Some universities in Ho Chi Minh City have introduced IELTS conversion scales for university admissions in 2025, with an IELTS 4.5 equivalent to 7.5 points and an IELTS 6.0 equivalent to 10 points in English subject evaluations.

IELTS 4.5 converted to 7.5 points in university admissions

Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education has announced the following conversion for English proficiency certificates, including IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP, and VSTEP:

IELTS 4.5 - 7.0 is converted to 7.5 - 10 points.

TOEFL iBT scores from 35-39 to 94+ are converted to 7.5 - 10 points.

TOEFL ITP scores from 466-482 to 500+ are converted to 7.5 - 8.5 points.

VSTEP B1 is converted to 7.5 points, and B2 to 9 points.

At Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, the conversion scale is:

IELTS 6.0 = 10 points, 5.5 = 9 points, and 5.0 = 8 points.

TOEFL iBT scores from 63-79 are converted to 9.2 - 10 points, while 48-62 is converted to 8.3 - 9 points, and 46-47 is converted to 8 points.

TOEIC scores from 610-703 (Listening & Reading) and 240-280 (Speaking & Writing) are converted to 9.2 - 10 points. Scores from 490-605 (Listening & Reading) and 203 (Speaking & Writing) are converted to 8.2 - 9 points, while 460-485 (Listening & Reading) and 230 (Speaking & Writing) are equivalent to 8 points.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry also announced its IELTS and TOEFL ITP conversion:

IELTS 5.0-5.5 = 8 points, 6.0-6.5 = 9 points, 7.0+ = 10 points.

TOEFL ITP scores from 470-510 = 8 points, 513-550 = 9 points, 553-677 = 10 points.

Meanwhile, Saigon University has implemented conversion scales for IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, Linguaskill, Aptis, and VSTEP:

VSTEP Level 2 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0-4.5) = 7 points.

VSTEP Level 3 (equivalent to IELTS 5.0-5.5) = 8 points.

VSTEP Level 4 (equivalent to IELTS 6.0-6.5) = 9 points.

VSTEP Level 5+ (equivalent to IELTS 7.0+) = 10 points.

Additionally, extra points are awarded for applicants using English proficiency certificates in non-English exam subject groups:

VSTEP Level 2 (IELTS 4.0-4.5) = +0.5 points.

VSTEP Level 3 (IELTS 5.0-5.5) = +1 point.

VSTEP Level 4 (IELTS 6.0-6.5) = +1.5 points.

VSTEP Level 5+ (IELTS 7.0+) = +2 points.

Universities prioritizing IELTS and TOEFL in admissions

In addition to score conversion, many universities prioritize applicants with IELTS or TOEFL certifications.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics considers applicants with:

IELTS 6.0+, TOEFL iBT 73+, SAT (500+ per section), or ACT 20+.

Students with international English certificates are given priority in GPA-based and V-SAT-based admissions.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Information Technology grants bonus points for students with IELTS or TOEFL iBT scores.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (Vietnam National University – HCMC) requires:

A minimum IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 79, or TOEIC Listening & Reading 730 & Speaking & Writing 280 for English-taught, advanced, or international transfer programs (Australia/New Zealand).

Students with IELTS 5.5 or equivalent can provisionally meet entry requirements but must improve their scores within one semester.

Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry offers direct admission for:

Outstanding students in provincial/national competitions.

Olympiad winners (with a subject relevant to the admission program).

Students from specialized high schools.

Applicants with an IELTS 5.5+ certificate.

Ho Chi Minh City Open University prioritizes students with international language certificates:

For language majors: IELTS 6.5+ (or equivalent).

For other programs: IELTS 6.0+ (or equivalent).

Ho Chi Minh City University of Law accepts:

IELTS 5.5+ (issued by British Council or IDP).

TOEFL iBT 65+ (issued by ETS).

SAT scores (U.S. Scholastic Assessment Test).

Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy still bases its admissions primarily on national high school graduation exam results, but also considers English proficiency certificates:

IELTS 6.0+ qualifies for all programs.

IELTS 5.0-6.0 qualifies for specific majors such as Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Nursing, Anesthesia & Resuscitation, Midwifery, Nutrition, Dental Prosthetics, and Medical Laboratory Techniques.

The university also considers SAT scores in its admissions process.

Le Huyen