The Ministry of Education and Training issued the 2026 university admissions regulations on 15/2. These new guidelines, finalized after consulting with experts, universities, students, and parents, introduce significant changes to the admissions process.

A key change affects the academic transcript review method. Universities must now consider the average academic scores from six semesters (grades 10, 11, and 12) for at least three subjects. Mathematics or Literature must be one of these core subjects, carrying a weight of not less than one-third of the total score on a 30-point scale.

Furthermore, universities can only use this method for candidates who achieve a minimum total score of 15/30 in three high school graduation exam subjects corresponding to their chosen admission combination, or in Mathematics, Literature, and one other subject. This minimum score has been reduced by one point compared to the initial draft. For instance, a candidate applying for the A00 combination via academic transcript must have a combined graduation exam score of 15 points or higher in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Mathematics, Literature, Physics/Chemistry to qualify.

The new regulations also overhaul the bonus point system, categorizing them into three types: reward points for candidates who have won national excellent student awards or international Olympiads, provided they do not opt for direct admission (maximum 3 points); merit points for groups with special achievements or talents (maximum 1,5 points); and incentive points for groups with foreign language or international certificates (maximum 1,5 points).

If a candidate has multiple bonus points, the total maximum is 3/30. Universities will only add incentive points for foreign language certificates like IELTS if the candidate has not already used them to convert to a foreign language subject score. The Ministry states that these more detailed regulations, which prevent double-counting achievements and reduce the advantage of foreign language certificate holders, will promote greater fairness compared to last year's rules.

IELTS score conversion rates for some universities in 2026.

Another notable adjustment is the cap on candidate preferences. Students can now register for a maximum of 15 preferences, a change from previous years' unlimited options, though it represents an increase of five preferences from the draft. Teacher training programs (Pedagogy sector) will only consider preferences ranked from one to five.

Candidates in Ho Chi Minh City taking the 2025 high school graduation exam. Photo: Quynh Tran.

According to the Ministry's 2026 admissions plan, all universities must release their admissions information by 15/2 at the latest. This early announcement aims to provide students with ample time to strategize their studies and prepare for exams.

Duong Tam