top of page

International certificates replacing traditional English entrance assessments [ENG]

  • Writer: The Synesthetes
    The Synesthetes
  • Jun 30, 2020
  • 4 min read

Globalization is taking place on a wider scale than ever and therefore, English is now not only a language but also a tool for people who are pursuing success. English creates opportunities to exchange ideas and knowledge, disregarding language barriers. Due to the enormous impact of the English in our lives, there are certain standardized tests to determine whether or not one is ready for further academic purposes such as IELTS (International English Testing System), TOEFL (Test Of English As A Foreign Language),... These standardized assessments are designed to test a person’s language skills (Listening, Speaking, Writing, Reading).


Nowadays, in many countries, the demand for studying English increases, making these standardized assessments become popular. The fast-rising number of students taking these tests has an effect on the Ministry of Education and Training. Recently, there have been announcements from many famous universities within Vietnam claiming that English entrance exams are now replaced with international certificates. If one possesses an IELTS, TOEFL, or SAT certificate, this should be his “passport” to these universities.

The layouts and formats are the main differences between international certificates and domestic assessments. Traditional English entrance assessments mostly focus on grammar and written English. Although there are listening and reading comprehension exercises included, this type of test still lacks the ability to test one’s speaking skill, which is crucial when it comes to studying a language. On the other hand, as mentioned above, international assessments test a student’s essential skills. By doing so, teachers can have a better insight into students' language abilities and therefore, decide whether or not he is qualified for the career that he is trying to pursue.


Below is the list of universities that accept international certificates as one of the admission conditions: 1. Vietnam National University (Hanoi)

2. National Economics University

3. Foreign Trade University

4. FPT University

5. Ho Chi Minh City University Of Technology

6. University of Technology Hanoi

7. RMIT University


1. Vietnam National University (Hanoi)

From school year 2020-2021, besides the national entrance exams, VNU accepts other methods such as SAT, A-levels, IELTS. In particular, if one gets the result of 5.5 IELTS or any equivalent certificates, he will be able to skip the English entrance exam. Together with the English certificates, he must get a total score of 12 or above in the entrance exams (including Math or Vietnam Literature) to be able to get the offer from this college.


2. National Economics University (NEU)

National Economics University was established in 1956. This is among one of the most famous universities in the country offer courses related to business management and economics. From the school year 2020-2021, the university offers admissions for those who archived the result of IELTS 6.5, TOEFL ITP 550 or TOEFL iBT 90 and above along with score of the entrance exams from 14 and above (Math and another subject other than English)


3. Foreign Trade University

Foreign Trade University, founded in 1960, is among one of the leading institutions that offer courses related to economics, especially foreign trading. In order to get a spot in this university, students must get a minimum of IELTS 6.5 (academic), TOEFL iBT 79 or TOEFL PBT 550. Besides, student must score at least 15.5 (2019) including Math and another subject (not English)


4. FPT University

FPT University was founded 2006 by the technology company FPT. This college offers a variety of career choices for students to pursue. International certificates allow you to participate in courses related to language. In order to participate in language courses here, students must score at least IELTS 6.0 (academic), TOEFL iBT 80 or any equivalent results.


5. Ho Chi Minh City University Of Technology

Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology is an institution that offers technical courses. Among these courses, the school offers 14 classes that are trained with 100% English. If students want to take part in these courses, they have to take a test (IELTS 6.0 format) designed by the school for freshman and sophomore year. As they come to junior and senior year, they have to take the actual tests and score IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 in order to graduate.


6. University of Technology Hanoi

University of Technology has long been known for its challenging entrance exams. There are certain requirements for students to overcome in order to get admissions to the school. Recently, the school has announced that ones who score IELTS 5.5 or above or any equivalent results will get a 1 point curve when taking the entrance exam. What’s more, the school will offer direct admission for those who follow A-level programs or SAT and satisfy certain requirements.


7. RMIT University

RMIT University has headquarters in Australia. However, students in Vietnam do not have to travel to another country as there are two agencies in Vietnam (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.) The school offers a wide variety of courses and allows students to pursue any careers they want, including finance, technologies, constructions or media. RMIT has a set requirement for students to fulfill. First and foremost, they must score at least 6.5 IELTS (all skills must be above 6.0.) Secondly, students must score a 7.0 GPA in their 12th grade.


These changes will open up more options for Vietnamese students when it comes to finding future careers. Different from the past, when there are still prejudices about what career should be pursued, nowadays, students have so many choices, thanks to these “golden passports” What’s more, these certificates are also ways for recruiters from foreign universities to offer admission and scholarship for talented Vietnamese students. As our world is becoming more globalized than ever, it is necessary to fulfill certain English requirements if we want to achieve more knowledge and success.



Tác giả (Author): Phạm Ngọc Bách, Governor's Academy


Comments


bottom of page