Culture & Entertainment · Vietnam Bureau
Vietnam's plan to drop IELTS bonus points alarms test-takers
Vietnamese students who have spent years preparing for the IELTS English proficiency exam now face the prospect of losing their admission advantage under a proposed education ministry reform. The plan to eliminate bonus points for language certificates beginning next year has sparked concern among test-takers nationwide.
LSN Vietnam ·
Vietnam's Ministry of Education has proposed scrapping bonus point allocations for internationally recognized English language certificates, including the IELTS exam, in university entrance procedures. The reform would take effect from next year, marking a significant shift in how language qualifications factor into higher education admissions.
Thousands of Vietnamese students have invested considerable time and resources into preparing for and sitting the IELTS examination, viewing the certification as a pathway to gaining competitive advantages in university selection. Many have spent multiple years on intensive language training to achieve target scores, expecting their efforts would translate into tangible admission benefits.
The proposed elimination of bonus points has generated widespread concern among students and test-preparation centers. Those who have already invested in IELTS preparation now face uncertainty over whether their certification will retain its value for admission purposes.
The Ministry of Education's proposal reflects broader discussions about standardizing university entrance criteria across Vietnam. Officials have not yet released detailed timelines or additional information regarding the implementation of the proposed changes or potential transition arrangements for current test-takers.