Universities accepting an IELTS score of 4.0 include Hanoi Metropolitan University, Phenikaa University, Saigon University, Phan Chau Trinh University, Nha Trang University, and Vietnam National University of Agriculture. The corresponding converted English subject scores range from 6 to 8, depending on the university.
Most other universities require a minimum IELTS score of 5.0, with converted English subject scores typically ranging from 7 to 8.5.
An IELTS score of 6.5 is considered equivalent to a 10 in English at approximately 20 universities, including Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, Hanoi Open University, and Hanoi National University of Education 2. Meanwhile, the Foreign Trade University sets 6.5 as the minimum accepted IELTS score, converting it to an 8.5 in English. Candidates need an IELTS score of 8.0 to achieve a 10 in English at this university. The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam only awards a perfect score to candidates with an IELTS score of 8.5 or higher.
The IELTS score conversion table for over 70 universities in 2025:
| No. | University | IELTS Score Conversion | |||||||||
| 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 8.0 | 8.5-9.0 | ||
| 1 | University of Transport and Communications | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | ||
| 2 | Hanoi University of Science and Technology | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | ||
| 3 | Vietnam National University of Agriculture | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 4 | National Economics University | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |||
| 5 | Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | ||||
| 6 | Vietnam Women's Academy | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | ||
| 7 | Thuy Loi University | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | ||
| 8 | Foreign Trade University | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | ||
| 9 | Academy of Finance | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | |||
Some universities use different IELTS conversion scales for multi-criteria admissions. For example, at Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, an IELTS score of 4.5 or higher equates to 18-26 points on a 150-point scale.
Other universities, such as Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi Medical University, Hai Duong Medical Technical University, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, award bonus points to candidates with IELTS scores of 5.5 or higher. For instance, Hai Duong Medical Technical University adds 0.5-3 points, Hanoi Medical University adds 1-2 points, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Law adds 2-3 points.
At some universities, like Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics and Law, students who have international language certificates but still use their high school English exam scores for admission receive bonus points.
The National Economics University both converts IELTS scores and adds 0.75 points if students apply using a combination of international certificates and competency assessment scores or high school graduation exam scores. For example, a student with an IELTS score of 7.0 has their English score converted to 9.5 and then receives an additional 0.75 points for their application.
Many teachers and students believe that having an IELTS certificate offers a significant advantage in the upcoming admissions season. The national high school English exam was unexpectedly difficult due to its length and academic terminology, leading to predicted average scores of 5-5.5, lower than last year.
National high school English exam - Score predictions
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Students in Ho Chi Minh City take the 2025 high school graduation exam. Photo: Quynh Tran |
Students in Ho Chi Minh City take the 2025 high school graduation exam. Photo: Quynh Tran
The Ministry of Education and Training will release the 2025 high school graduation exam scores on 16/7. Students can register and adjust their university application preferences until 5 pm on 28/7.
Duong Tam
