As of 18/7, 14 universities in southern Vietnam have announced their minimum admission scores (entrance quality assurance thresholds) based on the 2025 high school graduation exam results. This is the minimum score applicants must achieve to be considered for admission.
A series of universities are accepting applications from candidates with scores as low as 15, including the University of Finance - Marketing (UFM), Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics - Finance (UEF), Van Hien University, Hoa Sen University, Hong Bang International University, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, and Saigon International University (SIU). This represents a decrease of 1 to 4 points compared to last year.
According to an admissions expert, 15 points is the "bottom line," difficult to go lower as it could affect the universities' reputations and the quality of incoming students. This is also the lowest minimum score in the past three years for UFM, HUTECH, and UEF.
Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry (HUIT) and Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry both set their minimum score at 16 for all programs. Compared to last year, HUIT’s threshold decreased by 2 to 4 points for programs in management, economics, services, law, information technology, and languages. Meanwhile, the veterinary program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry saw a significant drop of 6 points, from 22 last year to 16.
This also represents the most substantial decrease for Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, Vietnam National University. The minimum score for the data science program dropped from 24 to 18 points. Several popular, flagship programs like information technology, artificial intelligence, and computer science saw a 4-point decrease.
2025 university admissions predictions
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High school graduation exam takers at Trung Vuong High School, Ho Chi Minh City, on 26/6. Photo: Thanh Tung |
High school graduation exam takers at Trung Vuong High School, Ho Chi Minh City, on 26/6. Photo: Thanh Tung
Master Hoang Thanh Tu, deputy head of the communications department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, attributed the decrease to significant fluctuations in the 2025 high school graduation exam score distribution. Notably, scores for combination A00 (math, physics, chemistry) and A01 (math, physics, English) decreased sharply, which are common combinations for admission to the university.
"With exam scores no longer as high as in previous years, setting a high minimum score would limit student access. The university carefully considered the appropriate minimum score to balance student opportunities and its enrollment goals," said Master Tu.
According to Master Pham Thai Son, director of the admissions and communications center at HUIT, the significant drop in minimum scores is understandable given the lower high school graduation exam scores. He predicts that most universities will lower their minimum scores, commonly to the 16-20 range. Private universities in the provinces may set their minimum as low as 15.
"Universities are concerned that setting high minimum scores might lead to not meeting their enrollment targets," Son observed. "HUIT's initial proposed minimum score was 17, but after the 2025 high school graduation exam results were released, the university decided to adjust it to 16, recognizing that a higher threshold would be self-limiting."
This is also the reason why UFM lowered its entrance quality assurance threshold. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Phung, deputy director of the admissions and business relations center, believes that for traditional combinations like A00, A01, B00, and D01, the admission scores for many programs, especially in economics, management, technology, and engineering, could decrease by 1 to 2 points compared to last year.
However, Ms. Phung noted that this is only the minimum score for applicants. The actual admission score will depend on the number and qualifications of the applicants. Students should choose combinations that give them a score advantage and prioritize programs that align with their abilities and interests.
Tuition fees at over 100 universities in 2025
Currently, applicants can register, adjust, and supplement their university application choices an unlimited number of times until 5 PM on 28/7. Afterward, they can submit application fees online from 29/7 to 5 PM on 5/8.
Applicants can visit VnExpress's University Search page to see fluctuations in admission scores over the years by program and university. The system also suggests programs and universities from last year with admission scores close to the applicants' current scores for each combination.
University admission scores will be announced before 5 PM on 22/8.
Le Nguyen
