One hundred twelve institutions to accept Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City's competency assessment test scores

One hundred twelve universities and colleges will utilize Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City's competency assessment test (V-ACT) scores for 2026 admissions, an increase of one from the previous year.

This year, the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM) competency assessment test will be accepted by one hundred twelve universities and colleges for their 2026 admissions, marking a slight increase from the previous year. This extensive list includes eight member universities of VNUHCM, 94 other universities, and ten colleges, with the majority located in the southern, central, and Central Highlands regions.

In the northern region, five institutions will also accept V-ACT scores: National Economics University, Foreign Trade University, Hanoi 2 University of Education, Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology, and the VNU University of Economics and Business, a member of Vietnam National University Hanoi. Additionally, several military institutions, including the Logistics Academy, Military Medical Academy, Engineer Officer University, and Signal Officer University, will also use V-ACT scores for their admissions processes.

VNUHCM is set to organize two rounds of its competency assessment test in 2026, scheduled for early April and late May. The exams will take place across 15 provinces and cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Dak Lak, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, An Giang, Can Tho, and Ca Mau.

The schedule for the 2026 VNUHCM competency assessment test is as follows:

No.	Activity	Time
No.	Activity	Round one	Round two
1	Candidate registration	24/1-23/2	18/4-25/4
2	Test admission card notification	28/3	16/5
3	Test date	5/4	24/5
4	Grading	6-15/4	25/5-5/6
5	Results announcement	17/4	6/6

VNUHCM has confirmed that the structure of the 2026 competency assessment test will remain similar to last year's. This approach ensures stability, continuity, and comparability of results across different years. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, which candidates complete on paper within 150 minutes. Each question carries a different weight, depending on its difficulty level.

The test is divided into three main sections: Logic - Data Analysis and Problem Solving, Language Use, and Mathematics. The Logic - Data Analysis and Problem Solving section comprises 30 questions. These questions are designed to provide candidates with information, data, and facts, requiring them to apply their knowledge to determine experimental outcomes or predict patterns.

The Language Use section, which includes both Vietnamese and English components, features 60 questions. The final section is Mathematics, with 30 questions.

Currently, ten institutions nationwide administer competency assessment and aptitude tests. VNUHCM's exam is the largest in terms of both the number of candidates and the number of institutions that accept its results. Last year, the test attracted over 153,000 candidates.

A significant increase in candidate numbers is anticipated this year. This surge is attributed to a growing trend among many universities to adopt a combined admissions approach, integrating multiple score inputs, including competency assessment results, rather than relying solely on individual criteria as they did previously.