Vietnam Plans to Abolish IELTS Bonus Points and Top Student Awards in University Admissions from 2027

Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training is set to abolish bonus points for international language certificates like IELTS and awards for top students in university admissions from 2027. This significant change is part of a draft circular amending regulations on university admissions and training. Under the proposed regulations, effective from 2027, university entrance exams will only consider preferential points based on region and policy-affected subjects. Universities will no longer be permitted to grant additional points for academic achievements, certifications, or other self-defined criteria. Previously, in addition to regional and subject-based preferences, candidates could receive up to three types of bonus points set by universities. These included up to 3 points for national student award winners (who did not use their direct admission rights), up to 1.5 points for those with exceptional talents or achievements, and up to 1.5 points for individuals holding foreign language proficiency certificates or international qualifications. This system allowed some students to achieve scores exceeding the maximum, even reaching absolute scores based on the combined results of three high school graduation exam subjects plus these bonus points. Explaining the rationale, Mr. Nguyen Tien Thao, Director of the Higher Education Department, stated on September 17 that bonus points can create inequality. The opportunity to access certificates, sit for exams, or participate in activities eligible for bonus points varies among students due to economic conditions, geographical location, and ability to pay. Furthermore, the same certificate could be converted or awarded differently across universities. Mr. Thao also highlighted that the bonus point system could lead to a double recognition of a single ability, where it is both part of the admission score and receives additional points, thus distorting the candidate ranking. He noted that for high-scoring candidates, even a small bonus point could alter admission results without necessarily proving a better reflection of their academic capability. "A more appropriate approach is to correctly assess competence in the right place," Mr. Thao commented. He suggested that foreign language certificates should instead be used to demonstrate direct language proficiency for admission requirements or for programs conducted in foreign languages, rather than as an external bonus. The Ministry is soliciting public feedback on the draft until September 23. Source: VnExpress