Vietnam has witnessed a substantial increase in students taking the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), a standardized college entrance exam widely accepted by institutions in the U.S. and around the world. In 2022, over 3,500 Vietnamese students registered for the SAT, marking a 74% increase from the previous year and underscoring the rising demand for study abroad opportunities and the growing acceptance of SAT scores by local and international universities.
Growing Popularity of the SAT in Vietnam
The SAT, an assessment developed and managed by the College Board, is designed to measure college readiness through two core sections: Reading & Writing and Math. The exam, scored out of a maximum of 1600 points, is commonly used by universities in the United States and increasingly accepted in Europe and beyond as part of their admissions criteria.
In Vietnam, the SAT is administered by IIG Vietnam, an authorized test center. According to a recent report by IIG, the number of Vietnamese students taking the SAT has been steadily rising over recent years. In 2019, approximately 1,700 Vietnamese students took the SAT, with annual growth rates between 6% and 17% recorded until 2022. Last year, however, the number surged dramatically, with a total of 3,510 test-takers, an increase of nearly 1,500 students compared to the prior year.
This increase aligns with broader trends in Southeast Asia, where students are increasingly seeking educational opportunities abroad, especially in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
SAT Scores and Global Competitiveness
The SAT is taken by approximately two million students each year worldwide. The College Board has reported that the average SAT score in 2022 was 1050 out of 1600, while students scoring above 1530 are considered to be in the top 1% of test-takers globally. For Vietnamese students, achieving high SAT scores can provide a competitive edge in applications to foreign universities, helping to distinguish them among other international applicants.
The rise in SAT participation among Vietnamese students mirrors a broader global trend where students aim to demonstrate academic readiness and college-level skills to institutions outside their home countries. High SAT scores not only reflect a student’s academic abilities but can also lead to scholarship opportunities and entry into highly selective programs in top universities worldwide.
Vietnam’s Position as a Key Market for International Education
Vietnam’s expanding interest in international education has established the country as one of the top 10 markets worldwide for student migration, according to ICEF Monitor, a platform focused on international education. Vietnamese students are now among the top five largest international student groups in major education destinations, including the United States and Australia, each hosting between 30,000 and 44,000 Vietnamese students. Canada also sees a significant number of Vietnamese students, with over 17,000 studying in Canadian institutions.
Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the interest in overseas education among Vietnamese students has continued to rise, demonstrating the resilience and ambition of Vietnamese families to seek high-quality education abroad. The return of international mobility has likely contributed to the increased SAT participation, as students once again feel confident in pursuing their educational aspirations on a global scale.
Local Universities Begin Incorporating SAT Scores
Another factor contributing to the rising number of SAT test-takers is the increasing acceptance of SAT scores in admissions processes at Vietnamese universities. For the 2023 intake, more than 20 universities in northern Vietnam are accepting SAT scores as part of their admissions criteria. Notably, the Hanoi University of Science and Technology has set a high standard with a minimum SAT score requirement of 1450 out of 1600. Other institutions generally accept scores of 1100 or higher, demonstrating a growing recognition of the SAT as a benchmark for academic excellence.
This trend of local universities adopting SAT scores provides Vietnamese students with more options, allowing them to use their SAT results both for domestic applications and to boost their competitiveness when applying to international universities. For students who may later decide to study abroad, SAT scores can serve as an important qualification to have in hand, regardless of their initial plans.
Reasons Behind the Rising Demand for Overseas Education
Several factors drive Vietnamese students’ aspirations to study abroad. Among these, access to world-class education and exposure to diverse cultures are two of the most cited motivations. Studying in institutions in the United States, Europe, or Australia provides students with educational experiences that may not be available in Vietnam, including advanced facilities, specialized programs, and research opportunities.
Additionally, studying abroad is often seen as a pathway to career advancement, as students gain international experience, language skills, and cultural adaptability—all valuable traits in the global job market. For many Vietnamese families, investing in an international education for their children is considered a way to enhance future opportunities and ensure economic security.
The U.S., Australia, and Canada remain popular destinations due to their established educational systems, high-quality institutions, and comprehensive support for international students. Additionally, many of these countries provide post-graduation work options, allowing students to gain work experience in the host country before returning home or seeking employment elsewhere.
The Role of Standardized Testing in Shaping Future Education Trends
The growing reliance on standardized tests like the SAT reflects a broader shift in education systems worldwide, where standardized assessments are increasingly used to gauge student preparedness for higher education. In Vietnam, the expanding use of SAT scores in both local and international contexts suggests that standardized tests will likely play a larger role in educational planning for students considering higher education options beyond national borders.
While the SAT has traditionally been most popular in the U.S., its influence has grown globally, especially as universities look for consistent measures of academic ability across diverse applicant pools. This shift benefits students from non-English speaking countries, like Vietnam, who aim to demonstrate their academic capabilities in an internationally recognized format.
The SAT’s growing importance in Vietnam is also an indicator of the increasing alignment between Vietnam’s educational ambitions and global standards. Vietnamese students who perform well on the SAT can access opportunities that might have previously been out of reach, fostering a generation of globally competitive graduates.
Future Implications for Vietnamese Students and Education Systems
The significant rise in SAT participation among Vietnamese students suggests a continued trend toward internationalization in Vietnamese education. As more students take the SAT, they not only strengthen their individual prospects but also contribute to the overall educational and cultural exchange between Vietnam and other countries. With more Vietnamese universities accepting SAT scores, students who excel in this standardized test may find greater flexibility in choosing whether to pursue their studies domestically or internationally.
Moreover, as the competition for international university placements intensifies, Vietnamese students may increasingly see the SAT as an essential component of their academic journey. For Vietnamese educational institutions, the trend may prompt further integration of global education standards into their curricula, enhancing the country’s overall academic reputation.
Conclusion: Vietnam’s Path Toward Educational Globalization
The surge in SAT participation in Vietnam highlights the country’s evolving relationship with global education systems. Driven by the desire to study abroad and achieve academic excellence, Vietnamese students and their families view the SAT as a stepping stone to realizing their educational goals. With the test’s acceptance spreading among local universities, Vietnamese students are positioned to benefit from a versatile credential that enhances their opportunities both at home and abroad.
As Vietnam continues to expand its presence on the global education stage, the trend of increasing SAT participation is likely to persist, paving the way for future generations of Vietnamese students to make their mark on the world.
Related Topics:
