Vietnam Ministry of Education targets grade inflation in universities

The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training has issued new directives for the 2026-2027 academic year to combat grade inflation and ensure academic integrity in higher education. The Ministry has instructed universities and pedagogical colleges to review grading practices and strictly prohibit lowering academic standards to artificially boost the number of excellent and good graduates.

Data from 2026 highlights significant disparities between institutions. While some economic and finance-focused schools reported that over 70% of graduates achieved excellent or good classifications, technical and medical institutions reported much lower rates. For instance, Hanoi University of Science and Technology recorded approximately 19% for top classifications, while Hanoi Medical University reported no excellent graduates in 2026.

To address these issues, universities are required to analyze grade distributions, compare results against learning outcomes, and incorporate feedback from employers. The Ministry also emphasized the need for strict oversight regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in coursework, requiring clear regulations on its use and methods to verify authentic student contributions to prevent academic fraud.