Dr. Le Anh Duc, head of the training management department at NEU, announced on 12/9 that approximately 80% of the nearly 8,860 incoming freshmen have already met the university's English language graduation requirements.

Currently, the required IELTS score at NEU is 5.5 for standard programs, 6.0 for high-quality and application-oriented programs, and 6.5 for English-taught programs and English language majors.

"This year has the highest percentage of freshmen meeting the English exit requirements," Duc said. Among those who met the standards, about 82% have an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, a threshold that meets or exceeds the requirements for all majors.

According to Duc, this figure demonstrates the continuous improvement in the English language proficiency of incoming NEU students. This allows them easier access to learning resources, contributing to a higher quality of education and facilitating the university's goal of making English a second language on campus.

Students who have already met the requirements will have their results retained until graduation, exempting them from further testing, even though IELTS certificates are typically valid for only two years.

Most universities typically assess students' English proficiency in their final year. No other university has published similar data to NEU.

Duc also noted that about 50% of incoming freshmen have admission scores of 27 or higher, with 21 students achieving a perfect score of 30/30. The three high schools with the most admitted students are Kim Lien, Viet Duc, and Phan Dinh Phung, all located in Hanoi.

Freshmen at the National Economics University during orientation week, September 2025. Photo: Youth NEU Media

Freshmen at the National Economics University during orientation week, September 2025. Photo: Youth NEU Media

In recent years, in addition to NEU, other universities such as the Foreign Trade University and the Diplomatic Academy have seen an increase in both the number and quality of students with IELTS certificates. As a result, these institutions are adapting their curricula by updating knowledge, improving English language courses, and enhancing the quality of their teaching staff.

NEU plans to raise its English language graduation requirement to an IELTS score of 6.0 by 2030, according to a plan developed a few months ago to promote English as a second language.

However, admissions experts caution students against complacency, even if they have already met the exit requirements. A strong general English foundation does not necessarily equate to proficiency in specialized English terminology.

"A high IELTS score doesn't guarantee academic success, and a student with an IELTS score of 8.0 won't necessarily achieve higher marks in specialized subjects than someone with a 6.5," Duc told VnExpress late last year. "The key is self-study, researching materials, and using existing language skills to develop knowledge and skills in the chosen field of study."

Thanh Hang