The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) has issued regulations on university admissions in 2026 with many notable new points, in which for the first time stipulates a common input quality assurance threshold.
Accordingly, candidates must achieve at least 15 points on a 30-point scale (total score of three subjects in the admission combination from the high school graduation exam) to be eligible to register for university admission, regardless of which method is used.
This is considered a major change compared to previous years, because in previous years, the Ministry did not stipulate a common floor score for all methods. Previously, many schools could flexibly consider admissions based on transcripts or separate criteria without being bound by high school graduation exam scores.
However, the new regulations also raise many concerns. Nguyen Minh Khang, a 12th grade student in Ho Chi Minh City, said: "Previously, I planned to consider the transcript because my academic ability is stable, but exams are not my strength. With the new regulations, if the exam score is not enough 15, it is considered a loss of opportunity to enter university, so the exam pressure increases a lot.
At the enrollment counseling program held in Ho Chi Minh City recently, Mr. Nguyen Phuc Vien - Principal of Cho Gao High School (Dong Thap), expressed concern when the regulations require candidates to achieve 15/30 points or higher according to the admission combination.
This will put pressure on students with good and average academic performance, and if below this threshold, what will happen to them?", Mr. Vien said.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Anh Dung - Deputy Director of the Higher Education Department said that 15 points is only the minimum level to ensure admission quality, not a "closed door" for candidates. For cases that do not meet the threshold, there are still many other options such as colleges and intermediate schools.
Mr. Dinh Van De - Acting Principal of Ly Tu Trong College HCMC, said that college is also a flexible and practical direction for students after high school.
According to him, learners do not necessarily have to go to university immediately, but can choose a path from intermediate, college and then articulate to university.
College education helps students get a career early, graduates can go to work, have income, and then work and study to improve their qualifications. This is the optimal path in terms of time and cost," he said.
He also emphasized the advantage of college training is that it is associated with business practice, many students have jobs right from the internship. Therefore, the important thing is not to choose which level of education, but to understand their abilities, conditions and goals.
