Ho Chi Minh City National University denies reports that 'candidates are required to take an aptitude test'.

TPO - On December 15th, amidst the announcement of the 2026 regular university admission guidelines, the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City issued an official statement clarifying the admission method, following numerous concerns from candidates and parents regarding the aptitude test.

In its press release, the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) affirmed that candidates are not required to take the aptitude test for admission to its member universities in 2026. Instead, candidates can choose to use their high school graduation exam scores, the results of the aptitude test organized by VNU-HCM, or other suitable results according to the Ministry of Education and Training 's admission regulations.

Candidates participate in a separate assessment exam in Ho Chi Minh City.

This information was released in response to concerns that the new admission method – “integrated admission” – would require candidates to take an aptitude test. However, the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City explained that integrated admission is a unified admission framework that combines multiple input data sources according to a specific weighted formula, aiming to streamline and standardize the admissions process.

Following this direction, in 2026, the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) plans to implement an integrated admission method, consisting of three main components: High school graduation exam scores, aptitude test scores, and high school academic results (transcript).

In this context, competency assessment scores are considered one of the important criteria and their use continues to be encouraged due to their comprehensive assessment, but they are not mandatory.

Currently, member universities of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City are reviewing and finalizing their own admission plans, including determining the weighting and conversion methods for each criterion, in accordance with the specific characteristics of each major. Details on how to calculate scores and specific guidelines will be publicly announced within the stipulated timeframe.

The Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) emphasizes that the goal of its 2026 admissions plan is to ensure fair treatment for candidates, reduce complexity in the admissions process, and improve the quality of incoming students, while fully complying with all applicable laws and current admissions regulations.

Previously, information emerged suggesting that in 2026, the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City would only use a single method and require candidates to participate in an aptitude test organized by the university, which sparked much controversy.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/dai-hoc-quoc-gia-tphcm-bac-tin-bat-buoc-thi-sinh-phai-thi-danh-gia-nang-luc-post1804677.tpo