IELTS Score Conversion for Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology 2026

As part of its ongoing effort to raise academic standards, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) – VNU-HCM has officially announced its 2026 admissions plan. Notably, the new IELTS conversion policy for HCMUT 2026 marks a significant shift in minimum score requirements, necessitating much more rigorous preparation from applicants compared to the 2025 admissions cycle.

IELTS to HCMUT 2026 Admission Score Conversion Table

The most significant update in this year’s admissions cycle is the university’s decision to raise the bar for foreign language certificate conversions. While the 2025 cycle accepted IELTS scores as low as 5.0 and awarded a perfect 10.0 for an IELTS 6.0, candidates in 2026 will need to achieve significantly higher scores to gain a competitive edge.

Specifically, the conversion of IELTS (Academic) scores to English subject scores (on a 10-point scale) for high school transcripts or the National High School Graduation Exam is as follows:

• Stricter entry threshold: Only candidates with an IELTS score of 6.0 or higher will be eligible for conversion, starting at an 8.0. Scores below 6.0 are no longer eligible for conversion as they were in previous years.
• Ideal target: To achieve a perfect 10.0 in 2026, candidates must hold an IELTS certificate of 8.0 or higher.

IELTS in the 2026 Comprehensive Admissions Method

In 2026, HCMUT will continue to allocate the vast majority of its enrollment quota (95% to 99%) to the comprehensive admissions method. In this model, IELTS plays a vital role in determining a candidate’s foreign language proficiency, which contributes to their overall graduation and high school transcript scores.

The formula for calculating the comprehensive admission score is based on a 100-point scale:

Comprehensive Admission Score = Academic Performance Score + Bonus Points + Priority Points

The academic performance score is weighted as follows:

• Competency Assessment (VNU-HCM): 70%.
• Converted National High School Graduation Exam score (including IELTS conversion): 20%.
• Converted High School Academic Transcript score: 10%.

Improving your English subject score through IELTS conversion will directly boost your graduation and transcript components, significantly increasing your total admission score within the university’s multi-component calculation model.

Admissions Comparison: 2025 vs. 2026

Based on the comparative data, 2026 applicants face more stringent requirements:

Note on Mathematics: The decision to double the weight of Mathematics across all components continues the university’s focus on prioritizing Math as a core assessment metric. Combined with a high IELTS conversion score, this will give candidates a distinct competitive advantage.

Important Notes for HCMUT 2026 Applicants

• Certificate validity: International English certificates must be valid at the time of application. Candidates are advised to complete their testing before April 2026 to ensure they can submit their results on time.
• TOEIC regulations: For TOEIC (4-skills) certificates, the university requires both component pairs (Listening – Reading and Speaking – Writing) to meet the specified thresholds simultaneously. If only one pair meets the requirement, the conversion will be based on the lower of the two.
• Specialized programs: For programs taught in English or international transfer programs, the IELTS certificate is not only used for score conversion but is also a mandatory prerequisite for enrolling in major-specific courses.

Understanding the HCMUT IELTS conversion regulations early will help you stay proactive in your study plan. Given the significant changes to the 2026 conversion table, aim for the highest possible IELTS score to secure your advantage in the race to enter this top-tier technical university in the South.

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