# Vietnam 2026 university admissions and education reforms

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-2026-education-exams
> Updated: 2026-08-25T02:32:00.000Z. Sources: 46. Developments: 57.

The 2026 university admission cycle is characterized by intense competition and significant regulatory shifts. At Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, record-high benchmarks have created a scenario where top national scorers may fail to qualify for certain programs. Chemistry Education reached a benchmark of 29.83, while Literature and History Education both required 29.80.

To manage the cycle, the Ministry of Education and Training has transitioned to a data-driven governance model. According to Nguyen Tien Thao, Director of the Department of Higher Education, all candidate registrations, admissions, fee payments, and enrollments are now conducted 100% online via digital systems, including the National Public Service Portal. New minimum score thresholds have been established: 22 points for Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology; 20 points for Traditional Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, and Teacher Training; 19 points for Physical Education, Music Pedagogy, and Fine Arts Pedagogy; 18 points for Nursing and related medical technical fields; and 15 points for general university admission.

Amidst these shifts, students from Tuyên Quang Specialized High School have demonstrated significant success. Over 80 students were admitted to top-tier institutions, including 31 at Hanoi University of Science and Technology and 20 at the National Economics University. Many students secured placements through diverse pathways such as talent-based assessments, competency evaluations, and international certificates like IELTS, rather than relying solely on high school graduation exam scores.

Parallel to higher education, Vietnam is undergoing broad educational restructuring for the 2026-2027 academic year. Reorganization in Hanoi has reduced over 2,360 administrative leadership roles while increasing teaching staff by nearly 25,000. In Cao Bang, authorities aim to consolidate educational institutions by approximately 43 percent. Infrastructure development continues in border regions like Lai Chau and Quang Tri, where boarding school projects exceeding 1,060 billion VND are being fast-tracked.

## Claims

- The nationwide software removes students who have secured higher-ranked admissions from other schools' provisional lists. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Hue University is aware of reports regarding students receiving admission notices and subsequently being notified of failure. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Admission results are based on the Ministry of Education and Training's regulations and data from the general admission support system. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- For specific majors with conditional requirements, the university conducts a review of original documents and evidence during the enrollment process. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The university is proactively reviewing the next admission preferences for affected students. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Ministry of Education and Training will conduct six rounds of virtual filtering of university admission wishes from 4 August to 9 August 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Ministry coordinates with university departments and relevant agencies (Higher Education, Vocational Education, etc.) for final data review before filtering. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Official admission cut‑off scores are determined after the filtering rounds are completed. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Vietnam university admissions: Tuyen Quang students succeed while Hue University faces enrollment disputes

Nearly 90 Tuyen Quang Specialized High School students secured top university spots, while Hue University manages disputes after some students were disqualified during final document verification.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hue-university-addresses-student-admission-status-changes

### 2026-08-23: Vietnam implements new 2026 university admission regulations

Vietnam is transitioning to a data-driven digital system for 2026 university admissions, introducing new minimum score thresholds for various specialized fields including medicine, law, and teaching.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-implements-new-2026-university-admission-regulations

### 2026-08-22: Tuyên Quang Specialized High School students excel in university admissions

Over 80 students from Tuyên Quang Specialized High School have been admitted to top Vietnamese universities, including HUST, Hanoi Medical University, and National Economics University.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kien-giang-university-announces-supplementary-admissions-for-2026

### 2026-08-20: Vietnam education sector undergoes major restructuring for 2026 school year

Vietnam is restructuring its education system for the 2026-2027 school year, involving school consolidations in Hanoi and Cao Bang, infrastructure upgrades in border regions, and university supplementary enroll

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-university-supplementary-admissions-to-begin-august-22-2026

### 2026-08-18: AI major reaches record entrance scores in Vietnam admissions

Vietnam's 2026 university admissions show record-high entrance scores for AI and technology majors, while social science scores decline amid a major shift in student interest.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ai-major-reaches-record-entrance-scores-in-vietnam-admissions

### 2026-08-13: Ho Chi Minh City University of Education sets record admission scores

Ho Chi Minh City University of Education reported record-high 2026 admission scores, with several majors exceeding 29 points, leaving even national top scorers unable to qualify without priority points.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ho-chi-minh-city-university-of-education-sets-record-admission-scores

### 2026-08-11: Vietnam university admission scores surge for STEM and pedagogy majors

Vietnam's 2026 university admission results show surging demand for STEM, medical, and pedagogy majors, with many top programs reaching near-perfect admission scores.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnamese-universities-announce-high-admission-scores-for-teacher-training

### 2026-08-09: Vietnam universities announce 2026 admission benchmark scores

Vietnamese universities have announced 2026 admission benchmarks, with high competition in economics and languages, while authorities manage retakes for students affected by exam irregularities.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-university-of-science-and-technology-sets-record-admission-benchmark

### 2026-08-07: Vietnam universities announce 2026 admission benchmark scores

Vietnamese universities have begun announcing 2026 admission benchmarks, showing high demand for AI, STEM, and economic majors, with some technology programs reaching absolute maximum scores.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-defense-sets-2026-military-university-admission-scores

### 2026-08-04: Vietnam launches 2026 university virtual admissions filtering

Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training started six rounds of virtual university admissions filtering on 5 Aug 2026, using new composite scoring that keeps most cutoff scores stable.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-launches-2026-university-virtual-admissions-filtering

### 2026-08-02: Vietnam Ministry of Education conducts six-round virtual filtering for 2026 university admissions

Vietnam's Ministry of Education will run six rounds of virtual filtering from 4‑9 August 2026 to ensure each student secures only one highest‑ranked university admission, eliminating duplicate admissions before

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-education-conducts-six-round-virtual-filtering-for-2026-university-admissions

### 2026-07-31: Vietnam's Education Ministry mandates fixed university admission lists after virtual filtering

Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training ordered universities to keep admission lists fixed after virtual filtering, with final processing on 10 August and cut‑off scores due by 13 August.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnams-education-ministry-mandates-fixed-university-admission-lists-after-virtual-filtering

### 2026-07-25: Can Tho parents demand separate high school graduation and university entrance exams

Can Tho parents, teachers and students urge Vietnam to split the high‑school graduation exam from university admissions, citing pressure, luck‑based outcomes and recent exam scandals.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/can-tho-parents-demand-separate-high-school-graduation-and-university-entrance-exams

### 2026-07-23: Vietnam Ministry of Education sets 2026 university admission timeline and bans parent fund‑raising by school committees

Vietnam's education ministry set a July–August 2026 university admission schedule for 1.2 million applicants and proposed a rule barring parent committees from collecting school funds, shifting fundraising to a

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-education-sets-2026-university-admission-timeline-and-bans-parent-fundraising-by

### 2026-07-20: Vietnam high school graduation exam plagued by fraud scandal and waning university role

Vietnam’s high‑school graduation exam faces cheating scandals and is losing its central place in university admissions as colleges turn to separate entrance tests.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-high-school-graduation-exam-plagued-by-fraud-scandal-and-waning-university-role

### 2026-07-19: Vietnam university admissions face low fraud rates and strict entry criteria

Vietnam university admissions see strict criteria causing student disqualifications, while US SAT/ACT cheating rates remain at about 0.2 %.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-university-admissions-face-low-fraud-rates-and-strict-entry-criteria

### 2026-07-19: Vietnam Ministry of Education drafts expanded minority support and bans ahead‑of‑schedule teaching

Vietnam's Ministry of Education proposes expanded preferential admission and up‑to‑150% financial aid for very few ethnic minority learners, and a circular banning ahead‑of‑schedule teaching and requiring staff

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-expands-education-support-for-very-small-ethnic-minorities

### 2026-07-17: Ho Chi Minh City universities face high competition for 2026 admissions

Over 17,000 hopefuls applied to Ho Chi Minh City's University of Medicine (2,746 slots) and 83,000 to its University of Technology (8,500 slots) for 2026, creating competition ratios of 6:1 and 10:1, while the

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ho-chi-minh-city-universities-face-high-competition-for-2026-admissions

### 2026-07-16: Vietnam sees surge in students opting for vocational schools after middle school

Around 13‑14% of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City graduates are now choosing free‑tuition vocational schools, driven by cost concerns and strong labour‑market demand for technical skills.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-sees-surge-in-students-opting-for-vocational-schools-after-middle-school

### 2026-07-15: Vietnam Sets 2026 University Admission Fee Payment Schedule by Region

Vietnam's education ministry released a six‑group regional timetable for online payment of 2026 university admission fees, running from 15 July to 21 July.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-sets-2026-university-admission-fee-payment-schedule-by-region

### 2026-07-15: Vietnam records 7.18 M university applications, 2.36 M for STEM

Vietnam's education system logged 7.18 M university applications for 2026, with STEM fields drawing 2.36 M choices from 467,590 students.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-records-718-m-university-applications-236-m-for-stem

### 2026-07-14: Vietnam debates separating high school graduation exam from university admissions

Vietnam is debating separating the high school graduation exam from university admissions after a cheating scandal, with experts proposing independent testing bodies and better oversight.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-debates-separating-high-school-graduation-exam-from-university-admissions

### 2026-07-13: Vietnam 2026 high‑school graduation exam faces cheating claims and record university enrolments

Vietnam’s 2026 graduation exam sparked cheating accusations that were dismissed after investigations, while university enrolments hit a record 874,811 applicants with an average of 8.2 preferences each, leading

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-provinces-launch-probes-into-alleged-highschool-exam-cheating

### 2026-07-12: Vietnam university admissions close as Tuyen Quang exam scandal unfolds

Vietnam's university admission portal closes at 17:00 on 14 July 2026; 797 722 students have registered, with 420 138 opting for STEM. The 328 Tuyên Quang candidates remain eligible while a cheating probe into

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-university-admissions-deadline-near-experts-offer-application-strategies

### 2026-07-11: Vietnam sets 2026 university entrance score floors for over 200 colleges

Over 200 Vietnamese universities set 2026 admission score floors of 15‑25 points, with highest at 25; law programmes need 20 points, semiconductor track requires math ≥ 7.5, and combined admissions forecast up‑

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-sets-minimum-admission-scores-for-law-university-programs

### 2026-07-11: Tuyên Quang High School Math Score Scandal Triggers Arrests and University Admission Review

Abnormal math scores at Tuyên Quang’s specialised school led to 19 arrests for abuse of authority, a government probe, and a review of university admissions while reforms to split graduation and university‑entr

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tuyen-quang-province-probes-math-exam-cheating-19-suspects-indicted

### 2026-07-10: Phú Thọ Education Department Refutes Cheating Rumors in 2026 High School Exams

Phú Thọ’s Education Department rejected cheating rumors about two students, found no irregularities after a province‑wide audit of 2026 graduation exam scores, and suggested broader cluster‑testing.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ph-th-education-department-refutes-cheating-rumors-in-2026-high-school-exams

### 2026-07-10: Quảng Trị high school exam point under investigation for alleged cheating

Quảng Trị education officials and police are probing social‑media claims of cheating at Lê Trực High School’s 2026 graduation exam; school leaders deny irregularities, investigation ongoing.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/qung-tr-education-officials-probe-cheating-claims-at-l-trc-exam-site

### 2026-07-10: Vietnam's Health Universities Report 2026 Graduation and Admission Changes

Vietnam's Phan Châu Trinh University graduated its first dental cohort, while the University of Health Sciences released 2026 admission scores, scoring formulas, and tuition fees for health programs.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnams-health-universities-report-2026-graduation-and-admission-changes

### 2026-07-09: Vietnamese Teacher Charged Over Exam Cheating in Tuyên Quang High School Graduation Test

Teacher Nguyen Ha Duy was charged for aiding students in Tuyên Quang’s high‑school graduation exam, prompting investigations of other staff and calls to tighten Vietnam’s exam rules.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnamese-teacher-charged-over-exam-cheating-in-tuyn-quang-high-school-graduation-test

### 2026-07-09: Vietnamese universities set 2026 admission score thresholds

Vietnamese universities and security academies released 2026 admission score floors, with Hanoi Medical University setting a 24‑point ceiling for medicine and dentistry, law schools requiring 16‑20 points, and

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-university-of-education-sets-2026-admission-score-thresholds

### 2026-07-09: Vietnam exam sees surge of perfect math scores in multiple provinces

Vietnam’s 2026 graduation exam saw unusually many perfect math scores – 60 in Lào Cai, 167 in Hà Tĩnh (including 79 from one school) and 194 in Phú Thọ – prompting investigations and official denials of any作弊.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-provinces-lao-cai-and-ha-tinh-record-unexpected-surge-in-perfect-math-scores

### 2026-07-09: Ha Tinh Specialized High School Principal Explains High Concentration of Perfect Math Scores

Ha Tinh Specialized High School's principal says 15 of 22 students scoring perfect math marks in exam room 268 reflect strong preparation, not irregularities.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ha-tinh-specialized-high-school-principal-explains-high-concentration-of-perfect-math-scores

### 2026-07-08: Vietnam Education Ministry moves to reform high‑school graduation exam after Tuyen Quang scandal

Vietnam’s Education Ministry is reviewing the national high‑school graduation exam after a math‑scoring scandal at Tuyen Quang’s specialized school, proposing reforms, independent test centers and cautious ret‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-education-ministry-moves-to-reform-highschool-graduation-exam-after-tuyen-quang-scandal

### 2026-07-08: Tuyen Quang math exam scandal prompts redo proposal and arrests

Tuyen Quang’s 2026 graduation exam showed 147 math perfect scores, leading to arrests of a teacher and deputy principal for exam misconduct, a parent‑backed redo request, and proposals for cameras and metal‑det

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnamese-teacher-nguyen-ha-duy-indicted-over-abnormal-2026-math-exam-scores

### 2026-07-08: Vietnam Tightens Penalties for Leaking High School Graduation Exam Papers

Vietnam treats high‑school graduation exam papers as state secrets, imposing fines up to VND 30 million and up to ten years jail, while past fraud scandals have prompted stricter oversight.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-tightens-penalties-for-leaking-high-school-graduation-exam-papers

### 2026-07-07: Vietnam Vice‑Prime Minister Lê Tiến Châu orders nationwide review of high‑school exams after abnormal scores

Vietnam’s Vice‑Prime Minister Lê Tiến Châu ordered a nationwide audit of high‑school exams after abnormal math scores in Tuyên Quang and called for reforms to curb “achievement disease” and reduce exam pressure

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-viceprime-minister-l-tin-chu-orders-nationwide-review-of-highschool-exams-after-abnormal-sco

### 2026-07-07: Lào Cai Education Department Reviews Surge in Math Scores After Social Media Allegations

Lào Cai’s education department has opened a task force to examine unusually high math scores for 336 students after social‑media claims of irregularities, saying initial checks show no evidence of cheating.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lo-cai-education-department-reviews-surge-in-math-scores-after-social-media-allegations

### 2026-07-07: Vietnam's Hanoi University of Technology admits 436 top candidates, Hong Bang sets 2026 cutoff scores

Hanoi University of Technology directly admitted 436 top students in 2026, while Hong Bang International University posted minimum entry scores for 43 programmes, mostly 15 points, with higher marks for health‑

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnams-hanoi-university-of-technology-admits-436-top-candidates-hong-bang-sets-2026-cutoff-scores

### 2026-07-06: Vietnam 2026 university admissions push students to pick majors by passion

Vietnam's 2026 university admissions fair urged students to select majors based on ability and passion, not just scores or trends, stressing long‑term relevance amid AI-driven job changes.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-2026-university-admissions-push-students-to-pick-majors-by-passion

### 2026-07-06: Vietnam Education Ministry sets 2026 university admission minimum scores

Vietnam's Education Ministry sets 2026 university admission minimum scores for teacher, health and law programmes, and orders a nationwide audit of abnormal math results in Tuyên Quang.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-sets-university-admission-cutoff-scores-for-health-and-law-programs

### 2026-07-05: Tuyên Quang math score scandal prompts nationwide exam review

A flood of perfect math scores at Tuyên Quang’s specialized high school led police to detain teacher Nguyễn Hà Duy and prompted the Ministry of Education, with the Vice‑Premier, to launch a nationwide review of

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-teacher-detained-in-tuyen-quang-over-anomalous-math-exam-scores

### 2026-07-04: Vietnam Ministry of Education warns 2026 university applicants of registration pitfalls

Vietnam's MOET opened the 2026 university admission portal, urging over 200,000 applicants to avoid late registration, OTP errors, and new minimum‑score rules before the July 14 deadline.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-education-urges-2026-university-applicants-to-avoid-registration-mistakes

### 2026-07-04: Vietnam sets 2026 university admission score thresholds

Vietnamese universities have released 2026 admission score thresholds, ranging from 15 points (lowest) to up to 25 points at top programmes, with the ministry to set common limits for teacher, health and law on

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-universities-set-2026-admission-minimum-scores-of-1525-points

### 2026-07-03: Tuyen Quang specialist high school math scores spark investigation

Tuyen Quang’s specialized high school saw 146‑154 perfect math scores in the 2026 graduation exam; the Ministry of Education and police are probing the results, with a teacher placed in custody and a full audit

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tuyen-quang-province-orders-full-audit-of-2026-highschool-exam-after-unusually-high-math-scores

### 2026-07-03: Vietnam 2026 university admissions release score thresholds and conversion tables

Vietnamese universities release 2026 admission floor scores, conversion tables and guidance as the nationwide enrollment period runs until 14 July.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-university-of-science-and-technology-releases-2026-admission-score-forecasts-highest-above-285

### 2026-07-01: Vietnam 2026 High School Exam Scores and University Admissions

Vietnam’s 2026 high‑school exam results show a surge in perfect math scores, top literature marks of 9.75, and shifting provincial averages; university admission opens 2‑14 July with a new 15‑point minimum rule

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-opens-university-admissions-for-2026-applicants

### 2026-07-01: Vietnam shifts 2026 university admissions focus from prestige to practicality

Vietnam's 2026 university admissions see families prioritising cost, job prospects and practical training over school prestige amid AI-driven labour market changes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-shifts-2026-university-admissions-focus-from-prestige-to-practicality

### 2026-06-30: Vietnam Limits University Applications to 15 Choices for 2026 Admissions

Vietnam’s 2026 university admissions will limit applicants to 15 choices, with experts urging a three‑tier selection strategy to balance ambition and realistic chances.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-limits-university-applications-to-15-choices-for-2026-admissions

### 2026-06-28: Vietnam MOET proposes up to 50 million VND fines for illegal extra tutoring and early kindergarten teaching

Vietnam's MOET draft decree proposes fines up to 50 million VND for illegal extra tutoring, early kindergarten teaching and related violations, with possible suspensions and licence revocations.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-ministry-of-education-proposes-up-to-20-million-vnd-fines-for-prefirstgrade-teaching

### 2026-06-27: Vietnam Expands Scholarships and Education Reforms for 2026

Vietnam rolls out expanded scholarships for 111 majors, a new 150 million VND talent award at Thủy Lợi, autonomy for schools to hire teachers, and a plan to develop 12 leading universities for STEM and high‑end

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-launches-300-billion-vnd-stem-scholarship-program-for-2026

### 2026-06-26: Vietnam lifts teacher pay and raises tax dependent income limit in 2026 reforms

Vietnam’s 2026 reforms will place teachers at the top of the pay scale and raise the dependent income ceiling to VND 3 million, preserving a VND 6.2 million tax deduction per dependent.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-lifts-teacher-pay-and-raises-tax-dependent-income-limit-in-2026-reforms

### 2026-06-26: Vietnam to raise teacher salaries and reform education staffing for 2026‑27

Vietnam's leader Tô Lâm orders higher teacher pay, cuts tutoring costs, and introduces flexible staffing and building conversions for the 2026‑27 school year.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-to-raise-teacher-salaries-and-reform-education-staffing-for-202627

### 2026-06-25: Vietnam grants school principals authority to issue high school diplomas

Vietnam will publish 2026 high‑school exam results on 1 July and, for the first time, let school principals issue diplomas, shifting authority from provincial education offices.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-grants-school-principals-authority-to-issue-high-school-diplomas

### 2026-06-25: Hanoi launches AI‑driven enrollment for 800,000 students starting July

Hanoi began AI‑assisted enrollment on 1 July for nearly 800,000 kindergarten and primary students, using GIS to assign schools by residence and emphasizing transparency and data security.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hanoi-uses-ai-to-enroll-about-800000-children-for-202627-school-year

### 2026-06-23: Vietnam 2026 university admissions focus on law major cutoffs and school transcripts

Vietnam's 2026 university admissions set competitive Law cutoffs (26‑29 points at top schools) and require full‑six‑semester transcripts evaluated on a unified scale.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-2026-university-admissions-standards-and-law-program-cutoff-scores

### 2026-06-23: Vietnam expands high‑school admissions and launches teacher‑recruitment pilot in major cities

Hanoi admitted over 102,000 students to public high schools (2026‑27) while Ho Chi Minh City enabled 246 schools to recruit teachers directly, including foreigners, in a 2026‑2030 pilot reform.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vietnam-expands-highschool-admissions-and-launches-teacherrecruitment-pilot-in-major-cities

---
Cite as: Vietnam 2026 university admissions and education reforms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnam-2026-education-exams