Vietnam to Gradually Limit Use of Certificates in University Admissions

Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training will gradually restrict the use of certificates in university admissions, prioritizing the assessment of students' actual abilities. This move aims to correct inequalities stemming from economic backgrounds and ensure a fairer selection process. Speaking at a question-and-answer session with the Culture and Social Affairs Committee on September 20, Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son pointed out that while the current admissions system has undergone many reforms, irregularities still occur in some areas. The ministry is proposing solutions based on root cause analysis and strengthening quality control through data analysis leveraging technology to suppress fraud and maintain the stability of entrance exams. In the coming stages, admission regulations will be tightened to focus on evaluating students' actual abilities, ensuring fair selection, and fostering high-quality human resources. Specifically, bonus points for international certificates like IELTS, which can create inequality due to differing access opportunities based on economic status and location, will be phased out. From 2027, only regional and subject-based bonus points will be allowed, and universities will be generally prohibited from setting their own additional points. This measure will eliminate the advantage or disadvantage previously granted by certificates, which could add up to 1.5 points out of 30. The minister also addressed teacher shortages, stating that while approximately 104,000 teachers are needed based on staffing norms, the requirement is reduced to about 43,000 additional teachers for 2026-2027 after reorganizing school networks and considering student numbers. However, he also noted that about 44,000 teacher positions remain unfilled, and over 48,000 contract teachers are working in public schools. Furthermore, the impact of AI and the internet on education was discussed, with plans to advance legal frameworks for integrating AI into education while managing its negative effects. Minister Son believes that the fundamental educational framework has been improved with the issuance of legal documents. The major challenge in the next phase is implementation, addressing emerging bottlenecks, overcoming inconsistencies between various legal texts, and ensuring policies yield tangible results. The ultimate goal is to develop learners' capabilities and enhance the quality of human resources to serve national development. Speaking earlier, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh acknowledged the significance of the hearing, held at a crucial time when many breakthrough educational policies had just been enacted by the National Assembly. She emphasized the need for the Government, the Ministry of Education and Training, and other ministries and agencies to implement a vast amount of work to draft and issue detailed regulations. The current focus, she stated, should shift from perfecting institutions to effective implementation. The true measure of success, she added, is not just the number of documents issued or tasks completed, but whether teachers have better conditions to teach, students learn better, and educational quality shows genuine improvement. Vice Chairman Thanh requested that delegates and ministry leaders identify causes, responsibilities, and solutions for genuine and clear progress. She also asked the Minister of Education and Training to provide specific explanations and requested the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant ministries and agencies to clarify matters within their scope of management, responsibilities, and coordination in implementation. Regarding the restructuring of administrative apparatus and school networks at the commune and ward levels, the Vice Chairman urged agencies to update the situation accurately, not relying solely on local reports. The effectiveness of the model where one principal manages 4-5 schools after consolidation, while locations, teachers, and students remain at their original sites, needs to be evaluated. Source: VnExpress