• Do you dream of pursuing a top-notch program at an international university like VNUK but still have tons of concerns about your English proficiency?
• Can you apply to VNUK and keep up with a 100% English-taught program without an IELTS certificate?
• Will you be able to understand lectures from foreign teachers and confidently present like the senior students?

If you’re a 2K5 student, you’re probably asking the same questions. Don’t worry! The English for University Programme has got your back! This is an intensive English program, designed as a springboard for first-year students to conquer the international-standard curriculum at VNUK.

Today, let’s explore all the exciting features of VNUK’s English for University Programme!

Image 1: VNUK students participating in an extracurricular activity of the English for University programme

What is the English for University Programme at VNUK (EFU)?

This programme is designed to provide a foundational approach for students who have not yet reached the English proficiency level required for an international-standard curriculum. Before engaging in the Foundation Programme and specialized courses that demand a high level of English, students will strengthen their English skills through targeted lessons and immersive language experiences.

The courses focus on grammar, vocabulary, and the four key skills—speaking, listening, reading, and writing—from CEFR Pre A1 (beginner) to CEFR B1 (upper-intermediate) levels, enabling students to meet VNUK’s entry requirements.

CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Image 2: A classroom scene from a Pre-sessional class

What is the learning pathway for the English for University Programme at VNUK?

Students with IELTS ≥ 4.5 are exempt from the English for University Programme and can directly enter the Foundation Programme.

Other students will take an English proficiency test and be assessed using the Cambridge English Scale (CES).

Depending on their score, students are placed into the following intensive English courses:

• Basic English 1: 80–99 points

• Basic English 2: 100–119 points

• Pre-sessional 1: 120–129 points

• Pre-sessional 2: 130–139 points

• Pre-sessional 3: 140–146 points

• English for Academic Purposes 1: 147–159 points

• English for Academic Purposes 2: 160–170 points

Each course lasts 8 weeks. After completing this pathway, students will be fully prepared to confidently tackle the foundational courses of the Foundation Programme and the 100% English-taught specialized courses at VNUK.

Image 3: English for University learning pathway at VNUK

English for University Programme: When English is no longer a barrier for VNUKers to conquer international-level studies

What do students gain from the English for University Programme?

• Develop foundational and academic English skills at the basic level (equivalent to CEFR A2), preparing students thoroughly to tackle their chosen programme at VNUK.

• Acquire essential learning skills that play a key role in each student’s academic journey, such as presentation skills, teamwork and independent study/research abilities, and the capacity to explore and utilize advanced learning resources.

• Boost confidence in learning and problem-solving, while also enhancing students’ sense of social responsibility through engaging extracurricular activities.

Image 4: VNUK students at an English for University extracurricular session

If you still have some “lingering questions” about the programme, let’s meet Trần Phan Diễm Quyên, a student of International Tourism and Hotel Management at VNUK, who shares her growth journey through the English for University Programme:

“First of all, taking the intensive English courses helped me reinforce my grammar, vocabulary, and listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills learned in high school. As a student going through these courses, I can clearly see my English skills improving significantly compared to when I first stepped into university.

In these classes, teachers are always dedicated to helping students develop academic skills such as writing emails, essays, and proper note-taking, with strict output requirements. Moreover, they motivate us to confidently develop ourselves in our own ways. The most valuable skill I honed in these intensive English classes was presentation skills.

I heard from senior students that at VNUK, specialized courses require students to continuously express themselves and learn from each other through presentations and debates, so practicing English presentation skills is essential and highly beneficial.

The teachers and intensive English classes are very engaging because each teacher brings unique experience and inspiring methods. My first impression of VNUK was shaped most strongly by my very first lecturer – M.A. Võ Duy Đức. What every student can feel in his class is his humor, charm, and the valuable experiences he shares from his personal journey.”

Thanks to this programme, students in the intensive English courses have grown significantly and are confident in tackling international-standard courses at VNUK.

2K5 students who want to become part of this diverse environment at VNUK, register now for consultation and admission here: https://vnuk.udn.vn/xet-tuyen/