Of the approximately 40,000 applicants to the Banking Academy this year, over 13,000 used international language certificates, more than double last year's figure. The academy noted that overall, certificate scores were higher than in previous years.
At Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Associate Professor Vu Duy Hai, Head of the Admissions and Career Guidance Board, reported 13,000 applicants used IELTS for admission, a 1.5-fold increase. The National Economics University also saw a similar increase, with around 22,000 applicants submitting IELTS scores.
In southern Vietnam, many universities reported similar trends. The University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Ho Chi Minh City reported nearly 2,000 applicants with IELTS certificates this year, compared to around 1,300 last year. At the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, nearly 2,500 applicants submitted international language certificates, up from 1,600 last year.
The Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and the University of Economics and Law saw a significant increase, with nearly 8,000 and 8,900 applicants submitting IELTS, TOEIC, and TOEFL certificates, respectively. Compared to the previous admissions season, these numbers represent increases of 2.6 and 4 times.
Many universities now use international language certificates for bonus points (up to 3 points) or to convert them into English scores for consideration alongside high school graduation exam scores, academic transcripts, or competency assessments. Some universities apply both methods. The requirement is that applicants have an IELTS score of 5.0-6.0 or equivalent.
IELTS score conversion rates at over 70 universities
Dr. Tran Manh Ha, Head of the Training Department at the Banking Academy, attributes the sharp increase in the use of English language certificates to early exposure to foreign languages among today's students. Achieving fluency and obtaining international certificates has become attainable for many.
Additionally, the Ministry of Education and Training allows universities to convert international language certificates into English test scores. According to Dr. Ha, many students may have had certificates last year, but only some submitted them for early admission.
"Converting international language certificates into English scores this year is also more advantageous than using high school graduation exam results. Therefore, more applicants are submitting certificates," Dr. Ha stated.
Master Pham Thai Son, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, agreed. He noted that taking tests like IELTS is increasingly common among applicants from major provinces and cities. At his university, approximately 70% of applicants using language certificates are from Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai.
Moreover, during the first year of the new high school graduation exam and university admissions process under the 2018 general education program, applicants tend to take certificate exams to gain an advantage.
"Low English scores on the high school graduation exam are also a reason why many students use language certificates for score conversion or bonus points," he said.
According to the 2025 high school graduation exam English score distribution for nearly 353,000 students, the average score was 5.38, a decrease of 0.13 points compared to last year. Only 141 students nationwide achieved a perfect 10. Approximately 15% of students scored above 7, compared to over 25% last year.
Meanwhile, an IELTS score of 5.0-6.0 typically converts to 7-8.5 on the English subject scale at universities. A score of 6.5 or higher is equivalent to 9-10 at over 50 universities.
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Applicants at the Trung Vuong High School exam center, Ben Nghe ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thanh Tung |
Applicants at the Trung Vuong High School exam center, Ben Nghe ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thanh Tung
2025 marks the first year that students under the new general education program took the high school graduation exam. Most universities use these exam scores for admissions. Admission scores are expected to be announced before 5 p.m. on 22/8.
Le Nguyen - Duong Tam
