Aptitude test candidate numbers surge dramatically

Over 172,000 candidates have registered for the second phase of the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test (VACT), breaking all previous records.

Of these, nearly 170,000 candidates had paid the examination fee by the afternoon of 26/4, according to Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City. The remaining candidates can continue to pay until the end of 27/4.

Last year's second phase saw over 110,000 candidates, with 65% taking the test to improve their scores. This year, the number of registered candidates for the second phase increased by 77%, marking the highest participation ever for an aptitude test nationwide.

To accommodate this surge, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, opened additional test centers in Da Nang and Quang Ngai. The examination will take place on 24/5 across 11 provinces and cities, with results announced on 6/6.

A few weeks prior, the first phase of the VACT attracted nearly 133,500 candidates. The average score was 682 out of 1200, with the lowest score at 27 points and the highest at 1098. Tran Hoang Thien Phuc, a specialized mathematics student from the High School for the Gifted, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, was the top scorer.

In 2026, all independent examinations nationwide have seen record candidate numbers. This trend follows changes in university admission regulations by the Ministry of Education and Training. Many institutions now consider multiple score components, giving preference to aptitude test results.

The Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, aptitude test is the largest of its kind. Currently, 118 universities and colleges use these scores for admissions.