Autonomy Governance Transformation in the Higher Education Institutions Towards the Typical Models in Vietnam

Abstract

Based on existing studies on university autonomy, particularly university autonomy in Vietnam, along with the examination of legal documents about the higher education system in Vietnam, and the findings from field surveys and surveys conducted on various higher education institution websites, this article aims to elucidate the autonomy model of higher education institutions. In doing so, it highlights the current state of autonomy in Vietnamese higher education. It identifies the dimensions missing from previous studies concerning university owners, both at the institutional and practical levels. The article outlines five major autonomy models for higher education institutions, which are formed by a system of mechanisms and policies in higher education. For each of these models, the research considers, analyzes, and evaluates the level of autonomy in terms of decision-making rights and self-responsibility across three fundamental areas of the university: organizational and personnel autonomy, academic autonomy, and autonomy in finance and facilities.