Vietnam exam difficulty raises student concerns, impacts university scores

Students at the Lê Hồng Phong High School in Ho Chi Minh City described the 2026 graduation history paper as highly differentiated, noting detailed questions that went beyond textbook summaries. In English, pupils complained that the reading‑comprehension section required extensive vocabulary knowledge and careful answer selection.

Education experts observed that, while the overall difficulty of the 2026 high‑school graduation exams was not markedly higher than previous years, the tests contained more differentiated items that assess practical application, analysis and problem‑solving. They forecast a modest reshaping of university entry scores: top‑tier schools may see a slight dip in cutoff points due to higher enrollment targets, mid‑range universities are expected to maintain cutoffs around 22‑24 points, and other institutions could see cutoffs ranging from 16 to 22 points. Admissions will increasingly consider additional criteria such as aptitude assessments, academic records and language certifications.