Vietnam to eliminate IELTS bonus points in university entrance reforms

The Vietnamese education ministry has announced plans to remove bonus points currently awarded to university applicants who hold International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificates, marking a substantial shift in how students compete for tertiary education places.

Under the proposed reforms, excellence awards and academic commendations that previously provided entrance advantages will also be eliminated from the admissions calculation. The ministry's decision reflects efforts to standardize and simplify the university selection process across the country's higher education institutions.

The changes are expected to affect a large cohort of secondary school graduates who have traditionally relied on English proficiency certifications to strengthen their applications. Officials have indicated the new framework aims to create a more equitable playing field among prospective students from diverse educational backgrounds.

The implementation is scheduled to commence in the next academic year, though Vietnamese education authorities have not yet released comprehensive details regarding transition arrangements or alternative assessment mechanisms. Universities have been notified to prepare for the administrative changes required to align their admissions procedures with the new national policy.