INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY – VNU-HCM: EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES AND ENHANCING INTAKE QUALITY IN THE 2026 ADMISSIONS
In the context of higher education strongly shifting toward an integrated training model and comprehensive competency assessment, International University (IU) – a member unit of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM) – has just announced its admission plan for 2026 with many noteworthy points, both expanding opportunities for access to high-quality education and maintaining international-oriented entry standards.
Two admission methods – a multi-dimensional approach to candidate abilities
In 2026, the university will implement two admission methods to enrolll 2,300 students for both the degree programs offered by the School and the joint training programs. The first method is direct admission and priority admission according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, with a quota of 1%. Although the percentage is not large, this is an opportunity for students with outstanding achievements according to the current regulations. The second method – comprehensive admission – continues to be the main approach, reflecting a multidimensional admission perspective rather than relying solely on a single exam. The appropriate subjects are all candidates who have graduated from high school or are expected to graduate in 2026.
The admission score is calculated on a scale of 100, based on a combined formula: National High School Graduation exam score (converted), the VNU-HCM Competency Assessment exam score (converted), High School Transcript scores over 3 years (converted), along with bonus points and priority points (if any). This method of calculation helps balance long-term academic ability, the capacity for comprehensive thinking, and the individual achievements of the candidates. Converting to a uniform scale of 100 creates transparency and consistency in the admission process. In addition, for candidates who do not participate in the VNU-HCM Competency Assessment exam or candidates who graduated in previous years but cannot use their high school transcripts or graduation exam scores, this method can still be applied because the missing score sections will be converted using other score sections with the corresponding coefficients.
Bonus points – acknowledging efforts and international integration
In 2026, the school plans to continue awarding bonus points to candidates with international English certificates such as IELTS or recognized equivalent certificates; candidates who have won prizes for excellent students, scientific research awards, or other prestigious competitions. Bonus points are not only an advantage in admissions but also reflect an orientation toward integrated training. In the context of a labor market that increasingly demands foreign language proficiency and research capabilities, encouraging candidates to invest in international certifications early on is a strategic preparation step.
Language proficiency – a prerequisite for the international program
For training programs in collaboration with foreign institutions, according to the regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training, candidates must satisfy the foreign language entry requirements as follows: a minimum of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent to level 4 according to the 6-level foreign language proficiency framework for Vietnam, or B2 according to CEFR. Candidates who do not meet the requirements may be conditionally admitted and must complete the English language skills requirement within a maximum of 12 months. This guarantees that students, when entering the official program, have sufficient proficiency to study entirely in English – a hallmark of the School’s training.
Benefits of becoming an International Unversity student
The biggest difference of International University is that the entire curriculum is conducted in English. Multiple training programs at International University meet global accreditation standards such as ABET (USA), ASIIN (Germany), and AUN-QA. Students study in an internationally standardized academic environment, use updated curricula, access modern teaching methods, and work directly with both domestic and international lecturers. Not only that, with over 70% of faculty holding doctoral degrees, as well as having talented lecturers who graduated from prestigious universities both domestically and internationally, International University will provide students with the opportunity to study and conduct research alongside dedicated “guides”.
In addition, International University always accompanies students through scholarship programs such as admission scholarships with two levels of 50% or 100% tuition fees, semester study scholarships (with rewards up to 120% of the standard level), and many off-budget scholarships funded by partner organizations and businesses.
As members of the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City system, students benefit from a strong research ecosystem, modern facilities, and an extensive collaboration network. Many students participate in research projects starting from their first year, with the opportunities to publish scientific papers and attend international conferences. In addition, international joint and transfer programs open up opportunities for studying abroad, providing access to advanced educational environments but at a lower cost compared to full-time study abroad.
IU also focuses on training soft skills, leadership skills, critical thinking, and teamwork abilities – essential skills in the globalized labor environment. Graduates are not only proficient in their fields but also confident in integrating.
Toward high-quality human resources
With 24 varied training programs, focusing on main fields such as engineering, technology, economics, management, languages, and life sciences, IU is training the workforce to meet the development needs of Ho Chi Minh City and the country during the digital transformation and extensive integration period
The admission plan for 2026 demonstrates International University’s efforts to expand access to higher education while maintaining international training standards. This is not just an admissions season, but also a strategic move to attract candidates with capability, ambition, and a spirit of integration.
In a growing competitive landscape of higher education, International University continues to assert its position as a high-quality public training environment, where students are fully equipped with knowledge, skills, and confidence to step into the global labor market.