The announcement, released Friday evening, comes amid a wave of complaints from alumni who allege the college advertised its degrees as “globally recognized,” only for graduates to discover the qualifications are not valid in Vietnam.
Graduates left in limbo
The controversy centers on a linkage program involving Liverpool John Moores University in the U.K. According to former students, after completing college-level courses at LCDF, receiving diplomas issued by Pearson Education, they were introduced to a “top-up” bachelor’s program.
Students reported paying hundreds of millions of dong (VND100 million = US$3,900) for the college-level coursework before enrolling in the bachelor’s linkage program, which commanded similar high fees. LCDF–Hanoi reportedly guaranteed that the degrees would be recognized worldwide and offered courses through both online and in-person formats in Vietnam.
However, upon graduation, alumni attempting to verify their degrees with the Ministry of Education and Training were “stunned” to receive a rejection. The ministry stated that the linkage program “had not been licensed by the ministry for delivery in Vietnam.”
Without this recognition, the degrees are effectively useless for those seeking employment in state organizations or pursuing postgraduate studies in Vietnam.
Unlicensed operations
The students allege that LCDF’s Hanoi branch began partnering with Liverpool John Moores University to provide the top-up degree in 2021. Over the past four years, more than 40 students enrolled in the program, resulting in estimated collective financial losses amounting to billions of dong.
Speaking to Read on Saturday, a MoET representative confirmed that LCDF–Hanoi has not been licensed to conduct any foreign-linked training programs in any field.
Furthermore, under the 2014 Law on Vocational Education, institutions must obtain a certificate of registration for educational activities. The ministry noted that since 2015, its Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education has received no such application from the school.
While LCDF was established in 2014 under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, its website claims a founding date of 2004 and uses the name “London College for Design & Fashion – Hanoi.” It markets programs in Fashion, Graphic Design, Interior Design & Architecture, and Photography, promising courses based on U.K. standards that offer graduates “the opportunity to top-up to degree level at universities in the U.K.”
“Complex” violations
Based on existing records, the ministry has assessed the case as “complex, involving multiple legal entities.”
“The ministry is considering establishing an inspection team to conduct a comprehensive review of all activities at the London College for Design and Fashion,” the statement read, emphasizing that violations would be handled strictly to protect learners’ rights.
To clarify the allegations, the ministry will request reports from relevant agencies and individuals regarding LCDF–Hanoi’s training activities and degree issuance.
College admits “shortcomings”
In a notice posted to its official fanpage on Saturday morning, LCDF–Hanoi acknowledged “shortcomings in the process of updating Vietnam’s regulations.”
The college maintained that the partner universities it introduces are reputable and that their degrees are recognized in “many major countries.” However, it admitted that securing recognition in Vietnam requires a “complex process.”
The school stated it is working with the British Embassy to engage with the Ministry of Education and Training to find a solution, declaring the protection of students’ rights its top priority. LCDF–Hanoi also committed to reviewing its internal legal processes to ensure the accuracy of the information provided to students.
“The school sincerely apologizes for the concern caused to students and parents,” the statement read.
Comments are closed.