Hanoi University of Science and Technology tightens IELTS conversion, reduces admission combinations

IELTS 5.0 for admission to Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) will now convert to 8 English points, down from 8.5 announced four months ago; the number of admission combinations has also decreased by four.

Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) announced on 25/2 that it plans to admit 9,880 students this year, an increase of about 200 compared to last year. This expansion is partly due to the launch of five new training programs: Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Korean Language for Science and Technology (standard program), Cosmetic Chemistry, Accounting, and Computational Science for Smart Systems (advanced program).

The university will maintain its three primary admission methods: talent-based admission, admission based on thinking assessment test scores, and admission based on high school graduation exam scores.

A significant change for the 2026 admission cycle involves the profile-based assessment combined with an interview, part of the talent-based admission method. HUST has revised the scoring formula, replacing academic transcript scores with TSA thinking assessment test scores.

For admissions based on high school graduation exam scores, HUST will utilize eight combinations: K01 (Math, Literature, Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Informatics), A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry), A01 (Math, Physics, English), B00 (Math, Chemistry, Biology), D01 (Math, Literature, English), D04 (Math, Literature, Chinese), D07 (Math, Chemistry, English), and DD2 (Math, Literature, Korean).

Compared to last year, the university has eliminated four combinations: A02 (Math, Physics, Biology), D26 (Math, Physics, German), D28 (Math, Physics, Japanese), and D29 (Math, Physics, French), while adding the DD2 combination.

Candidates holding foreign language certificates can convert them into English scores for admission using the A01, D01, D07 combinations based on high school graduation exam scores. Alternatively, these certificates can earn bonus points for talent-based admission and admission based on thinking assessment test scores.

The new conversion rates range from 8 to 10 points, equivalent to an IELTS score of 5.0 or higher, and are divided into five levels, aligning with the Ministry of Education and Training’s new admission regulations. These conversion rates are lower than those initially projected in October last year.

For instance, an IELTS 5.0 score will now convert to 8 points, rather than the previous 8.5. To achieve a perfect 10 points, candidates must now have an IELTS 7.0, an increase from the previous requirement of IELTS 6.5.

The IELTS and foreign language certificate conversion table for Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 2026 is as follows:

Students of Hanoi University of Science and Technology during a lab session. Photo: HUST

In 2025, HUST’s benchmark scores ranged from 19 to 29,39, with the advanced program in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence having the highest cut-off.

Tuition fees at Hanoi University of Science and Technology for the 2025-2026 academic year are approximately 28-90 million VND. Standard programs will charge between 28-35 million VND per year.