One day after the application deadline on the Ministry of Education and Training's system, Doctor Le Anh Duc, Head of the Training Management Department at National Economics University, announced that the number of applicants increased by nearly 1,000 compared to last year.

When the university began using IELTS for admissions in 2017, it received only about 50 applications. This number rose to 300-400 by 2018, and then reached 2,000 in 2019.

Between 2023 and 2024, the number of candidates submitting IELTS scores each year was around 11,000-12,000. This figure then sharply increased to 22,000 in 2025.

Duc noted that the number of applications with IELTS certificates is stabilizing, as the group of candidates applying for combined admission has reached saturation. Statistics show that 80-85% of admitted candidates have an IELTS score of 5,5 or higher, with 65% achieving 6,5 or above.

Meanwhile, the number of candidates using SAT and ACT certificates, which are international academic aptitude tests, stands at 2,000, representing a reduction by half.

Beyond international certificates, this year the university recorded 18,000 candidates with domestic aptitude and thinking test scores (HSA, V-ACT, TSA), a significant increase compared to last year's 15,000.

According to Duc, this increase is due to the growing appeal of these exams; additionally, NEU advocates for combined admission using aptitude test scores and IELTS.

"When analyzing the academic results of admitted students in 2025, we also observed that the group admitted using HSA scores outperformed other methods in certain score segments", Duc said.

National Economics University gate. Photo: Hoang Giang

This year, National Economics University employs three admission methods: direct admission, admission based on three national high school graduation exam scores, and combined admission.

Among these, combined admission is the primary method. Candidates can apply using SAT scores (from 1200/1600) or ACT scores (26/36 or higher); using aptitude test scores and international language certificates; or using language certificates and scores from two national high school graduation exam subjects (Mathematics is mandatory).

Tuition fees at National Economics University in 2026 range from 20-28 million VND for standard programs, and 41-68 million VND for advanced, high-quality, and application-oriented programs (POHE).

Thanh Hang