University admission system glitch leaves students in limbo

Many students were shocked to find their acceptance to Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport reversed on the Ministry of Education and Training's system.

Ngoc Tuong was dismayed to discover on August 25th that he was no longer accepted into his first-choice program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport (UTH). Instead, the system showed him admitted to his 8th choice.

Three days earlier, Tuong had checked UTH's system and found he was accepted into his top choice, Logistics and Supply Chain Management. His score was 1001.85/1200, well above the program's cutoff score of 963. The university had notified him of his acceptance and instructed him on how to pay the admission fee. However, on the morning of the 25th, the Ministry of Education and Training's system showed him admitted to his 8th choice: Textile Technology at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry.

"I'm very worried," Tuong said. After posting about his situation on student forums, he found many others in the same predicament. He contacted UTH and was advised to visit the university in person for confirmation. He did so that afternoon.

"Even though I've completed the in-person confirmation, I'm still anxious. If it's not confirmed on the Ministry's system, will I be able to enroll?" Hao said. "I hope there will be an official explanation to reassure us."

High school students take the national high school graduation exam at Trung Vuong High School in June. Photo: Thanh Tung

Conflicting admission results for Tuong as shown on UTH's notification and the Ministry of Education and Training's system. Photo provided by the student.

Gia Khang and Phuoc Khanh faced similar situations. Their initial joy at being accepted into their first-choice programs quickly turned to anxiety.

Khang scored 1011, meeting UTH's admission requirements for Logistics and Supply Chain Management. However, the Ministry's system showed him admitted to his 5th choice at Ho Chi Minh City International University, Vietnam National University.

"I don't understand why. I plan to go directly to the university tomorrow to inquire about my situation," Khang said.

Phuoc Khanh, who was accepted into his first choice, Automotive Technology, was about to pay his tuition and complete enrollment procedures when he discovered he was listed as admitted to his 4th choice at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH) on the Ministry's system.

On the afternoon of 25/8, a representative from UTH told VnExpress that they had received reports from many students experiencing this issue. The university is reviewing the situation and working to ensure students' rights are protected.

The problem isn't limited to UTH. A representative from the Department of Training and Student Affairs at Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, also confirmed similar reports. Several students reported meeting the admission requirements for their programs but were listed as not admitted on the Ministry's system, and instead, admitted to their later choices.

The representative advised affected students to contact the university's hotline for guidance. After verifying that students meet the admission criteria, the university will provide full support for their enrollment.

"A student's admission score is the most important legal document," he said.

According to a Ministry statement on 24/8, students encountering issues during the admission process should contact their chosen universities directly for guidance. Universities are obligated to cooperate in resolving admission errors and answering student inquiries.

Students must confirm their enrollment online through the Ministry's system by 5 PM on 30/8. Failure to do so will be considered a refusal to enroll.