Vietnam Mulls Scrapping IELTS Bonus Points for University Entry, Sparking Student Anxiety

Students are expressing anxiety as Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training considers a proposal to scrap bonus points for IELTS and other international language certificates in university admissions from 2027. The move aims to enhance fairness but could render years of preparation by many students obsolete. Hong Minh, a 12th-grader in Ho Chi Minh City, was shocked that her 6.5 IELTS score, achieved after two years of dedicated preparation, might no longer provide an edge in university applications. She had been preparing for the exam since 10th grade to improve her chances of admission to political science or international relations majors. Currently, universities often award bonus points, typically capped at a few points out of 30, for achievements like IELTS certificates, in addition to academic performance from high school graduation exams and transcripts. The ministry's proposal, however, suggests that only regional and beneficiary-group priority points will remain, excluding bonus points for certificates. The ministry argues that awarding bonus points for international certificates "could create inequality" as access to them depends on economic conditions, place of residence, and family financial abilities. Urban students, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, have greater access to preparation centers and opportunities to take these exams. Statistics from the ministry show that in 2024, out of 67,000 students who submitted foreign-language certificates to be exempted from the English portion of the high school graduation exam, Hanoi and HCMC accounted for 34,600 students combined. Educational experts, however, view the change positively, stating it will help "narrow the inequality gap between students in urban areas and disadvantaged regions." They believe this will redirect students' focus from "accumulating bonus points" to early orientation and substantive academic focus. Concerns have been raised about the timing of the announcement, with some analysts pointing out that students should have been given at least two to three years' notice. Many students have already invested significant time and money in IELTS preparation. This policy shift reflects the Vietnamese government's ongoing efforts to address educational disparities, a common challenge in many developing nations with a centralized governance system like Vietnam's one-party rule. While aiming for greater equity, the long-term impact on overall English proficiency and international competitiveness, crucial in Vietnam's export-oriented economy and its strategic positioning amidst regional geopolitical shifts, remains to be seen.