Starting in 2025, admissions to lower secondary schools (grades 6 - 9) in Vietnam will be conducted through an evaluation-based selection process rather than entrance exams.

This change, as outlined in a newly issued regulation by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), aims to alleviate pressure on primary school students transitioning to middle school.

Both private institutions and high-quality public schools will adopt the new system.

New admissions framework

Under the new guidelines, the selection criteria for schools affiliated with universities, research institutes, or local Departments of Education and Training (DoETs) will follow regulations directly managed by these institutions or local authorities.

Currently, elite schools in cities like Hanoi conduct competitive entrance exams for 6th-grade admissions.

Notable examples include: Middle School of Foreign Languages, affiliated with the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Nguyen Tat Thanh Middle School, affiliated with Hanoi National University of Education; and other top-tier schools such as the Secondary Schools of Cau Giay, Thanh Xuan, and Nam Tu Liem.

In the 2024–2025 school year, these schools reported intense competition, with some recording admission ratios as high as 1:20 (one spot for every 20 applicants).

For instance: Nguyen Tat Thanh saw over 5,500 applicants vying for 270 spots; Middle School of Foreign Languages had an acceptance ratio of 1:18. Schools like THCS Cau Giay and THCS Thanh Xuan had a competition ratio of approximately 1:10.

How will schools adapt?

With the new regulation, MOET representatives stated that the goal is to reduce the stress and financial burden of competitive entrance exams for students and parents.

Private and high-quality public schools must now adopt standardized selection methods.

Local authorities will provide tailored guidance to these schools based on specific circumstances, ensuring a smooth transition.

The new Circular 30/2024 builds upon previous regulations while introducing updated measures to align with modern educational and social contexts.

The reform adheres to three main principles:

Reducing pressure and costs: The admissions process will be simplified, cutting down administrative procedures and embracing digital transformation in education.

Promoting holistic education: Admissions will focus on evaluating students’ qualities and competencies for higher education or vocational training pathways. Regular assessments will align with standardized periodic evaluations.

Maintaining state oversight: The regulations aim to ensure uniformity nationwide while allowing for decentralization, clarifying the roles and responsibilities of MOET, local governments, and affiliated institutions.

Hoang Thanh