The trend of entering university through separate entrance exams.

GD&TĐ - In recent years, the percentage of candidates admitted to universities through separate entrance exams has tended to increase, while the method of admission based on academic transcripts has gradually decreased.

Against this backdrop, universities are gradually incorporating various admission methods to ensure authenticity and fairness.

The appeal of private exams

Tran Truc Hanh, a 12th-grade student at Thu Duc High School (Ho Chi Minh City), aims to major in International Economics at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City and Administrative Law at the University of Law Ho Chi Minh City. Hanh said that the separate entrance exams give her a better chance of being admitted to her desired university.

However, without a well-planned study schedule, candidates can easily become overwhelmed by the packed study and exam schedules. "Taking multiple exam methods increases my chances of getting into my preferred university, but it also means that studying must be scientific , reasonable, and focused on areas where I'm weak to avoid overload," Hạnh shared.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Education and Training, in the 2025 university entrance exam, universities nationwide recruited approximately 759,000 students; the number of admitted and enrolled students reached over 681,000, accounting for over 90%. Among the five main admission methods, the method based on high school graduation exam scores still accounted for the highest percentage at over 50%; followed by high school transcript review at 29.2%; combined methods at 15%; separate entrance exams at 5%; and direct admission at 0.3%.

Notably, from 2022 to the present, the percentage of candidates admitted through separate entrance exams has steadily increased each year: from 1.3% in 2022 to 2.5% in 2023, 3.3% in 2024, and over 5% in 2025.

Currently, many higher education institutions across the country organize their own entrance exams, including: the National University of Hanoi's aptitude test; the National University of Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test; the Hanoi University of Science and Technology's thinking skills assessment test; the Hanoi University of Education's aptitude test; the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education's specialized aptitude test; and the Vietnamese-German University (Ho Chi Minh City)'s separate TestAS exam.

In 2026, all national entrance exams recorded a record high number of applicants amidst significant changes in admission regulations. This could lead to further fluctuations in the proportion of different admission methods, as many universities are prioritizing combined admissions based on multiple scores, especially results from aptitude and critical thinking assessment exams.

According to Mr. Pham Thai Son, Director of the Admissions and Communications Center at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, separate entrance exams, especially the National University of Ho Chi Minh City's aptitude test, are becoming an important and highly attractive admissions channel. The number of registered candidates has increased sharply each year, showing the growing trust of parents and students. “Previously, candidates mainly relied on the high school graduation exam. Now they have a second opportunity, one that is even more suitable to their true abilities. Students with logical thinking, reading comprehension skills, and problem-solving abilities will have an advantage with these separate exam methods,” Mr. Son stated.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Mai Duc Toan - a career guidance expert and Director of the Career Guidance and Admissions Center at Gia Dinh University - believes that separate entrance exams help candidates increase their chances of being admitted to universities that use these exam results. The increase in the number of applicants each year is understandable, as this is seen as a solution to expand admission opportunities. "However, the important thing is that the exam must ensure objectivity and the ability to differentiate skill levels to create fair opportunities for candidates," Dr. Toan emphasized.

Candidates taking the specialized competency assessment exam organized by Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. Photo: HCMUE.

Admissions are based on a combination of criteria.

According to data from the Ministry of Education and Training, in 2025, the percentage of students admitted through the academic transcript review method will reach 29.4%, a slight increase compared to 2024 (27.6%). However, considering the period from 2022, this method is showing a gradual decline: from 36.2% in 2022 to 30.2% in 2023 and 27.6% in 2024.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Thao, Director of the Higher Education Department, Ministry of Education and Training, stated that the reduction in the use of academic transcripts for admissions is due to universities streamlining their admission methods, reducing the number from 17 to a maximum of 5, as many previous methods failed to attract enough students.

According to Master Pham Thai Son, the fluctuation in the proportion of admission methods over the years shows a trend towards a multi-criteria assessment model. While academic transcripts still play a certain role in reflecting long-term learning, society increasingly values ​​standardization, competitiveness, and the ability to differentiate – factors in which separate entrance exams clearly demonstrate their advantages.

In the coming years, admission based on academic transcripts will still exist but with stricter requirements, while the role of separate entrance exams will continue to increase. Universities will combine multiple data sources such as academic transcripts, high school graduation exam scores, aptitude test results, and additional criteria. “This is a fairer and more accurate admissions approach, suitable for current higher education. Our university plans to implement admissions based on a model combining multiple assessment methods starting in 2028,” said Mr. Son.

From another perspective, Dr. Mai Duc Toan believes that admission based on high school transcripts remains an important solution for students to enter university. In fact, in the last three years, the percentage of applications based on the results of separate entrance exams has not surpassed that of the method of considering high school transcripts.

According to the 2026 admissions regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, regardless of whether candidates participate in separate entrance exams or use other admission methods, they still need to achieve a minimum of 15 points in the high school graduation exam (based on their chosen subject combination) to be eligible for university admission; with Mathematics or Literature accounting for 1/3 of the total score. Therefore, candidates need to develop a suitable study plan, closely adhering to the knowledge from grade 12 and the subjects required for admission, avoiding overconfidence to prevent achieving results lower than their actual abilities.

At the end of April 2026, the Center for Testing and Quality Assessment of Training (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) announced that 172,622 candidates had registered for the second round of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City's V-ACT aptitude test in 2026 (April 25th); 169,935 candidates had completed the fee payment. Of these, 109,957 candidates had previously taken the first round and 59,978 candidates only registered for the second round. Compared to the same period in 2025 (97,387 candidates), the number of registrations this year increased by 77.25%, showing that the exam continues to receive great interest from candidates and higher education institutions.

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Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/xu-huong-vao-dai-hoc-bang-ky-thi-rieng-post776645.html