Students wishing to study integrated circuit semiconductors at the bachelor's or engineering level, and applying through high school graduation exam scores, must have taken math and at least one other science subject. Their total score across the subjects must reach at least 80%, equivalent to 24/30 for a three-subject combination. The math score itself must be at least 8/10, or 80%.
This training standard was issued in mid-May by the Ministry of Education and Training for universities participating in the "Semiconductor Industry Human Resource Development Program to 2030, with a vision to 2050." Other universities are not required to follow this criterion.
While the Ministry has not published the official list, the following universities have announced their participation:
| No. | University/Program | Subject Combination | Notes |
| 1 | Hanoi University of Science and Technology - Microelectronics and Nanotechnology Engineering | A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry) A01 (Math, Physics, English) D07 (Math, Chemistry, English) K01 (Math, Literature, Physics/Chemistry, Biology/Computer Science) | |
| 2 | Hanoi National University of Science - Semiconductor Technology Program (Materials Science) | A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry) A01 (Math, Physics, English) A02 (Math, Physics, Biology) B00 (Math, Chemistry, Biology) C01 (Math, Literature, Physics) C02 (Math, Literature, Chemistry) D07 (Math, Chemistry, English) X02 (Math, Literature, Computer Science) X06 (Math, Physics, Computer Science) X26 (Math, English, Computer Science) | |
| 3 | Hanoi University of Technology - Integrated Circuit Design (Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering) | A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry) A01 (Math, Physics, English) X26 (Math, English, Computer Science) X06 (Math, Physics, Computer Science) D01 (Math, Literature, English) | Major selection after the first year, but entrance scores still apply |
| 4 | Vietnam Japan University - Semiconductor Chip Technology | A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry) A01 (Math, Physics, English) D28 (Math, Physics, Japanese) A02 (Math, Physics, Biology) C01 (Math, Literature, Physics) C02 (Math, Literature, Chemistry) D07 (Math, Chemistry, English) D23 (Math, Chemistry, Japanese) | |
| 5 | University of Transport and Communications - Computer Engineering (Semiconductor Specialization) | A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry) A01 (Math, Physics, English) D07 (Math, Chemistry, English) X06 (Math, Physics, Computer Science) | |
| 6 | Military Technical Academy - Integrated Circuit and Embedded System Design - Semiconductor and Nanotechnology | Math, Physics, Chemistry Math, Physics, English Math, Physics, Computer Science | |
| 7 | University of Information Technology, Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City - Integrated Circuit Design | A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry) A01 (Math, Physics, English) X06 (Math, Physics, Computer Science) X26 (Math, English, Computer Science) | |
| 8 | Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City, University of Science - Semiconductor Technology | A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry) A01 (Math, Physics, English) C01 (Literature, Math, Physics) A03 (Math, Physics, History) A04 (Math, Physics, Geography) X05 (Math, Physics, Economic and Legal Education) X07 (Math, Physics, Industrial Technology) X08 (Math, Physics, Agricultural Technology) X06 (Math, Physics, Computer Science) A02 (Math, Physics, Biology) | |
| Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City, University of Science - Integrated Circuit Design | A00 (Math, Physics, Chemistry) A01 (Math, Physics, English) X26 (Math, Computer Science, English) C01 (Literature, Math, Physics) A02 (Math, Physics, Biology) X06 (Math, Physics, Computer Science) X07 (Math, Physics, Industrial Technology) X27 (Math, Industrial Technology, English) |
The government approved the "Semiconductor Industry Human Resource Development Program to 2030, with a vision to 2050" last September. The goal is to have at least 50,000 university-trained personnel by 2030. This skilled workforce will focus on integrated circuit design, packaging, and testing, gradually mastering semiconductor production technology.
The Ministry of Education and Training explained that the 8-point math requirement for semiconductor programs is based on research. Surveys of high school students' academic performance and university students' progress in these fields indicate that an entrance score around 8 in math predicts success in these programs.
Given the difficulty of the 2025 high school graduation math exam, teachers believe only high-achieving students will reach the 8-point mark. The exam is considered more challenging and discriminating than previous years'.
The 2025 high school graduation exam scores were released on 16/7. Students have until 5 PM on 28/7 to register and adjust their university application preferences.
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Students take the graduation exam at Trung Vuong High School, Ho Chi Minh City, on 26/6. Photo: Thanh Tung |
Students take the graduation exam at Trung Vuong High School, Ho Chi Minh City, on 26/6. Photo: Thanh Tung
Duong Tam
