Abstract

This study examines the challenges associated with financial autonomy in public educational institutions within Vietnam’s institutional context in 2025–2026, using document analysis, qualitative content analysis, and comparative policy analysis. The findings identify five major challenges: a gap between formal autonomy and governance capacity; unsustainable revenue streams; rising costs; limited risk management capacity; and compliance-oriented accountability. Based on these findings, the study proposes a five-pillar governance framework and a three-stage implementation roadmap to align financial autonomy with efficient resource use, educational quality, equity, accountability, and long-term institutional sustainability.

Keywords: Accountability, financial autonomy, governance, public education, sustainable development.