2025 university admission scores updated

By the end of 23/8, most universities had announced their 2025 admission scores. Six programs had a perfect 30/30 score: english pedagogy and chinese pedagogy at Hue University and Hanoi National University of Foreign Studies; international relations at the Military Science Academy; and medicine at the Military Medical Academy.

Nationwide, only 9 students achieved a perfect 30/30 on the high school graduation exam in the required subject combinations: 8 students in A00 (math, physics, chemistry) and one in B00 (math, chemistry, biology). No student in the D group (math, literature, foreign language)—the combination typically used for language and international relations programs—achieved a perfect score.

University representatives stated the primary reason for the perfect admission scores was the combination of high demand and limited availability.

At Hue University of Foreign Studies, rector Pham Thi Hong Nhung stated the english pedagogy program had 199 slots and the chinese pedagogy program had 20, while applications for both were very high, with a competition ratio of approximately 1/50.

"The 2018 general education program mandates english and chinese as part of the group of 7 first foreign languages (compulsory), which wasn't the case before. This has led to an increased demand for teachers," Nhung observed.

Ha Le Kim Anh, vice-rector of Hanoi National University of Foreign Studies, also pointed out the nationwide shortage of foreign language teachers, especially english teachers. Consequently, many students are interested in foreign language pedagogy programs.

At the Military Medical Academy, the 30-point requirement applied to female applicants from northern Vietnam for the medicine program, with only 3 slots available, according to an admissions representative from the military schools. At the Military Science Academy, there were only 2 slots for female applicants in the international relations program.

The Military Admissions Board did not disclose the number of applicants for each program. Across 20 military schools, over 33,200 applicants met the eligibility criteria, a 40% increase compared to last year. The Military Medical Academy received over 3,200 applications for 180 slots.

Students taking the 2025 high school graduation exam in Hanoi. Photo: Giang Huy

Students taking the 2025 high school graduation exam in Hanoi. Photo: Giang Huy

International language certificate conversions and bonus points also contributed to the high admission scores.

At both universities of foreign studies, international language certificates were converted into english scores. For example, an IELTS score of 5.5 was converted to an 8.5, while scores of 7.0 or higher were converted to a perfect 10.

"Many families now invest in foreign language education for their children. The number of students using language certificates for conversion is increasing," Nhung said.

According to admissions experts, given the difficulty of this year's national high school english exam, with only 141 students achieving a perfect 10 and an average score of 5.38, language certificates provided a significant advantage.

IELTS conversion rates at over 70 universities - english score distribution

Finally, bonus points were awarded to students with provincial-level or higher academic awards. Hanoi National University of Foreign Studies awarded points for international certificates like SAT, ACT, and A-Level. Hue University of Foreign Studies gave preference to students with foreign language certificates or excellent academic performance in grades 11 and 12. The maximum bonus points a student could receive was 3/30.

The military schools followed a similar policy. An IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.0 translated to 8 points for english, while a score of 8.0 or higher was converted to 10.

Applicants to military schools also received bonus points for national or international awards. Bonus points were also given to students with excellent academic records and conduct for three years, along with one of the following: a third-place prize at the provincial level; an IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent; an SAT score of 1,068/1,600 or an ACT score of 18 or higher.

Representatives from both universities of foreign studies also suggested that the high admission scores, reaching 30, reflect the reputation and quality of their programs.

Duong Tam - Binh Minh