Vietnam 2026 high school graduation exam scores forecast and role in university admissions

The 2026 national high school graduation exam in Vietnam has concluded, and analysts predict distinct score distributions across subjects. The Language Arts paper, judged with a new rubric, is expected to produce a wider spread of results, with scores above eight becoming uncommon. Mathematics is projected to cluster around 6‑7 points, with only well‑prepared students reaching 7‑8. English scores are likely to center between 6.5 and 7, while other elective subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, geography, and history are also expected to average 6.5‑7, with high marks remaining scarce.

Universities are using these exam results in varying ways. Some institutions, notably medical schools in Ho Chi Minh City, continue to base admission solely on the exam score. Most other universities incorporate the score as one component of a composite admission formula, with weightings ranging from about 20 % at the University of Technology to nearly 48 % at the University of Information Technology. Experts note that regardless of the weight, higher exam scores still give applicants a competitive edge in the admissions race.