2025 Admissions review: Marks of quality and aspirations for creating global citizens

On November 27, 2025, Hanoi University of Industry (HaUI) held a conference to review the 2025 admissions cycle and develop the admissions plan for 2026. The conference not only recorded impressive enrollment figures but also marked a significant turning point in governance thinking: prioritizing in-depth quality, focusing resources on high-tech fields, and internationalizing training programs.

Conference to review 2025 admissions and plan for 2026

In 2025, admissions took place amidst significant fluctuations in National High School Graduation Exam regulations and shifting trends in students' major choices. However, thanks to flexible admission methods and its established reputation, HaUI achieved positive results.

Dr. Than Thanh Son, Head of the Academic Affairs Department, presented the report summarizing 2025 undergraduate admissions and proposed the admissions plan for 2026

Reporting at the conference, Dr. Than Thanh Son, Head of the Academic Affairs Department, stated that for the full-time undergraduate level, the University continued to attract a large volume of qualified applicants. The total number of enrolled students met and slightly exceeded the target. Notably, admission based on the National High School Graduation Exam results remained the dominant method. Significantly, the number of successful applicants via the merit-based selection for excellent students and international certificates saw clear growth, reflecting the increasingly high quality of inputs at HaUI.

Mr. Vu Minh Tan, Director of the Postgraduate Studies Center, reviewing 2025 postgraduate admissions and proposing the 2026 plan

A highlight of 2025 was the breakthrough in postgraduate admissions. Dr. Vu Minh Tan, Director of the Postgraduate Studies Center, reported that doctoral enrollment exceeded growth targets compared to 2024. For Master's degrees, the number of enrolled students also surpassed the previous year's figures. Technical and linguistic majors such as Information Systems, Chinese Language, and English Language continued to demonstrate strong appeal, meeting and exceeding their quotas.

The conference also discussed the objectivity of the score conversion rules. The report clarified that the University implemented a strict conversion rule closely aligned with the National High School Graduation Exam score spectrum, avoiding widespread bonus points. Consequently, while the average standard score in 2025 decreased slightly compared to 2024, it accurately reflected learner capacity and ensured fairness.

Data analysis of students from cohorts 17, 18, and 19 indicated that those admitted via the Competency Assessment (VNU Hanoi) and Thinking Assessment (HUST) performed well academically. This data provides a crucial basis for the Admissions Council to maintain and adjust quotas for these methods in 2026.

Looking ahead to 2026, Hanoi University of Industry identified strategic adjustments based on context analysis and workforce forecasts up to 2030:

- Quotas & New Majors: Planning to enroll over 8,000 full-time undergraduates. New majors will be opened to anticipate modern educational trends, concretizing the strategy to increase STEM majors to 65% over the next 10 years.

- Admission Methods: Maintaining stability to facilitate applicants while refining sub-criteria and subject combinations to improve screening efficiency.

- Postgraduate: Sustaining growth with over 400 Master's and over 100 Doctoral slots, closely linking admissions with faculty scientific research projects to enhance training quality.

Shifting from "Filling Quotas" to "Selecting Talent"

In his directive speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kieu Xuan Thuc, Rector of the University, emphasized a profound shift in admissions governance thinking.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kieu Xuan Thuc, Rector of Hanoi University of Industry

Firstly, regarding strategic direction, the Rector affirmed the need to shift from a mindset of "filling quotas" to "selecting talent." Enrollment scale will be controlled to match training capacity and faculty quality, especially as the University aims for over 50% of lecturers holding doctoral degrees. The University will not pursue quantity expansion but will focus on quality depth.

Secondly, communication efforts need comprehensive innovation towards "two-way support" with high schools. Specialized units must proactively build in-depth content, highlighting the distinctiveness of training programs, particularly those taught in English and international joint programs.

Thirdly, regarding internationalization, the Rector directed the implementation of stronger scholarship and facility solutions to attract international students, especially from potential markets like Laos and China. The leadership emphasized the perspective of sacrificing short-term economic benefits to achieve long-term internationalization and quality goals.

With a methodical roadmap and a determination to transform the model from quantity-based development to quality enhancement, HaUI is firmly on the journey to affirm its position as a university oriented towards innovation and sustainable development.