On 14 September 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) held the Welcome Ceremony for the 2026–2027 academic year, welcoming more than 4,900 incoming students from 24 provinces and cities. The 2026 cohort brings together many students with outstanding achievements in national competitions for academically gifted students, science and engineering competitions, international Olympiads, and other academic competitions across Viet Nam.

Fostering scientific thinking and responsibility in a new era

In a message to the 2026 incoming cohort, Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan, President of VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS), emphasised the increasingly important role of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in the country’s new stage of development. ‘Beginning university in this context brings both opportunities and responsibilities for young people to receive rigorous education in fundamental science and core technologies, and to fulfil their role in a new era,’ Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan said.

The President encouraged incoming students to take an active approach to developing effective methods for study and research, cultivate independent thinking, and use technology intelligently and responsibly. Alongside their studies, students are encouraged to engage in scientific research, academic activities, clubs, exchange programmes, and community service.

In particular, Assoc. Prof. Trần Lê Quan encouraged students to foster a strong sense of responsibility towards their communities and the country. Knowledge becomes truly meaningful when used to create positive value for people and society. An education at HCMUS therefore aims not only to develop strong professional expertise, but also to nurture citizens with purpose, resilience, responsibility, and a commitment to service.

Welcoming a new cohort of talented students

In 2026, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) introduced a comprehensive admissions assessment method for the first time. Admission scores ranged from 21.50 to 29.32 on a 30-point scale, equivalent to 71.67 to 97.73 on a 100-point scale. Among 39 disciplines, groups of disciplines, and academic programmes, 28 recorded admission scores of 24 points or above.

The academic strength of the 2026 incoming cohort is further reflected in students’ achievements. More than 24% of incoming students received awards in competitions for academically gifted students and science and engineering competitions at provincial and centrally governed city level. Notably, 222 incoming students received awards in the National Excellent Student Competition and the National Science and Engineering Competition organised by the Ministry of Education and Training, including 13 First Prizes and 62 Second Prizes.

The new cohort also includes students with notable achievements in international competitions. Trần Đại Thành Danh, a student in the Talented Bachelor Programme in Mathematics, won a Silver Medal at the 2026 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) and a Gold Medal at the 2026 Asian Pacific Mathematics Olympiad (APMO). Incoming students Nguyễn Trí Hiền and Nguyễn Trí Hậu both won Gold Medals at the 2nd Turkmenistan International Mathematical Olympiad in 2025. Nguyễn Quang Chương, a student in the Advanced Programme in Computer Science, received Second Prize at the 2025 International ICPC High School Programming Contest.

The 2026 cohort also includes Đoàn Thanh Tùng, Second Prize winner in the 2025 Duong Len Dinh Olympia (Road to Olympia) competition, and Nguyễn Nhựt Lam, Third Prize winner in the same competition. Several incoming students achieved the highest scores in their respective localities in the 2026 National High School Graduation Examination for subject combinations used in university admissions, including Võ Đăng Tuệ, Huỳnh Ngọc Nhân, Huỳnh Nghĩa Nhân, Nguyễn Gia Khánh, Nguyễn Ngọc Trân, and Nguyễn Cao Long Khánh.

Entering the 2026–2027 academic year, VNUHCM–University of Science (HCMUS) continues to invest comprehensively in education, scientific research, innovation, and international engagement. The University is developing laboratories for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation during the 2026–2030 period, with a focus on research areas including digital technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced biotechnology, renewable energy, nuclear energy, materials, green energy, technologies supporting Net Zero, and natural sciences underpinning strategic technologies.