In fact, giving bonus points to candidates with IELTS certificates has already been applied by many universities. 

At the Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST), candidates with IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) get 1 bonus point, while IELTS 7.0 earns 5 points, calculated on a 100-point scale. 

At the Hanoi University of Pharmacy, candidates with IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) receive bonus points, with a maximum of 2 points for IELTS 9.0. 

The Academy of Cryptography Techniques also used to award priority points for candidates with IELTS 5.5 or higher, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 points. The Hanoi National University of Education adds 1-3 priority points for students with IELTS 6.5 or above.

Most recently, the University of Saigon has announced that in 2025, it will award bonus points to candidates with IELTS (or equivalent) for non-English majors, with IELTS 4.0-5.0 earning 1 bonus point, 5.5-6.5 earning 1.5 bonus points, 7.0 or higher earning 2 bonus points.

Associate Prof Dr To Van Phuong, Head of the Training Department at University of Nha Trang, said that awarding bonus points to candidates with foreign language certificates, especially English, is stipulated in the amended 2025 admission regulations.  

This encourages candidates to study and obtain IELTS certificates, thereby improving English proficiency, particularly amid the push to make English a second language in schools. However, though it is legal, determining an appropriate level of bonus points is a complex issue requiring careful consideration of many factors.

According to Phuong, IELTS 4.0 score, if converted to the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework, equates to level 3/6. This basically meets the “output standard” for high school graduates. However, as a training management officer, Phuong noted that IELTS 4.0 is just equal to basic level, capable of understanding and using English in familiar situations. 

Moving from 4.0 to 6.0 requires independent English use, handling more complex scenarios, with significant improvement across all four skills—especially flexibility and accuracy in language use. Most schools equate IELTS 6.0 to 9-point English exam score.

According to Phung Quan, admissions consultant at University of Natural Sciences HCM City, Circular 06/2025 (from Ministry of Education and Training – MOET) allows training institutions to convert foreign language certificates (like IELTS) into admission scores, with rules: certificate converts to foreign language subject score in admission, but its weight must not exceed 50 percent of total scores of three learning subjects (used to consider for admission). 

Meanwhile, the total bonus points must not exceed 10 percent of the admission scale, i.e., the maximum of 3 bonus points on 30-point scale. 

Thus, it would be acceptable if a school awards 3 bonus points for IELTS 4.0 holders, provided that the bonus doesn’t exceed 3 points.

Associate Prof Bui Hoai Thang, Head of the Training Department at the HCM City University of Technology, said awarding bonus points for IELTS candidates will encourage students to improve foreign language skills which is regulated by the ministry. On the other hand, IELTS 4.0 meets high school output requirements. After general education, students will study further at university to reach level 3/6 as mandated.

According to Phuong of University of Nha Trang, whether to award bonus points and at what level depends on each university’s context. However, granting 3 bonus points at maximum should be carefully weighed as it could significantly affect admission outcomes.

“We must be sure that the bonus doesn’t create inequality in admissions between candidates with and without IELTS certificates. Many students lack access to IELTS exams and could be put at a disadvantage. This would greatly impact basic admission principles like fairness to candidates, equality among training institutions, and transparency to society,” Phuong said.

Phung Quan believes that awarding 3 bonus points for IELTS 4.0 may spark controversy since 4.0 is a low level yet receives a maximum bonus, easily causing a sense of unfairness compared to higher levels like IELTS 6.0.

“Granting 3 bonus points for IELTS 4.0 is legally compliant, but its reasonableness and transparency need careful consideration to avoid misunderstanding or negative reactions,” Quan suggested.

Dr Tran Dinh Ly, Vice Rector of Nong Lam University HCM City, said: “IELTS 4.0 is too low, not worthy of 3 bonus points.”

Sharing this view, the admissions director of a southern university affirmed that 3.5-4 IELTS is the score that nearly all Vietnamese examinees can get. If examinees can obtain 6.0 or higher, they can communicate with foreigners.

Thanh Hung