In May, the Ministry of Education and Training issued training standards for universities participating in the government's "Semiconductor Industry Manpower Development Program to 2030, with a vision to 2050."
Students applying to microchip and semiconductor programs, using their high school graduation exam scores, must have taken math and at least one natural science subject. Their total score across these subjects must reach at least 80%, equivalent to 24/30 for a three-subject combination. Crucially, the math score must be at least 8/10.
Eight universities announced this minimum requirement last month. However, according to the 2025 high school graduation exam score distribution, the average math score dropped significantly from 6.45 last year to 4.78. Yesterday, the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, announced it was dropping the proposed minimum score for semiconductor programs, requiring only a total of 20 points. The Vietnam Japan University followed suit, but has not yet specified its requirement.
Dr. Quach Thanh Hai, Vice President of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, said the university is also hesitant about this requirement. The benchmark score for the Microchip Design program in previous years has been above 24, with all admitted students scoring 8 or higher in math. An admissions officer at the University of Science, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, reported a similar situation.
Associate Professor Dr. Bui Hoai Thang, Head of the Training Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, argued that science and engineering programs in general, and especially cutting-edge fields like microchips and semiconductors, require students with strong math skills. However, the fixed requirement of an 8/10 math score puts universities in a difficult position for admissions.
He explained that high school graduation exam scores depend on the exam itself and fluctuate annually. This year, only 3.6% of students scored 8 or higher in math, compared to 19% last year.
Furthermore, a single exam score cannot definitively determine a person's abilities and opportunities throughout their life. During their 4 years of university, students have opportunities to improve their skills, even if their initial math score was below 8.
"Should someone who didn't achieve an 8 in math be barred from studying and working in microchips for their entire life? That's absurd and deprives motivated and determined students of opportunities," said Dr. Thang.
Dr. Nguyen Minh Son, Head of the Computer Engineering Department at the University of Information Technology, also part of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, agreed. He said the ministry's minimum score requirement for microchip and semiconductor fields creates admissions difficulties, especially with this year's significant drop in math scores.
"Top universities will be fine whether or not they impose the 8-point math requirement, but it's a disadvantage for students and limits the selection of talented individuals for other institutions," Dr. Son said. In his experience, a student with an 8 in math is not necessarily better than one with a 7.5.
Both Dr. Son and Associate Professor Dr. Thang suggested adjusting the minimum score requirement for microchip and semiconductor programs. Instead of a fixed number, the ministry could require universities to select students with excellent scores or within the top 20-30% in math, allowing for flexibility based on the annual score distribution.
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Students explore academic programs at the University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, in April. Photo: Thanh Tu |
Students explore academic programs at the University of Science, Ho Chi Minh City, in April. Photo: Thanh Tu
In an interview with VnExpress on 21/5, Nguyen Anh Dung, Deputy Director of the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Training, said the ministry is researching and developing specific mechanisms for universities participating in the government's semiconductor workforce development program. These include financial aid for students, such as scholarships and tuition waivers or reductions. Faculty will also receive various benefits and support, specialized training, and priority in scientific research.
Regarding the minimum math score of 8/10, Mr. Dung explained that the expert advisory board considers this a factor that enables students to succeed in microchip and semiconductor studies, as well as STEM fields, which heavily rely on math. The ministry has surveyed high school student performance and assessed the learning outcomes of students in these university programs.
"Surveys indicate that students with around an 8 in math can perform well in their studies," he said.
The list of universities participating in this program has not yet been released.
Le Nguyen
