On March 16, 2014, the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) issued a circular setting the 6-level framework for foreign language competencies used for Vietnam. 

There are three grades, including primary, intermediate and advanced and six levels, from Level 1 to Level 6, compatible with levels from A1 to C2 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

The 6-level framework for Vietnam is used as the basis for assessing people’s competencies for all foreign languages taught in the national educational system. VSTEP is the exam for English skills.

Article 4 of Decision 66/2008/QD-BGDDT shows how to convert TOEIC, TOEFL and IELTS scores to corresponding levels. The 3.5-4.5 IELTS is equal to the third level (B1), while 5.0-5.5 IELTS is equal to the fourth level (B2), 6.0-6.5 IELTS is equal to fifth level (C1) and 7.0-7.5 IELTS is equal to the sixth level (C2).

To date, 25 universities have been allowed by MOET to organize exams to grant certificates of English skills in accordance with the six-level framework. However, most universities prioritize  enrolling students who have IELTS and other international certificates such as TOEIC and TOEFL. Only a few schools choose students based on the Vietnamese framework.

The Hanoi University of Foreign Languages belonging to the Hanoi National University, for example, enrolls students who have VSTEP certificates specifically organized by the school for the university entrance exam at B2 level or higher (equal to the fourth level of the six-level framework for Vietnam). 

In addition, the students have to have the total scores of the other two exam subjects of 14 or higher at the 2023 high school finals (the two exam subjects must have at least mathematics or literature).

As for the students applying to study English linguistics and English pedagogy, students have to obtain the C1 level or higher for VSTEP (equal to the fifth level of the framework for Vietnam). 

The University of Foreign Languages under Da Nang University also plans to enroll students with 7.0 scores of VSTEP or higher for English pedagogy and English linguistics.

Meanwhile, 6.0 or higher VSTEP scores will be required for some other majors. However, the school only accepts the VSTEP certificate to be granted by itself.

The HCMC National University has sent a document to nine member schools, requesting to recognize Vietnam’s VSTEP when enrolling, training and granting bachelor’s degrees. However, some member schools still don’t have plans to use this certificate.

Why not VSTEP?

At the HCM City University of Technology, 6.0 IELTS score is converted into 10 in Vietnamese marking scheme, while 5.5 IELTS score is equal to 9 and 5.0 IELTS means 8 scores. Meanwhile, TOEFL iBT 79 is converted to 10 scores. The lowest level, TOEFL iBT 46-47, is equal to 8 scores.

Meanwhile, students who finish American, Canadian and Australian high school programs will be preferable. They can also apply for this university if they have at least 550 scores on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test).

Asked why this university doesn’t enroll students with VSTEP, Bui Hoai Thang, head of the Training Division, said no general school student attends VSTEP. It seems that the six-level framework is only applied to working people.

Thang said that the university wants to apply international standards. The students who have  international certificates are ready to work in an international environment.

Meanwhile, an educator said that IELTS is preferred to VSTEP because many students need international certificates to apply for schools in the UK, Australia and the US.

However, he said, in the future, all certificates will be accepted as schools need students with good English skills.

Le Huyen