Speaking to VietNamNet, Professor Nguyen Tien Thao, Director of the Higher Education Department under the Ministry, said that a draft regulation is currently under development to tighten control and improve the quality of university admissions.

One of the key proposed revisions targets the method of admission based on high school academic records (transcripts).

Firstly, under this method, the admissions score would be calculated based on the average grades of six semesters (grades 10 to 12) in at least three subjects. The subject combination must include either Mathematics or Literature, and this subject must account for at least one-third of the total score on a 30-point scale.

In addition, students applying via this method must achieve a minimum combined score of 16/30 in the corresponding three subjects of the high school graduation exam. This requirement does not apply to candidates who are exempt from the exam or granted special consideration.

Secondly, the draft limits universities to a maximum of five admission methods, including exams, transcript review, or a combination of both. This limit does not include direct admissions.

Thirdly, the draft proposes that bonus points be capped at 3 points on the 30-point scale. These bonus points may include: (1) rewards for national or international Olympiad achievements (not applicable for direct admissions); (2) points for students with special talents or accomplishments; and (3) incentives for those holding foreign language or international certificates. Each category can contribute up to 1.5 points.

Photo caption: High school students taking the graduation exam in 2025. Photo: Pham Tung

Fourthly, subject combinations used for admission based on graduation exam results must include at least three subjects relevant to the training program. One of these must be Mathematics or Literature, which must carry at least one-third of the total weight.

Fifthly, for combinations that include foreign language certificates, universities may convert these certificates into scores based on guidelines issued by the Ministry. This applies to candidates who are exempt from the foreign language exam under existing regulations.

Sixthly, candidates may register up to ten preferences for programs across different universities. These preferences must be ranked in order of priority. Teacher training programs will only consider candidates who list them as preferences one through three.

Seventhly, the draft adds new categories of eligible candidates, including students enrolled in vocational secondary education programs (as defined by the revised Law on Vocational Education), and foreign nationals.

Eighthly, for majors that require coordination from multiple ministries in setting enrollment benchmarks, the total graduation exam score for candidates using academic transcripts must be at least 20 points, based on combinations including Mathematics, Literature, and another subject.

Thanh Hung