Update on converting IELTS scores into university entrance exam scores in 2025: What should candidates pay attention to?

More than 50 universities announce how to convert IELTS scores in admissions

Recent, 53 universities nationwide has announced IELTS certificate conversion level when considering admission in combination with high school graduation exam scores or transcripts. Including:

• Minimum score 4.0 IELTS, equivalent to approximately 6–8 points English subject on 10 scale. vnexpress.net

• Common is 5.0 IELTS, often referred to as 7–8.5/10 foreign language points vnexpress.net

• From 6.5 IELTS or more, many schools will convert to 10 points. vnexpress.net

Among them, Diplomatic Academy and Foreign Trade University are the two units with the highest requirements: candidates must meet 8.5 IELTS newly classified 10 points vnexpress.net.

In particular, some schools such as Banking University of Ho Chi Minh City Apply separate scale (150 scale): candidates with IELTS from 4.5 or more will be converted into 18–26 specific starting point vnexpress.net.

General regulations on foreign language weighting

According to the guidance of the Ministry of Education and Training in 2025, foreign language scores (after conversion or coefficient multiplication) not exceeding 50% Total admission score. With a combination of three subjects on a 30-point scale, the foreign language score accounts for the maximum 15 points. If there are additional incentive points, the total score still does not exceed the regulations (for example, add up to 3 points on a scale of 30). vnexpress.net

Perspective from an English Teacher

“Converting IELTS into admission scores helps diversify criteria, creating favorable conditions for students with good foreign language skills, but also poses risks if they only focus on certificates while practical knowledge is limited,”
- Mr. Le Tuan Nghia, English teacher at Chau Thanh Foreign Language Center (HCMC).

1. Encourage the development of communication skills
   – Many students only practice to “beat” IELTS, lacking an environment to practice speaking and listening. Teachers suggest that schools should combine interviews or direct speaking tests for a more comprehensive assessment.

2. Balance between academics and soft skills
   – IELTS mainly assesses four skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Teachers often encourage students to join language clubs and group discussions to improve their communication skills.

3. Long-term study roadmap
   – Instead of “cramming” quickly before the exam, teachers suggest building a regular study plan from grade 10, combining reading English books and practicing test questions periodically to improve scores sustainably.

Advice on using IELTS certificate in admission

• Look up carefully: Before registering your application, candidates should check the school's website to know the exact conversion scale and additional conditions (eg regional priority points, target groups).

• Focus on real-life context:Certificates are only part of the equation; take advantage of interviews and school-sponsored aptitude tests to demonstrate your all-round skills.

With the flexible application of IELTS certificate and other admission methods, candidates will have more opportunities to demonstrate their English proficiency. At the same time, the perspective from teachers emphasizes the need to develop comprehensive skills, not just "scoring" on the conversion table.

Main reference: VnExpress, “More than 50 universities announce IELTS score conversion rates” vnexpress.net.