Training has issued detailed regulations and clearly defined educational activities outside the main curriculum.
For enhanced educational activities, schools will organize these outside of regular class time to enhance practical application, experience, and the development of students' qualities and abilities. The four areas of enhanced education include: holistic education (morality, history and culture, physical education, traffic safety, etc.); science, technology, and digital skills; practical application, experience, and STEM; and foreign languages and skills. When organizing enhanced education, schools must ensure continuity and alignment with the regular curriculum, prioritizing practical application, experience, and real-world use. Learning methods can be diverse, including classroom learning, laboratory work, club activities, field trips, and excursions. Instructors for enhanced education can be teachers, experts, coaches, artists, or artisans. Circular 85 clearly states that the aforementioned knowledge is fundamental, essential, and should be accessed equally by all students, therefore charging fees in any form is prohibited. The implementation costs will be covered by the school's regular operating budget and other legal sources.