Vietnam’s university admission rules now reward English certificates, turning IELTS scores into extra points. For families and students, understanding this system is essential because it directly affects both their wallets and their chances of entering a preferred university.

The Ministry of Education and Training allowed, since 2015, foreign language certificates to replace the English exam and be converted into English marks for graduation and admissions. More than 100 universities now convert IELTS scores into English marks and award bonus points, with each institution setting its own conversion scale.

The effect is visible at the National Economics University, where applications with IELTS certificates rose from just 50 in 2017 to between 22,000 and 23,000 each year in recent years. Similar spikes were reported at other institutions, showing a rapid growth in certificate‑based applications.

A typical IELTS preparation course costs VND10‑16 million, while some families spend VND55 million on a single course and over VND100 million in total for one student. These expenses strain many households, even those that are not wealthy.

In the most recent admission cycle, more than 37,300 students used English certificates for bonus points, and over 35,900 of them relied on IELTS scores. Because more than 51 % of university entrants depended on these bonuses, the education ministry plans to abolish bonus points to address growing inequality.

The upcoming removal of bonus points could end the costly IELTS race and make university entry rely more on academic performance than on expensive certificates. Students and families should watch the policy change closely, as it will reshape admission strategies.