Widespread preference for IELTS

Several universities have announced their preliminary 2025 admission plans, continuing the trend of favoring international English certificates like IELTS and TOEFL.

The University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) will consider applicants with an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher, a TOEFL iBT score of at least 73, an SAT section score of 500 or more, or an ACT score of at least 20 out of 36.

Additionally, students applying through high school transcripts, competency assessments, or the V-SAT exam will receive priority if they hold an IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 73 or higher.

The University of Information Technology (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City) offers additional points to applicants with IELTS or TOEFL iBT certificates.

At the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, students enrolling in English-taught programs, advanced programs, or international transfer programs (Australia/New Zealand) must have at least an IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79, or TOEIC Listening & Reading 730 and Speaking & Writing 280.

Students with an IELTS 5.5 or equivalent may receive provisional admission but must meet the English requirement within one semester.

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry grants direct admission to provincial and city-level academic award winners, Olympiad winners (in relevant subjects), students from specialized high schools, and those with an IELTS score of at least 5.5.

The Nong Lam University of Ho Chi Minh City converts IELTS and TOEFL iTP scores into equivalent English admission points for students applying via high school graduation results.

An IELTS score of 5.0-5.5 or a TOEFL iTP score of 470-510 is equivalent to 8 points, an IELTS 6.0-6.5 or a TOEFL iTP 513-550 is worth 9 points, and an IELTS 7.0-9.0 or TOEFL iTP 553-677 receives a perfect 10.

Similarly, the Ho Chi Minh City Open University gives preference to applicants with international English certificates. For language programs, students need an IELTS 6.5 or equivalent; for other programs, an IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is required.

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Law considers applicants with international English certificates or SAT scores. Specifically, an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher (issued by the British Council or International Development Program) or a TOEFL iBT score of at least 65 (issued by Educational Testing Service) meets the requirement.

The University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City plans to continue selecting students based on high school graduation exam results combined with English proficiency screening. Applicants with an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher are eligible to apply for all programs.

Those with an IELTS score between 5.0 and 6.0 can apply to programs such as Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Nursing, Midwifery, Nutrition, Dental Technology, and Medical Laboratory Technology. The university also considers SAT scores in admissions.

Other institutions, such as Hoa Sen University, Tan Tao University, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, are also prioritizing IELTS or TOEFL scores and incorporating English certificate conversion in their admissions process.

VSTEP rarely considered

VSTEP (Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency) is a national English proficiency exam aligned with the six-level Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The test assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

According to the Quality Management Department of the Ministry of Education and Training, 36 universities in Vietnam are authorized to conduct and issue VSTEP certificates. However, only a few universities currently accept VSTEP for admissions.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking converts scores from IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iTP, APTIS ESOL, and VSTEP into English admission points.

However, it only accepts VSTEP certificates issued by its own Center for Foreign Language and IT Training and Assessment.

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Food Industry also accepts VSTEP and converts it into admission points for English. Additionally, the Ho Chi Minh City University of Saigon plans to recognize IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Linguaskill, Aptis, and VSTEP for English admission scores.

Despite VSTEP being designed as a standardized test for Vietnamese students, its limited acceptance in university admissions has led many applicants to opt for international certificates like IELTS or TOEFL to improve their chances.

 Le Huyen