4,707 students compete for 595 spots in Ho Chi Minh City's High School for Gifted Students entrance exam

Ho Chi Minh City is witnessing a significant academic event as 4,707 students from across Vietnam converge to take the entrance examination for the prestigious High School for Gifted Students (Trường phổ thông Năng khiếu) under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. This year's exam, held on May 23-24, sees a marked increase in applicants compared to previous years, with over 1,000 more students vying for a place than in 2025. This surge in interest underscores the school's reputation and the intense competition for specialized education in Vietnam.

Despite the high number of applicants, the school's admission capacity remains stable, offering only 595 spots across its two campuses. This creates a highly competitive environment, where candidates must not only excel in the three non-specialized subjects (Vietnamese literature, Mathematics, and English) but also demonstrate proficiency in at least one specialized subject. The admission process is rigorous, requiring candidates to pass all required exams, adhere to strict regulations, achieve a minimum score of 2.0 for each exam component, and meet the determined cutoff score.

The High School for Gifted Students offers distinct educational approaches at its two campuses. The An Dong campus focuses on in-depth specialized knowledge, logical thinking, and STEM/AI integration, preparing students for specific expert roles. In contrast, the Dong Hoa campus emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, problem-solving across various fields (natural sciences, life sciences, computer science, business, technology, humanities, social sciences), and incorporates experiential learning. This dual approach caters to diverse learning styles and future career aspirations, reflecting Vietnam's growing emphasis on advanced and specialized education.