Vietnam Sees Surge in University Applicants Using IELTS Amidst Shifting Admission Policies

The number of applicants using foreign language certificates, particularly IELTS, for university admissions in Vietnam continues to surge across many institutions, despite stricter admission regulations and reduced bonus points. At the Vietnam-Germany University (VGU), nearly 6,300 applications were received, with 5,700 candidates holding IELTS scores of 5.0 or higher. This represents a nearly 70% increase compared to last year. The majority of these applications, 76%, had IELTS scores ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, indicating significant investment by students. Nguyen Hoang Thien Thu, Deputy Head of Marketing and Admissions, noted that the number of applications with foreign language certificates has increased sevenfold since 2021. This trend is mirrored in other universities. The University of Economics and Law, under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, received over 9,700 applications with equivalent IELTS scores of 5.0 or higher out of nearly 21,000 total applications, an increase of about 900 from the previous year. Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry reported around 8,000 such applications out of 83,000, and the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City saw over 2,300 students submit IELTS scores of 6.0 or above. In the North, Hanoi University of Science and Technology saw the most significant rise, with over 15,000 applications featuring these certificates, a 50% increase from last year. National Economics University reported that 23,000 students used IELTS for their applications, an increase of nearly 1,000. Under the 2026 university admission regulations, foreign language certificates will only be converted into English subject scores or used for bonus points, unlike previous years where they offered double benefits. Most universities equate an IELTS of 5.0 to 7-8.5 points in English, with scores of 7.0 and above receiving a perfect score. Bonus points have also been halved, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 points. University representatives predict that the trend of students using foreign language certificates for admission will continue, even with the tightened conversion rates and bonus points. Cu Xuan Tien, Head of Admissions and Student Affairs at the University of Economics and Law, explains that students aiming for top-tier universities compete fiercely for every point. Pham Thai Son, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, adds that IELTS is becoming more accessible and a milestone in students' academic journeys, also serving as a backup plan if their high school graduation exam English scores are not satisfactory. Information source: VnExpress