2026 University Admissions: Shifting from 'study what you're tested on' to 'applied learning'

In 2026, many universities announced admission methods with groundbreaking changes, a trend towards gradually reducing the traditional social science subject combinations, and even eliminating the C00 (Literature - History - Geography) subject group for admission. This shift has forced many students in Nghe An to completely change their study strategies, subject choices, and career orientations from the beginning of their 12th grade year to increase their chances of admission.

The changes to the university entrance exam combinations have forced many 12th-grade students in Nghe An to adjust their study plans.

Changes to the admission criteria have created difficulties for the C00 group.

Prior to the 2026 admissions season, many universities announced new admission combinations, creating a trend of reducing the number of social science subjects and prioritizing a balance between natural sciences, social sciences, and foreign languages. Military schools showed the most significant changes. In their 2026 admissions plans, the Political Officer School and the Border Guard Academy announced the removal of the C00 combination (Literature - History - Geography) for admissions. Several other traditional combinations such as A00 (Mathematics - Physics - Chemistry), A01 (Mathematics - Physics - English), and C01 (Literature - Mathematics - Physics) were also discontinued. Previously, in 2025, only 2 out of 20 military schools used the C00 combination for admissions.

Similarly, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) – a traditional institution specializing in social sciences – also plans to discontinue the C00 subject combination for 11 majors in the 2026 high school graduation exam-based admission method (such as Journalism, Psychology, Public Relations, etc.). Although the university announced this in advance in 2025, it still came as a surprise and disappointment to many students. The Academy of Journalism and Communication also stopped admitting students from the C subject combination and other combinations including Geography from 2025. The general trend shows that social science subjects no longer offer the same advantage in university admissions as in previous years. The change in subject combinations has forced many 12th-grade students in Nghe An to adjust their study plans.

Vi Trung Son, a 12th-grade student from Tuong Duong 1 High School in Tuong Duong commune, planned to apply to the Political Officer Training School with the traditional A00 or C00 subject combination. However, because the school discontinued the admission process for these two combinations and replaced them with four new combinations (C01, C03, C04, D01), Son, who was studying science subjects (A00), had to switch to studying for the C03 combination (Literature - History - Mathematics) to maintain his chance of getting into his preferred school.

Le Thuc Nhi, a 12th-grade student from Nguyen Truong To High School in Yen Trung commune, is passionate about media and plans to apply to the Academy of Journalism and Communication. Since the school will no longer admit students from the humanities/social sciences (Block C) starting in 2025, she has shifted her focus to the science/social sciences (Block D00) (Mathematics - Literature - English). Nhi believes this is a more common block, allowing her to apply to many social science and economics schools, thus increasing her chances of admission.

According to Mr. Nguyen The Tam, Vice Principal of Nguyen Truong To High School, the school facilitates 12th-grade students in changing their chosen field of study for university entrance exams. However, students need to try a one-week trial period and must ensure their family agrees before changing classes or subjects.

According to university representatives, maintaining diverse admission methods is a suitable trend today, helping to expand opportunities for candidates and reduce exam pressure by not being entirely dependent on a single exam. Flexible admission methods help universities adapt to changes in the high school graduation exam and competency assessment in the coming years.

From "study what you'll be tested on" to "learn what you'll be taught"

The 2026 university admissions process marks a major turning point, shifting from a purely academic assessment based on high school graduation exam scores to a comprehensive assessment of competencies. This requires students to change their learning methods and career choices. Students need to carefully research the subject combinations required for admission to their preferred fields of study.

Students at Huynh Thuc Khang High School, Thanh Vinh Ward (Nghe An Province) are in class.

Mr. Phan Trong Dong, Principal of Nguyen Xuan On High School, said: “With the new admission method, especially the increased emphasis on aptitude and critical thinking assessment tests, students are required to enhance the depth and application of their knowledge. According to the 2018 General Education Program, students have the right to choose subject combinations based on their career orientation. Instead of spreading their efforts across all subjects, students need to carefully study the subject combinations required for their chosen field of study and focus on mastering the core knowledge of those subjects, helping them achieve high results in the separate exams, which are usually based on specialized knowledge areas.”

This change requires students not only to change their exam preparation strategies but also to change their learning methods and career choices. Mr. Cao Thanh Bao, Principal of Ha Huy Tap High School, shared: "From now until the admissions season, many more schools may change their admission methods and no longer admit students from Group C. To avoid being caught off guard, starting from the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year, 12th-grade students need to carefully consider their admission combinations. In addition, students should prepare other contingency plans such as participating in aptitude/thinking assessment exams or using international certificates to increase their chances of admission. In the age of AI and automation, students should prioritize interdisciplinary fields of study that equip them with lifelong learning abilities and choose majors based on their passion and true capabilities."

Universities are changing their admission methods, leading to pressure to adjust study plans. Many students have to take extra classes in Math, English, or other subjects to meet the new subject combinations. A significant number of students are also considering taking aptitude tests to maintain their chances of getting into their desired major.

Regarding the preparation of candidates who are strong in Literature, History, and Geography, Mr. Duong Van Son, Principal of Kim Lien High School, recommends that they invest in foreign languages ​​early on, as this is an essential skill for most humanities and social science majors today. In addition, basic digital skills, computer literacy, and analytical thinking are increasingly required. Many schools have included Computer Science or English in their admission criteria. Furthermore, candidates should have backup plans such as applying through academic transcript review at schools still using the C00 subject group, or choosing an aptitude test to broaden their opportunities. Diversifying admission pathways will help reduce risk and create flexibility during the transition period between subject groups.

Employers today increasingly prioritize foreign languages, digital skills, and critical thinking. With admissions shifting towards multi-subject combinations, students tend to possess a more diverse skill set. However, this is only effective if university programs continue to cultivate those skills. In other words, changing the subject combinations is a necessary but insufficient condition; there needs to be synergy between admissions, training programs, and business connections.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/giao-duc/tuyen-sinh-2026-chuyen-tu-hoc-gi-thi-nay-sang-hoc-ung-dung-20251211124514368.htm