Investing tens of millions of VND in IELTS, many candidates still have to urgently change tactics before adjustments in conversion and bonus points.
Disappointed when IELTS no longer has as many advantages as before
According to the 2026 enrollment regulations, the Ministry requires universities to compulsorily build a conversion table of foreign language certificate scores with at least 5 score difference levels. At the same time, the bonus points for IELTS certificates are reduced to only a maximum of 1.5 points instead of 3.0 as in previous years.
In addition, candidates who have converted their foreign language certificate scores will not receive bonus points to avoid one achievement being calculated twice.
Starting exam preparation from the end of 10th grade and investing about 33 million VND for an IELTS certificate, Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi - a 12th grade student at Hong Thai High School (Hanoi) - is worried about the changes in the urgent exam preparation phase.
“I took the exam and got an IELTS 5.5 certificate in December last year. When I knew IELTS was no longer as advantageous as before, I felt disappointed and pressured because of the effort and money spent over 2 years” - Yen Nhi shared.
Planning to use IELTS for admission to the University of Foreign Trade and the National Economics University, I plan to retake the IELTS in March and set a target of achieving 6.5.
In addition, Yen Nhi is also shifting her focus to the competency assessment exam and will take it after having IELTS results to increase her chances of passing.
To save costs, in this exam, I decided to study on my own. I prioritize IELTS at the present time but still invest in both Math and Physics to avoid losing an advantage in the aptitude test if the IELTS results are not as desired" - the female student confided.
Huyen Anh - an 11th-grade student at Cau Giay High School, Hanoi, has also just completed the registration for the exam at the British Council (BC). However, before the changes of this year's enrollment season, the female student believes that IELTS is the only path to university.
If only relying on IELTS, it is very risky. Therefore, I have started to learn and review for the Aptitude Assessment exam of Vietnam National University, Hanoi. I think this is one of the effective alternatives because many schools use this result for direct admission" - Huyen Anh shared.
Converting IELTS scores into universities in 2026
Change tactics to maximize the advantages of IELTS
Investing nearly 50 million VND and already having an IELTS 7.5 certificate, Le Minh Thu - a 12A4 student at Le Quy Don High School (Hanoi) - also shares the same feelings as Yen Nhi.
Previously, IELTS 7.5 was a very big advantage because some schools had high bonus points for this certificate. However, this year this advantage has decreased significantly, making me and many friends regretful. However, I don't regret it because IELTS still has certain advantages" - Minh Thu said.
To maximize the advantages of IELTS, the female student plans to apply by using high school graduation exam scores and combining competency assessment with IELTS. Minh Thu wishes to enter the National Economics University and the Diplomatic Academy.
This year, there are no more bonus points when converted, so I decided to focus on the high school graduation exam. Because IELTS can only be converted to a maximum of 10. If I complete the English exam well in the high school graduation exam, plus bonus points from the certificate, the total score may be higher than converted" - the female student shared.
According to Minh Thu, if you want to fully utilize IELTS, candidates should learn about many admission methods that use this certificate. Diversifying choices such as competency assessment exams or focusing on the high school graduation exam will help candidates feel more secure instead of just relying on point conversion.
Instead of worrying, you can follow the enrollment information of schools to build a direction that is beneficial to you. You should maintain a proactive attitude of adapting, dividing into stages to focus on each exam instead of concentrating at once" - Minh Thu added.
