Professor, Doctor Nguyen Tien Thao, Director of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Training, on 29/1 explained some new points in the draft 2026 university admissions regulations.

According to the draft, when using the high school transcript review method, universities must consider the average scores of six semesters (from grades 10 to 12) for at least three subjects. Math or Literature is mandatory, with a weighting no lower than one-third of the total score.

Candidates must also achieve a minimum score of 16/30 on the national high school graduation exam in the corresponding subject combination.

Explaining the decision not to abolish the high school transcript review method but to impose stricter conditions with graduation exam scores, Mr. Thao stated that this method currently accounts for 40% of total admissions but has revealed many shortcomings. Many universities previously used only grade 12 scores.

"Requiring the review of results from all three years of high school aims to comprehensively assess the entire learning process," Mr. Thao said. "Adding a minimum graduation exam score is to ensure candidates do not neglect grade 12, a crucial period for building foundational knowledge connected to university studies."

According to Mr. Thao, the 16-point threshold is achievable for most candidates with a responsible attitude towards their studies, while also ensuring universities have a sufficient pool of applicants.

This time, the Ministry is also tightening the use of international foreign language certificates such as IELTS. Universities will not be allowed to both convert scores and add priority points. The maximum bonus points will also be capped at 1,5 points, reduced by half compared to the current system.

According to the Director of the Department of Higher Education, foreign language proficiency is an objective requirement for international integration, opening up career opportunities for candidates later. However, excessively high bonus points lead to unfairness. The Ministry's proposal aims to balance this, leveraging candidates' actual foreign language abilities while ensuring the principle of fairness in admissions.

Three proposals to reduce the IELTS advantage in university admissions

Professor, Doctor Nguyen Tien Thao. *Photo: VNU*

In the draft, the Ministry also proposes limiting admissions methods to a maximum of five, with candidates allowed to register for no more than 10 aspirations.

Mr. Thao stated that this decision is based on annual admissions statistics, aiming to simplify the admissions process and reduce costs. Ministry statistics indicate that universities currently employ about 20 admissions methods, yet 90% of admitted candidates are still concentrated in two main groups: national high school graduation exam scores and high school transcripts.

"Numerous methods create confusion for parents and waste resources for both society and universities," Mr. Thao observed.

The limitation on aspirations is also based on the fact that 98,5% of candidates are admitted within their first 10 choices. This regulation helps reduce costs, shorten admissions processing time, and compels candidates to research career paths more seriously.

Specifically for Pedagogy majors, candidates must place their aspirations in positions one to three so that universities can accurately determine the number of state-funded students and their future job placements.

The draft 2026 admissions regulations will continue to solicit feedback until 6/2.

Duong Tam