INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY: ACTIVELY EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES, UPHOLDING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS IN 2026 ADMISSIONS
In the context of Vietnamese educational institutions undergoing a strong transformation toward global integration and comprehensive evaluation of learners’ competencies, International University – a member university of the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) – has announced its admission plan for 2026 with many noteworthy innovations. Not only does it expand opportunities for candidates nationwide to access high-quality training environments, but IU also continues to affirm its sustainable development orientation by maintaining international standards for admission and training.
Various recruitment methods – comprehensive assessment of candidates’ abilities
n 2026, International University plans to enroll 2,300 students for both programs: the degree awarded by International University and the joint program with foreign universities. Two recruitment methods are being implemented to ensure flexibility, fairness, and alignment with the trend of multidimensional assessment.
The first method is direct enrollment and priority admission according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, which represent about 1% of the total quota. Although the percentage is not large, this is a desirable opportunity with a scholarship policy specifically for candidates with outstanding achievements in national and international student competitions according to the current admission regulations.
The second method – Comprehensive Admission – provides a leading role. The standout feature of this method is that it does not depend on a single exam but combines various evaluation criteria. The applicants are all candidates who have graduated from high school or are expected to graduate in 2026.
The admission score is converted to a scale of 100, based on a combination of components: National High School Graduation Exam score (converted), the Competency Assessment Exam by VNU-HCM (converted), cumulative GPA for grades 10, 11, and 12 based on a combination of 3 subjects (converted), along with bonus points and priority points if applicable. This approach helps to fairly comprehensively reflect the long-term learning process, the ability to synthesize thinking, and the stability in the candidates’ academic performance. Converting to the same scoring scale creates transparency, facilitates comparison, and ensures fairness among different groups of candidates
International University (IU) students on a self-study period.
Acknowledging individual efforts and integration capabilities through bonus points
One of the notable features of the 2026 recruitment plan is the bonus point mechanism for candidates with outstanding achievements or holding international certificates. Therefore, the school plans to continue awarding extra points to candidates who have international English certificates such as IELTS or approved equivalent certificates; candidates who win prizes in excellent student competitions, scientific research contests, technical innovation competitions, or other prestigious academic forums.
This policy not only creates a competitive advantage in recruitments but also clearly demonstrates the school’s orientation toward international integration in education. In the context of the labor market increasingly valuing foreign language proficiency, research skills, and critical thinking, encouraging students to invest in international certifications early on is a strategic preparation step, helping to bridge the gap between general education and the international university environment.
Language proficiency standards – the foundation of the English-taught training program
As a public university that teaches entirely in English, International University determines that foreign languages are not just an advantage but a prerequisite for students to study effectively.
For joint training programs with foreign universities, the English language entry requirements are clearly specified: candidates must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or equivalent to level 4 based on the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, or B2 level according to CEFR. Candidates who do not yet meet these requirements may be granted conditional admissionand must fulfill the English language requirement within a maximum of 12 months. This mechanism not only opens up opportunities for many candidates but also ensures that when they enter the specialized study phase, students have sufficient English proficiency for the academic environment.
International University students are confident and dynamic with their language skills and professional knowledge. After four years of studying at the university, they can find jobs in their field and also apply for top-tier scholarships for postgraduate studies in advanced countries.
International-standard learning environment within a public university
After 22 years of formation and development, International University has gradually established itself as one of the prestigious public higher education institutions in Vietnam. Currently, the University offers 24 undergraduate programs, 11 master’s programs, and 5 doctoral programs, covering fields such as engineering, technology, economics, management, and life sciences.
The quality of education is affirmed through the domestic and international accreditation system. The school has achieved educational institution accreditation from the Ministry of Education and Training (2016), AUN-QA (2018), and ASIIN (2023). Numerous training programs meet the standards of prestigious accreditation organizations such as ABET, ACBSP, FIBAA, ASIIN, and AUN-QA. This is evidence of the approach to international training standards in terms of program content, faculty, facilities, and quality assurance systems.
The entire training program is taught in English, using updated textbooks, modern teaching methods, with an emphasis on interaction and the development of independent thinking. Students have the opportunity to study with a team of both domestic and international lecturers, of whom more than 61% have doctoral degrees, with most having graduated from top universities worldwide. The support of this team not only ensures professional quality but also inspires research and creativity in students.
Research ecosystem and internationalization opportunities
As a member university of the VNU-HCM system, students at the International University have access to a strong research ecosystem, modern laboratories, and an extensive network of collaborations with businesses, research institutes, and international universities.
Many students participate in research projects from their freshman year, working with lecturers in research groups, having the opportunity to publish scientific papers or attend international conferences. International joint and transfer programs allow students to study part of their curriculum in Vietnam and continue abroad, accessing advanced educational environments at a more optimal cost compared to full-time studying abroad.
Alongside professional training, the School emphasizes the development of soft skills, leadership skills, teamwork ability, critical thinking, and problem-solving capacity. These are core competencies in the globalized and digitalized labor environment, helping students not only to be “skilled in their profession” but also to be “resilient”.
Students at the IU, in addition to having solid expertise, are also equipped with practical skills and knowledge suitable for each occupation.
Training high-quality human resources for the new development phase
With 24 undergraduate programs and a diverse system of postgraduate programs, International University focuses on key fields such as engineering, technology, economics, management, and life sciences – academic fields that play a crucial role in the development strategy of Ho Chi Minh City and the entire country.
The 2026 recruitment plan shows a balance between expanding access opportunities and maintaining input standards. This is not merely an annual admission plan, but a strategic move aimed at attracting capable candidates with aspirations to reach out to the world and a spirit of integration.
In the increasingly competitive landscape of higher education, International University continues to assert its position as a high-quality public training environment, where students are equipped with solid professional knowledge, comprehensive skills, and a global mindset. The 2026 recruitment, therefore, not only opens the door to university classrooms but also marks the beginning of the journey to becoming professional citizens in the international labor market.