In a report on the school network's current state on 10/3, the Department of Education and Training announced that this year Ho Chi Minh City has over 169,000 students graduating from lower secondary school, an increase of nearly 43,000 compared to last year.

Among these, the former Ho Chi Minh City area saw an increase of over 27,000 students, while the former Binh Duong and Ba Ria - Vung Tau areas increased by over 8,400 and 7,200 students respectively.

The department aims for nearly 118,400 students to enter public 10th grade, with a 70% admission rate. The remaining nearly 51,000 students may enroll in private high schools, vocational schools, or continuing education programs.

In reality, based on the standard class size of 45 students, public high schools currently can accommodate only over 103,700 students, resulting in an admission rate of 61%. Specifically, the former Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria - Vung Tau areas could admit 65-66% of students, whereas Binh Duong could admit only 44%.

The department requested high schools review and propose procurement and repair needs to increase their capacity as targeted.

Ho Chi Minh City's public 10th-grade admission targets for the 2026-2027 academic year:

Ho Chi Minh City's public 10th-grade entrance exam is expected to take place on 1-2/6, nearly one week earlier than in previous years. Students will take three subjects: Math, Literature, and Foreign Language (primarily English) for admission scores. Those aspiring to specialized schools will take corresponding specialized subject exams. Separately, in Thanh An island commune, Con Dao special administrative zone, schools may admit 10th-grade students based on academic records.

Ho Chi Minh City's 10th-grade exam sample questions

Students can register for a maximum of 8 admission preferences for specialized, integrated, or general classes.

Candidates taking Ho Chi Minh City's public 10th-grade exam, at Hoa Lu Lower Secondary School, 6/2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

Le Nguyen