Vietnam Ministry of Education proposes university admission reforms

The Ministry of Education and Training in Vietnam has released a draft circular proposing significant changes to university and college admissions. Starting in 2027, the proposal suggests eliminating bonus points for international certificates, such as IELTS, and academic awards for excellent students. The Ministry aims to standardize admission methods and reduce inequality, as current bonus systems can create disparities based on economic status and access to expensive testing.

Additionally, the draft proposes tightening the number of admission methods. From 2027, educational institutions would be limited to a maximum of five methods, with each major or training program using no more than three. By 2028, the goal is to transition to a single admission method per major to ensure all candidates are evaluated against a unified standard.

The reforms also include a draft decree to improve the legal framework for international cooperation and investment in education. This includes regulating integrated educational programs and ensuring that foreign partnerships do not replace mandatory national curricula. The Ministry emphasizes that these changes are intended to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in the admissions process.