File photo for reference only Hanoi is set to build 986 new schools over the next two decades to address a rapidly increasing student population. The city, with 2,954 schools already serving 2.3 million students, expects around 50,000 to 60,000 new students annually. Classrooms are overcrowded, particularly in rapidly growing wards where about 50 to 60 children are packed into each class. Get today's headlines by email This initiative is part of Hanoi's Comprehensive Master Plan, which envisions the city's development through 2045 with a projected population of 15 to 16 million, up from 9 million. To accommodate this growth, the city is calculating school needs based on student-to-population ratios, necessitating 986 additional schools from 2031 to 2045. Among these, 441 will be preschools, 288 primary schools, 166 middle schools, and 91 high schools. Priority has been given to 33 wards facing the most severe shortages, such as Cau Giay and Hoang Mai. To accommodate the new establishments, Hanoi plans to allocate 5% of public-service land in each ward for schools, repurpose undeveloped plots, and convert other available lands. The city is also encouraging private entities to build schools to meet demand. Hanoi is also looking to adapt existing urban schools by counting floor area instead of land area to meet national standards, allowing inner-city schools to expand vertically. This approach aims to alleviate overcrowding and reduce competition for limited high school seats. The city has long requested these standards from the central government to ease educational pressures. The school expansion is a component of a comprehensive master plan involving international consultants such as the Boston Consulting Group. The plan includes relocating universities to free up space for schools and community facilities. Approval is anticipated by March 30, with the final details expected by April 15, reported VN Express. Join the discussion? Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 17 Mar 2026
