High School Transcript Admissions Narrowed, Fewer Preferences and Admission Methods, Reduced IELTS Advantage Under New Ministry Regulations
The 2026 university admission regulations issued by the Ministry of Education and Training in mid-February introduce several notable changes compared to 2025. Key updates include:
| Category | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Preferences | Unlimited | Maximum 15 |
| Order of Preferences for Education Majors | Not specified | From 1 to 5 |
| Number of Admission Methods | Unlimited | Maximum 5 (excluding direct admission) |
| High School Transcript-Based Admission | Required Grade 12 full-year transcript with a minimum weight of 25% | Based on the cumulative GPA of 6 semesters (Grades 10, 11, and 12) for at least three subjects, including compulsory Math or Literature, with a minimum weight of 10/30 points. Candidates must also have a total score of at least 15/30 in three high school graduation exam subjects (either by subject combination or Math, Literature, and one additional subject). |
| Bonus Points | Maximum 3/30, depending on each university | Maximum 3/30, including: – 0–3 points for candidates eligible for direct admission but not using it – 0–1.5 points for outstanding achievements or special talents – 0–1.5 points for foreign language and international certificates |
| Conversion of Foreign Language Certificates | No specific conversion scale required; certificate score weight must not exceed 50% | Conversion tables must include at least 5 score levels corresponding to the certificate scale. Universities that convert certificate scores may not add additional bonus points for them. |
Among these, adjustments to transcript-based admissions and bonus point policies are the most significant.
Transcript-based admission remains one of the two primary methods, accounting for approximately 40% of enrolled students each year. Previously, universities often considered 3–5 semesters from Grades 10 to 12, and some only used Grade 12 results. However, this method has sparked debate due to inconsistent grading standards across provinces and even among schools within the same locality.
Regarding bonus points, while the total cap remains 3/30, the Ministry now clearly divides them into three categories. Notably, candidates with international foreign language certificates will no longer enjoy a “double advantage” (both score conversion and additional bonus points), as was possible in previous years.
According to Nguyen Tien Thao, Director General of Higher Education, the adjustments aim to ensure fairness and objectivity, improve input quality, and reduce social costs and pressure.
Other regulations on score conversion, score differences among admission methods and subject combinations, and priority points by category or region remain unchanged.
This year, the university admission timeline is expected to move forward by about two weeks, as the national high school graduation exam is scheduled for June 11–12, earlier than usual.
All candidates may register and adjust their preferences from July 2 to 5:00 PM on July 14. Admission results will be available from 5:00 PM on August 10 (after the virtual filtering process) until 5:00 PM on August 13.
To date, most universities have announced key admission details, including methods, quotas, and admission formulas.
Source: VnExpress
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