Ha Noi – Nearly 500 students, parents and young professionals took part in the English and IELTS Day 2025, organised by the British Council last weekend in both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. The event offered participants an immersive experience in the world of English, opening new directions for study, overseas education and future career development. Beyond academic experiences, the day fostered an engaging and collaborative atmosphere, encouraging participants to learn from experts and connect with Viet Nam’s community of IELTS learners.
Language is a bridge to learning and future careers
At the event, educational experts and representatives from leading universities shared their perspectives on the growing importance of English in Viet Nam’s education system during a panel discussion on university admission pathways and overseas study trends.
Pham Thanh Ha, MA, Deputy Head of the Training Management Department, Foreign Trade University, stated that during the 2025 admission season, many domestic universities are using IELTS certificates as part of their admission methods. This includes converting IELTS scores into English subject grades for admission, combining IELTS scores with high school academic performance, combining IELTS scores with national high school graduation exam results, or combining IELTS scores with international competency assessment certificates such as SAT, ACT or A-Level. Some universities even grant additional priority points to candidates holding internationally recognised IELTS certificates. Ha stated: 'This demonstrates that Vietnamese universities are committed not only to enrolment goals but also to standardising foreign language entry requirements and improving training quality. At Foreign Trade University, more than 60% of the training programmes are currently taught in English, so candidates need a strong language foundation to study effectively.'
According to Ha, for the admission method that combines international language certificates and international competency assessment certificates, the application threshold for FTU in 2025 is IELTS 6.5 and SAT 1380 or higher. However, to have a chance of being admitted to top-tier programmes, candidates should aim for an IELTS score of 7.5 combined with a SAT score above 1500.
Ha also emphasised that high school students should identify their career orientation early, ideally from the end of lower secondary school or the beginning of upper secondary school, to build a suitable roadmap for learning English and preparing for IELTS in line with their career goals and university admission strategy.
From the perspective of an overseas education consulting agency with many years of experience supporting Vietnamese students in studying abroad and settling in Canada, Tung Phan, Director of CEI Toronto x Phan Immigration, remarked: 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step – and for study abroad, that step is learning English. An IELTS certificate is not only a ticket to overseas universities but also a tool for building confidence and adaptability in an international environment.'
Sharing the same perspective, Phan Tuan Linh, Business Development Director at ISC Education – an overseas education consulting centre – stated that five years after the pandemic, Viet Nam’s education system has undergone many positive changes. However, it is his view that choosing between studying abroad and pursuing education domestically remains an important decision.
Linh recommends that students clearly define their career goals instead of making decisions based solely on costs. Linh also noted that the trend of studying abroad is expanding as countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada increase opportunities for learning and working after graduation. Among these, the UK remains a popular destination thanks to its world-class education quality and high-value scholarship opportunities. Linh stated: 'Regardless of whether students choose to study locally or abroad, English proficiency and IELTS certification remain essential foundations for developing critical thinking, academic skills, and adaptability in a global environment.'
Inspiring stories of young learners on their English journey
A highlight of the programme was the Learning Hacks workshop featuring two talented Gen Z speakers: bilingual MC Ha Thao Trang and content creator Thien Khiem, who both achieved high IELTS scores and have turned English into a life-changing skill in their education and careers.
Trang began learning English at an early age, but it was not until high school that she truly saw it as a launchpad for her future. Rather than following trends or chasing predicted test sets, Ha chose to study in depth, follow a clear learning path, and actively apply English in real-life contexts through extracurricular activities, student clubs and bilingual hosting work. This approach of “learning to apply” instead of “learning to test” helped her build a solid language foundation, ultimately achieving an IELTS score of 8.5. Trang emphasised: 'You shouldn’t memorise templates or try to predict exam questions – focus instead on developing your ability to think, reason, and express yourself naturally in English. When you see English not just as a subject, but as a tool to tell your own story, learning becomes more personal and inspiring.'
Participants also joined the IELTS Coaching 1–1 zone, where they received personalised advice on study strategies and career orientation from high scoring IELTS candidates, as well as experts and alumni who have lived, studied and worked in various countries around the world.
Perspectives from British Council’s global English teaching experts
Melanie Harbinson, IELTS teacher at the British Council’s Lancaster Teaching Centre, shared: 'I am truly impressed by the enthusiasm and determination of Vietnamese learners. In the IELTS Speaking test, success isn’t about speaking at length or using overly complex vocabulary – it’s about clear, concise communication. A mix of short, simple sentences and longer, more complex sentences is a good strategy. Staying focused on answering the question in the first sentence, then adding more detail later, will always work in your favour'.
Over 100 participants took part in mock IELTS Speaking tests with British Council teachers at the event, experiencing a real test simulation and receiving instant feedback on their strengths and areas for improvement. The activity was highly praised for helping learners familiarise themselves with exam procedures, reduce anxiety and gain confidence ahead of the actual test.
Nguyen Phan Anh, a Year 12 student from Ha Noi, shared: 'It was my first time doing a mock Speaking test with a foreign teacher. I was nervous at first, but the teacher was very friendly and guided me on how to expand my ideas. I now understand my weak point is in linking my answers together and know exactly what to improve next.'
The mock Speaking test was part of the IELTS Premium programme by the British Council, designed to help candidates develop strong language, cognitive and test-taking skills. The initiative reflects the British Council’s long-term commitment to supporting learners in achieving high scores and using English confidently in real-life contexts and confidently integrating into the global community.
The IELTS on Computer area also drew great interest, giving participants hands-on experience with the official digital testing interface for Listening and Reading, helping them familiarise themselves with the exam layout and reduce pre-test pressure.
English & IELTS Day 2025 served as a shared space for students, parents and educators to explore the real-world value of English in learning, careers and everyday life. It also introduced participants to the British Council’s range of internationally recognised English courses, designed to support learners of all ages and levels through flexible formats, innovative technology and expert teaching.
Through this event, the British Council continues to reaffirm its commitment to empowering Vietnamese learners to build English proficiency, develop teaching quality and connect with global education opportunities, helping the next generation to shape their future confidently in an increasingly interconnected world.