Universities convert IELTS scores from 4.0

Fifteen universities have announced IELTS conversion policies, with Vietnam National University of Agriculture setting the lowest requirement, converting an IELTS 4.0 to 6 points for the English subject.

By mid-February, over 100 universities had released their projected admission plans for 2026. Many institutions convert international language certificates, primarily IELTS, into English subject scores. These scores are often combined with high school graduation exam results or academic transcripts from two other subjects for admission consideration.

Among these, fifteen universities have detailed conversion scales. Hoc vien Nong nghiep Viet Nam accepts IELTS scores from 4.0, the lowest level, which also qualifies candidates for an exemption from the English high school graduation exam, as per Bo Giao duc va Dao tao regulations. An IELTS 4.0 is converted to 6 points for the English subject. For an IELTS 6.0, the university assigns 10 points.

Most other universities require an IELTS score of 5.0 or higher, which is converted to 6-8 points for the English subject. For IELTS 7.0 and above, many universities award candidates a perfect 10, including Dai hoc Bach khoa Ha Noi, Xay dung Ha Noi, Dai hoc Y Duoc - Dai hoc Hue, and Hoc vien Bao chi va Tuyen truyen.

Three universities only award the maximum English subject score for IELTS 8.0 or higher: Dai hoc Khoa hoc va Cong nghe Ha Noi, CMC (Ha Noi), and Nguyen Tat Thanh (TP HCM).

Six changes in university admissions for 2026

The IELTS score conversion rates for fifteen universities in 2026, as of 25/2, are as follows:

Ho Chi Minh City students taking the high school graduation exam in 2025. Photo: Quynh Tran

Within this group, some universities may adjust their IELTS conversion rates in the future. This is because, according to new admission regulations issued in mid-February, foreign language certificate conversion tables must have a minimum of five distinct score levels.

For instance, Dai hoc Bach khoa Ha Noi recently adjusted its scale from four to five levels, corresponding to the certificate's scoring system. Some universities, such as Dai hoc Thuong mai, Thang Long (Ha Noi), and Y Duoc Hue, still use four levels and have not yet made adjustments.

Other training institutions also convert IELTS scores but have not yet announced specific rates. This includes those under Dai hoc Quoc gia Ha Noi, such as Dai hoc Luat, Viet - Nhat, Khoa hoc Xa hoi va Nhan van, Khoa hoc Tu nhien, and Kinh te.

Meanwhile, some universities offer bonus points to candidates with IELTS scores, including Dai hoc Kien truc Ha Noi, Y te cong cong, Luat TP HCM, Hoc vien Ky thuat mat ma, and Toa an.

According to Bo Giao duc va Dao tao regulations, candidates who have converted foreign language certificate scores are not eligible for additional bonus points. This prevents the same achievement from being counted twice.

A look back at ten years of IELTS in university admissions

Last year, more than 70 universities converted IELTS scores of 4.0 and above into English subject points for combined admission with high school graduation exam scores or academic transcripts.