Choosing a career

In light of the new adjustments to the regulations on university and college admissions and high school graduation examinations in 2026 by the Ministry of Education and Training, the Tuyen Quang education sector and schools have proactively adjusted their review plans and strengthened career guidance. At the same time, they are guiding students to choose suitable professions based on their abilities and practical conditions to adapt to the changes in the admissions process.

Yen Hoa High School organized career counseling sessions to help students choose suitable fields of study and register for appropriate preferences.

Input normalization

Recently, the Ministry of Education and Training announced a series of adjustments to the 2026 university and college admissions regulations, aiming to increase transparency and narrow the gap between different admission methods. Notably, candidates using high school graduation exam results for admission must achieve a minimum of 15/30 points for the three-subject combination. Mathematics and Literature must account for at least one-third of the total score; candidates are now limited to a maximum of 15 applications, instead of the previous unlimited number. For the academic transcript-based admission method, the Ministry requires the use of academic results from all six semesters of high school; furthermore, the total bonus points for priority and encouragement must not exceed 3 points, ensuring a balance among different groups of candidates.

According to Professor, Dr. Nguyen Tien Thao, Director of the Department of Higher Education , Ministry of Education and Training: The method of admission based on academic transcripts has been applied for more than 10 years, accounting for about 40% of the total number of admitted students and mainly based on the academic results of 12th-grade students. Based on this reality, the adjustments made by the Ministry of Education and Training help standardize the entrance requirements, ensure fairness between admission methods, and accurately reflect the abilities of the candidates. These changes not only directly impact how candidates choose and register their preferences but also create a shift in the mindset regarding exam preparation.

Another new point in the Regulations is that universities are limited to a maximum of 5 admission methods (in addition to direct admission), in order to avoid spreading resources too thinly and increase transparency. For universities belonging to the armed forces, the admission methods have also been selectively adjusted. Specifically, military schools are expected to organize their own aptitude tests, opening up a new admission channel for candidates. Meanwhile, police schools will continue to maintain the admission method combining an assessment test with the sector's own assessment and a trend towards reducing training quotas.

Colonel, Dr. Nguyen Dang Khoa, Deputy Director of the Border Guard Academy, shared that the school organizes a competency assessment exam to select candidates based not only on scores but also on comprehensive abilities, character, and adaptability. As the recruitment method becomes increasingly selective, the competition among candidates will also increase. This requires candidates to prepare early and have a clear direction if they want to pursue the unique training environment of the Army.

Thus, this year's university admissions process is stricter, requiring candidates to clearly define their goals and study plans early on. In Tuyen Quang , where there are significant disparities in academic conditions and results between regions, this requirement is even more pronounced, demanding that schools proactively adjust their approach to exam preparation and student orientation.

Some new points to note regarding the 2026 admissions process.

Admission based on high school graduation exam results:

- Minimum score (cutoff score): 15/30 points for the combination of 3 subjects.

- Mandatory requirement: Mathematics and Literature must account for at least 1/3 of the total admission score.

Number of preferences: Candidates can register a maximum of 15 preferences (instead of unlimited as before).

Admission based on academic transcripts: Uses the academic results of all 6 semesters of high school.

Bonus points: The total bonus and incentive points are capped at 3 points.

Take the initiative to review and improve your performance.

The high school graduation exam and university entrance exam are important measures of students' academic performance and reflect the quality of teaching and learning in schools. In light of the new regulations on university admissions, the Department of Education and Training has directed schools to proactively adjust their teaching plans, develop review programs closely aligned with the sample exam questions, and increase the organization of mock exams to assess and promptly adjust effective study methods.

According to Mr. Lam The Hung, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Education and Training, in the 2025-2026 school year, the province will have over 17,000 12th-grade students in 91 high schools and Continuing Education Centers. Based on the guidelines from the Ministry of Education and Training and understanding the new points in the Examination Regulations, the Department of Education and Training organized the first mock graduation exam for all 75 high schools. Based on the exam results, schools will categorize students for review according to their proficiency levels, and direct teachers to actively categorize students to provide appropriate support. A second mock exam is expected at the end of April to allow teachers to provide career guidance and support students in choosing suitable majors and exam subjects based on their individual abilities.

To adapt to the changes in the exam format, Ha Giang Ethnic Boarding High School proactively implemented a review plan starting in early November 2025. This academic year, the school has 158 12th-grade students, organized into 5 classes. Following the directives from higher authorities, the review content has been adjusted to closely align with the exam format, helping students to be as confident as possible.

Ms. Pham Thi Ha, the school's Deputy Principal, said: "The school's management board assigned teachers to implement review sessions early on, ensuring proactiveness and coordination. In particular, Literature and Mathematics are prioritized for reinforcement during regular class hours, with the goal of helping students achieve at least one-third of the total score according to the new requirements. For elective subjects, the school bases review sessions on the results of mock exams and students' preferences, holding them on Monday and Saturday mornings, thereby differentiating students and improving the effectiveness of the review."

These days, the exam preparation atmosphere at Tuyen Quang Specialized High School is intense and well-organized. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hang, the school's principal, said: "With 323 12th-grade students, the school has proactively developed a review plan closely following the exam structure and new points in the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training. We have also organized mock tests and exams to accurately assess students' abilities. Based on this, students are categorized into groups to implement appropriate review plans."

When choosing a field of study, students need to clearly envision future job opportunities, especially in areas with high demand for manpower such as technology, automation, and digital economy. This helps them define their learning goals, proactively acquire skills, and enhance their adaptability from the moment they enter university."

Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Thi Hien, Vice Rector of the Foreign Trade University

Career guidance and choosing suitable majors are crucial steps in helping students select the right path and confidently enter university.

Future orientation

In response to adjustments in admission regulations, universities in the province have proactively reached out to and supported candidates from an early stage. Beyond simply providing information, the schools have intensified career counseling, introduced training programs, and guided students in developing application plans that align with their abilities and practical circumstances.

In this context, the Thai Nguyen University branch in Ha Giang has also developed a flexible admissions plan for the 2026-2027 academic year, aiming to recruit over 900 students across 6 majors and 5 joint training programs. Adhering to the Ministry's regulations, the branch applies a maximum of 5 admission methods, with non-pedagogical majors designed in an open manner, creating more favorable conditions for students, especially ethnic minority students, to have the opportunity to study at the university level.

Ms. Dinh Thi Thu Ha, Head of the Training Department of the Thai Nguyen University Branch Campus, said: “Currently, the Branch Campus has about 3,100 students, of which more than 80% are ethnic minorities. Adjustments in the admission regulations help us select higher-quality candidates. Based on that, the school proactively opens new training programs linked to practical needs such as: Hmong language pedagogy. During the training process, we strengthen career orientation for students through entrepreneurship courses, and at the same time connect with businesses to create opportunities for internships and practical experience. In 2024, the employment rate for college graduates is expected to reach about 90%.”

Besides universities, high schools in the area are also proactively promoting career guidance for students. At the Provincial Ethnic Boarding High School, career guidance sessions are held on specific topics every Monday morning. Meanwhile, the Specialized High School implements an experiential career guidance program with 105 lessons per year. Through this, students are provided with information about training fields, admission methods, and a better understanding of future workforce needs. Hoang Canh Nhan, a 12th-grade student specializing in English, shared: “Thanks to the guidance of my teachers and my research, I have applied for scholarships at three international universities. Currently, my chances of being accepted are quite promising.”

The 2026 university entrance exam presents many challenges for students in choosing their majors, given the strong impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the labor market. The development of digital technology opens up great opportunities for electronics, information technology, and automation, but also demands adaptability and flexible thinking from students. In Tuyen Quang, educational institutions are strengthening career guidance and connecting training with practical needs, helping students choose majors that are not only trending but also suitable to their abilities. In this context, choosing the right path from the start will be key for each student to confidently bước into the future.

I believe that career guidance should begin early, aligned with the needs of the high-quality labor market in the context of the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence and digital technology. “When choosing a field of study, students need to clearly envision their future job positions, especially in areas with high demand for human resources such as technology, automation, and the digital economy. This helps them define their learning goals, proactively acquire skills, and enhance their adaptability from the moment they enter university,” said Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Thi Hien, Vice Rector of the Foreign Trade University.

In the face of the changes in the 2026 admissions regulations, the proactive approach of the education sector and schools not only provides support for students but also affirms an adaptable mindset in the digital age. Early career guidance is key for the younger generation to overcome challenges, transforming exam pressure into motivation to assert themselves and build their future.

Yellow River

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/giao-duc/202603/chon-nghe-8f00b7b/