Can Tho parents demand separate high school graduation and university entrance exams

Parents, teachers and students in Vietnam's Can Tho city say the current high‑school graduation exam (Tốt nghiệp THPT) is overloaded, serving both as a graduation test and as the primary university admission filter. They argue that the dual purpose creates excessive pressure and a high “luck” factor, especially after recent scandals involving exam irregularities.

The community proposes splitting the two functions into distinct examinations so that the graduation test can focus on basic knowledge while a separate university entrance test can provide deeper differentiation of candidates. Critics note the change could raise costs, but supporters say it would reduce stress, lower the chance that a single mistake costs both a diploma and a university slot, and give talented students clearer pathways. One parent quoted the issue, saying, “Việc thi ‘2 trong 1’ khiến đề thi Tốt nghiệp THPT rơi vào thế tiến thoái lưỡng nan…”, underscoring the perceived unfairness of the current system.