Vietnam to scrap IELTS bonus points in university admissions

Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training has announced plans to phase out bonus points for international language certificates like IELTS and extracurricular achievements in university admissions, effective 2027. This shift aims to enhance fairness in academic evaluation by addressing inequalities stemming from geographical and economic disparities. Under current regulations, students can receive up to three bonus points for national student awards and up to 1.5 points for international language certificates. However, Nguyen Tien Thao, director of the Department of Higher Education, highlighted that these bonus points create inequality, as access to language tests and other academic activities often depends heavily on a student's geographic location and economic background. He also noted the inconsistency in conversion rates and bonus levels applied by different universities for the same certificates. The new regulations will restrict bonus points primarily to preferential points based on residential area (0.25 to 0.75 points) and eligibility under preferential policies for individuals facing significant hardships, children of martyrs, veterans, and ethnic minorities. Students holding foreign language certificates can still use them to meet entry requirements for programs taught in foreign languages, but these certificates will no longer provide extra points outside the main scoring system. They will serve strictly as evidence of proficiency. High school students in Vietnam take four subjects for their graduation exam, and universities typically use a combined score of three subjects for admissions, totaling a maximum of 30 points. The current bonus system has led to hundreds of applicants recording admission scores of 30 or more, despite a small number of students achieving a perfect 30 on their exams. This reform is seen as part of broader efforts within Vietnam's one-party system to improve the fairness and transparency of its education system, responding to growing demands for equal educational opportunities amidst the country's economic growth. The change may also influence students' learning strategies and universities' admission policies. The ministry is seeking public feedback on the draft circular until September 23. Information Source: VnExpress International