Editorial Note
This article examines an October 15, 2026, investigation by VnExpress International into the growing use of international English-language certificates in Vietnamese university admissions.
The article distinguishes existing admissions practices from possible future policy changes. Universities may apply different requirements, and proposed national reforms should not be treated as enacted rules. Students should confirm current admission criteria directly with their chosen institutions.
The Bottom Line
Vietnamese families are spending substantial amounts on IELTS preparation as international English-language certificates become increasingly important in university admissions.
According to an October 15 investigation by VnExpress International, some families have spent tens of millions of Vietnamese dong on tutoring, examinations, and additional instruction to improve applicants' admission prospects.
More than 100 universities reportedly recognize IELTS certificates through score conversion, admissions bonuses, or combined assessment methods.
The growing market for English-language preparation has created opportunities for students and tutoring providers, but it has also raised questions about educational fairness.
Students whose families can afford private instruction may have advantages over applicants who rely primarily on school-based English education.
How IELTS Became Important in Vietnamese Admissions
The International English Language Testing System, commonly known as IELTS, evaluates English proficiency across listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Universities use it for several purposes, including assessing applicants' readiness for English-language academic programs.
In Vietnam, many institutions have also incorporated IELTS into domestic university admission pathways.
Depending on the institution, applicants may be able to convert qualifying IELTS results into English subject scores, receive limited bonus points, or include the certificate within a combined admission formula.
These policies can make international English certificates influential in competitive admission decisions.
VnExpress reported that more than 100 universities use some form of recognition for IELTS or equivalent certificates.
However, the precise conversion formula and eligibility requirements vary.
An IELTS score does not guarantee admission to a particular university or program.
What Families Are Spending
VnExpress described students who enrolled in expensive preparation courses in pursuit of admission advantages.
One student reportedly spent VND55 million on an IELTS preparation course, while total family spending exceeded VND100 million after additional tutoring and multiple test attempts.
Other families reported spending VND30 million or more for preparation programs targeting higher band scores.
The publication's survey of language centers found that courses designed to improve scores from approximately 5.0–5.5 to 6.0–6.5 commonly cost VND10–16 million.
Costs may increase when students pursue higher targets, intensive preparation, or one-on-one lessons.
These reported expenditures demonstrate the financial pressures that can arise when an examination becomes a valuable admissions credential.
They do not mean every Vietnamese student spends comparable amounts.
Why Families Consider IELTS Worth the Investment
The value of an IELTS certificate extends beyond domestic university admission.
Students may use English proficiency credentials when applying to international universities, participating in exchange programs, or preparing for English-medium coursework.
Strong language skills can also support access to research, professional training, and employment opportunities.
For these reasons, IELTS preparation is not inherently an unnecessary expense.
The concern arises when admissions policies encourage families to purchase increasingly expensive instruction primarily to obtain a numerical advantage.
A test that measures useful skills can also become a competitive credential that rewards access to preparation resources.
What the Data Show
According to VnExpress, Vietnam recorded approximately 874,811 university applicants among 1.24 million high school graduation examination candidates in 2026.
More than 37,300 applicants used English certificates to receive admission bonus points, and more than 35,900 used IELTS results.
The number of applicants presenting international English certificates has grown substantially at several universities.
At the National Economics University, applications involving IELTS certificates reportedly increased from 50 in 2017 to approximately 22,000–23,000 annually in recent years.
Such figures help explain why IELTS preparation has become an increasingly visible part of the private education market.
They also create pressure on universities and policymakers to determine how language credentials should influence admission decisions.
Concerns About Educational Inequality
The cost of private IELTS instruction can create unequal opportunities.
Students in major cities may have greater access to qualified instructors, specialized language centers, and intensive preparation programs.
Rural families or households with limited income may face fewer affordable options.
These differences do not automatically mean that every IELTS-based admission decision is unfair. However, they raise a legitimate policy concern when access to private preparation influences an applicant's competitiveness.
Universities must consider whether language certificate advantages reflect relevant academic preparation or disproportionately reward families with greater financial resources.
Equity concerns become particularly significant when admissions decisions depend on small score differences.
Proposed Admissions Changes
Vietnamese authorities have been reconsidering how international English certificates should influence university admission outcomes.
VnExpress reported that the Ministry of Education and Training is considering removing bonus points awarded for language certificates and certain achievements from the next admission cycle.
Under the proposal described in the reporting, applicants could still use qualifying language certificates for approved English score substitution, but additional bonus points would be eliminated.
This is an important distinction.
Removing an admissions bonus would not necessarily mean universities could no longer recognize IELTS.
As of the reporting reviewed, the future change was presented as a plan rather than a completed nationwide rule.
Applicants should monitor official announcements before making decisions based on proposed requirements.
What This Means for Tutors and Language Schools
The demand for IELTS preparation represents a substantial market for education providers.
However, the most sustainable programs should focus on developing genuine English proficiency rather than promising admission outcomes that depend on changing university rules.
Tutors can help students establish realistic goals, assess their current level, strengthen academic language skills, and prepare across all four IELTS components.
Programs should explain their pricing transparently and avoid implying that a particular band score guarantees admission.
Online tutoring and small-group instruction may create more affordable options for students unable to access expensive urban preparation centers.
Providers should also recognize that domestic admission incentives may change even while broader demand for English proficiency remains strong.
What This Means for Students and Parents
Before purchasing an intensive preparation program, students and families should check the exact requirements of their intended universities.
They should determine whether IELTS is mandatory, optional, useful for score substitution, or eligible for any current admission advantage.
Families should compare course costs, instructional quality, test fees, and the amount of improvement realistically needed.
Students pursuing English for international education or professional development may still benefit from preparation regardless of domestic admissions changes.
The most important objective should be transferable language competence rather than obtaining a certificate for its own sake.
The Bigger Picture
Vietnam's IELTS market reflects a broader international trend in which recognized credentials influence educational opportunities.
Standardized assessments can create common measures of proficiency, but their use in admissions may also encourage expensive preparation industries.
Policymakers face the challenge of rewarding genuine academic skills while preventing credential costs from becoming barriers to opportunity.
A balanced approach requires transparent admission formulas, accessible English instruction, and ongoing evaluation of whether selection systems produce equitable outcomes.
What Happens Next?
Students and universities will be watching for final announcements concerning the next admissions cycle.
Any confirmed changes could influence how families budget for IELTS preparation and how tutoring companies structure their programs.
Education providers should avoid advertising promised admissions advantages based on draft policy proposals.
Universities should publish clear conversion tables and eligibility requirements so applicants can make informed decisions.
Why This Matters
Vietnam's experience illustrates how education policy can reshape private tutoring demand.
When credentials carry significant admissions value, families respond by investing time and money in preparation.
The challenge is ensuring those investments improve meaningful skills rather than simply intensifying financial competition.
Key Takeaways
- More than 100 Vietnamese universities reportedly recognize IELTS or equivalent certificates in admission processes.
- Families are spending substantial amounts on private English preparation.
- The reported number of IELTS-related university applications has increased sharply.
- Unequal access to tutoring raises concerns about admissions fairness.
- Vietnamese authorities are considering changes to certificate-based bonus points.
- Proposed changes should not be treated as enacted policy.
- Tutors should prioritize measurable language development and transparent admissions guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS required for every university in Vietnam?
No. Requirements vary by university and admission pathway.
How much does IELTS tutoring cost in Vietnam?
VnExpress reported a wide range of expenses, including preparation courses costing VND10–16 million and more intensive programs costing substantially more.
Will IELTS bonus points disappear?
Authorities have been considering changes. Applicants should confirm final rules through official ministry and university announcements.
Is IELTS still useful if admission bonuses change?
Yes. IELTS may remain useful for English proficiency certification, international education, employment, and qualifying university admission pathways.
Final Thoughts
The growing demand for IELTS preparation highlights both Vietnam's commitment to international language proficiency and the financial challenges created by competitive credential systems.
Universities and policymakers must evaluate whether admissions advantages appropriately reflect academic readiness.
For families and education providers, the strongest long-term investment remains genuine language development that continues to benefit students beyond a single admission decision.
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Sources
VnExpress International — Vietnam's University Admissions Policies Fuel Costly IELTS Race Among High School Students (October 15, 2026)
VnExpress International — Students Dismayed as IELTS Advantage Shrinks With Proposed University Admissions Changes (February 28, 2026)
