Entrance exam for 10th grade at High School for Gifted Students, University of Science

Candidates for the 10th grade at the High School for Gifted Students, University of Science must complete three prerequisite exams: literature, mathematics, and English, with the mathematics score used for admission.

Literature exam paper:

10th grade specialized high school candidates in Hanoi in 2026. Photo: Thanh Hang

This year, the High School for Gifted Students, VNU University of Science (affiliated with VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi) received nearly 4,000 applications for the 10th grade entrance exam. This marks an increase of almost 1,000 applications compared to last year.

The specialized mathematics class faces the highest competition, with a nearly 1:10 ratio, almost double last year's 1:5,7 ratio. Competition ratios for other 10th grade specialized classes are: chemistry at 1:7,3; physics at 1:7,2; informatics at 1:6,9; and biology at 1:5,2.

Candidates must take four subjects: mathematics (round one), literature, English, and a specialized subject. English is a new addition this year. This morning, students completed the common literature exam and will continue with mathematics and English this afternoon.

To be considered for admission, students must achieve a score of 4/10 or higher in each subject. The admission score is calculated from the total points of the mathematics (round one) exam and the specialized subject exam, with the specialized subject score multiplied by two. Results will be announced before 16/6, and successful candidates are expected to enroll in early July.

Last year, using a similar scoring method, the cut-off scores were highest for the mathematics and informatics classes, both at 19,5. The other three specialized classes – physics, chemistry, and biology – all had a cut-off score of 17.