The United States has always been known as one of the countries with the highest quality education recognized by the whole world, a destination that millions of international students around the world aim for every year. So what is outstanding and different about the American education system compared to the Vietnamese education system? Please refer to the article below to discover the characteristics of this country's education system.

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1. The system of levels of American education

The US education system is also quite similar to the education system in Vietnam with basic levels such as primary, secondary, university and postgraduate. However, for each level of education, these 2 education systems have differences. Specifically, as follows:

Hệ thống giáo dục của Mỹ cũng khá tương đồng với hệ thống giáo dục tại Việt Nam với những bậc học cơ bản như Tiểu học, Trung học, Đại học và sau Đại học. Tuy nhiên, với mỗi bậc học, 2 nền giáo dục này lại có những điểm khác biệt. Cụ thể như sau:

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1.1. American education at the elementary level

Children between the ages of 5 and 6 in most states in the United States are required to participate in the elementary school program in this country.

1 - Duration of study

The duration of primary school in the US usually lasts between 5 and 6 years. The first year (also known as kindergarten) starts at about 5-6 years old, the following years will be numbered according to levels such as grade 1 and grade 2..... Most students in the U.S. finish elementary school by the age of 11.

2 - Curriculum

Children at the Primary level are usually taught by a single teacher in a classroom. Elementary education in the US usually focuses on basic knowledge, helping children develop writing and math, reading, and critical thinking skills, focusing on developing social communication skills, and behavior adjustment to help them prepare for life.

3 - Evaluate the results

Unlike Vietnam, elementary school students in the US have only assessed their ability and educational level through a scale from A to F from grade 3 to compare the school's ranking with other schools. In addition, elementary school students in the U.S. will not receive a diploma after completing the program.

4 - Differences in Vietnamese education

In the US, all subjects only need one teacher to teach, while in Vietnam, each classroom will have 1 homeroom teacher in charge of managing the whole class and teaching core subjects such as Math, Vietnamese, and Science,... and some specialized subjects such as English, Physical Education, Music, Fine Arts,... There will be a subject teacher in charge of teaching.

In addition, students in the US can also study at home and will not have a degree, while Vietnamese students are required to attend school and will have a certificate of Completion of the Elementary Program.

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1.2. American High School Education

After completing the elementary education program, American students will continue to enter the secondary education program.

1 - Duration of study

High school in the United States is divided into 2 stages: Middle High School (Middle School) starting from grades 6 to 8 and High School (High School) starting from grades 9 to 12.

2 - Curriculum

When participating in the secondary education program, students will be free to choose the subjects they like, including Required/core classes and Elective courses.

  • Compulsory subjects: English/Literature, Mathematics, Physical, Science,...

  • Electives: Physical Education, Foreign Language, Computer, Art,...

Students can also enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) programs that have a curriculum equivalent to the basic classes of the undergraduate freshman program. Students will receive a reduction in the number of credits in the first-year program when they meet the required score for the corresponding AP subject.

3 - Evaluate the results

Schools will assess students' learning ability through a GPA scale - a 4.0 scale. Grades are calculated as the total GPA of all subjects divided by the number of classes or credits you are studying.

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High school students' abilities are assessed through a GPA scale

4 - Class Schedule

Secondary students are free to register for subjects, so the class schedule will also be flexible, depending on the study time of each subject, helping students to arrange a suitable timetable for themselves. Therefore, unless you register for elective subjects that are exactly the same, even if you are in the same class, it is still very difficult for you to have a 100% identical schedule.

5 - Differences between American and Vietnamese education systems

Although there are similarities in the education systems of the two countries, there are still some differences as follows:

Element

America

Vietnam

Duration of study

Secondary level: 3 years

High school level: 4 years

Secondary level: 4 years

High school level: 3 years

Form of study

It is possible to study at home

Compulsory schooling

Teaching content

Encourage students to think and develop personally.

Students are the ones who actively participate in the learning process, self-study and research, teachers only play the role of guides or answer questions and difficulties.

There is a heavy focus on textbook-based teaching (influenced by the nature of some exams), a lot of theory and little practice

Students are required to memorize concepts and structures in books or materials that make students less active in interacting with teachers during class.

Volume of knowledge

Light on theory, more on teaching methods and practical learning.

The amount of knowledge is large and highly theoretical.

Forms of university entrance exams

Take SAT and AP certificates and apply for admission to normal universities if eligible.

Participate in the National High School Exam or direct admission.

1.3. American Higher Education

Students typically spend 4 years of study to earn a Bachelor's degree at universities in the United States.

1 - Popular school models at the university level

The American higher education system currently has 5 popular school models. You can refer to the table below:

Model

Duration of study

Pathways

Vocational/Technical School

2 - 3 years

Equip students with in-depth knowledge in a certain field.

Upon graduation, students will receive a certificate or an associate's degree.

Community College

2 years

You can take English classes to get used to the differences in the American education system.

Upon completion of the program, students can earn an Associate of Arts (AA) degree and transfer directly to universities.

Public Universities

4 years

Diversity in disciplines, practical learning environment, modern and advanced facilities.

Exciting extracurricular activities, exchange programs at partner universities around the world.

Private University

4 years

The discipline is more in-depth, and the facilities are equipped with the most advanced facilities to meet the learning and research needs of students.

Organizing many extracurricular activities, student exchanges.

2 – Top 10 Best American Universities in the World 2025

The United States is home to the world's top universities. Below is a ranking of the top 10 universities in the US according to the QS World University Rankings 2025:

Rank

University

Global Ranking

1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

2

Harvard University

4

3

Stanford University

6

4

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

10

5

University of Chicago

21

6

University of Pennsylvania

11

7

Cornell University

16

8

California Institute of Technology

10

9

Yale University

23

10

Princeton University

22

Learn more:Ranking of the top 15 universities in the United States 2025

3 - Comparison of American and Vietnamese education systems

You can clearly see the differences in the higher education system in the US and Vietnam through the table below:

Element

America

Vietnam

Duration of study

4 years

4 - 5 years

Volume of knowledge

The average amount of knowledge, mainly learning combined with practical application.

The amount of knowledge is heavy and tends to be biased towards theory.

Teaching Methods

Students are self-taught and guided by teachers

There is a website where students can review lectures.

Students can change majors for 2 years despite having been enrolled prior to admission.

Students study with a teacher's advisor, usually doing more research on their own based on the teacher's lesson plan.

Students can only choose 1 major and follow throughout the academic years. If students want to change majors, they must retake the exam or study for another diploma 2.

Subjects

Chain knowledge from basic to advanced.

The subjects of Geography, History, Fine Arts, and Music are all equally important.

Subjects are divided into general subjects and specialized subjects

General subjects will be studied in the first and second years, while specialized subjects will be studied in the following years.

Faculty and student links

The exchange of information with each other is very equal, free, and comfortable.

The instructors always encourage students to give their personal perspectives throughout the class so that they can easily evaluate and orient each student.

It requires seriousness during the class, but there are still lecturers who are very approachable and open.

Students are prone to losing critical thinking, and creative thinking, and being pressured by grades and exams.

1.4. Master's American Education

1 - Duration of study

The training period of the Master's program in the US is about 1-2 years.

2 - Learning conditions

To be able to study a Master's program in the US, students must graduate from a university and must pass entrance tests such as:

  • For medical schools: MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) certificate is required.

  • For law schools: LSAT (Law School Admission Test) certificate is required.

  • For schools specializing in Business, management, or other fields: GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or

    GMAT

    (Graduate Management Admission Test) test scores are required.

3 - Programs of study

Curriculum

Character

Specialized Master's programs (MA, MSc, LLM, Med...)

Duration: 12 months

Students must go to class to participate in group assignments and write essays, and dissertations.

After completing their studies, students can go to work immediately.

Research Master's Program (MA, MSc by research, Mres, MPhil)

Duration: 2 - 3 years

Students are not required to attend classes

Simply complete your research topic under the guidance of your assigned professor.

It is a program for those who intend to study for a PhD.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program

Chosen by many students, attracting all Bachelors from all over the world.

MBA classes are designed to teach practical, practical skills that can be applied in the workplace.

1.5. American Education at the Doctoral Level

1 - Duration of study

The training period of the doctoral education program in the US will last about 3-6 years, depending on each major.

2 - Learning conditions

  • Possess a Master's degree in the relevant discipline.

  • Write a research outline, outlining a research plan based on the context of previous research.

  • If you do not have a Master's degree, you must have achieved excellent grades in the last 2 years of study in the Bachelor's program (Your research products can be submitted for proof).

  • High GMAT or GRE scores.

  • Minimum IELTS score of 6.5 - 7.5, good communication.

  • Letters of recommendation from professors.

  • Proof of finances and preparation of at least 20,000 USD/year

3 - Programs of study

  • In the first 1.5 - 2 years, students must take several required credits in the classroom (coursework). These classes can be held individually for PhD students or jointly with Master's students

  • They must study all the same subjects at the Master's level but at a more intensive level and must take a quality test to test their specialized knowledge at the end of the period.

  • After passing the exam, they were transferred to the research and thesis stage

4 - The difference between the American education system and Vietnamese education

Content

America

Vietnam

Form of study

The majority is concentrated

Most of them study while working

Scholarships/Salaries

Have a scholarship/salary throughout the course of study

Only a small number of schools have a scholarship/salary policy

Theoretical/practical

The thesis is required to be based on up-to-date theoretical foundations, which must be cited from the latest research within 5 years

The thesis requirements must be more practical and applicable

Thesis Grading Council

Usually, 5-7 people, of which it is mandatory to have a few professors from other schools (even other countries)

7 members, including 2 people outside the school

International Publication

International Publication Requirements

Only encouraged, only needs to be announced domestically

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2. Discover 5 highlights of American education

The U.S. has long been the number-one choice for students around the world. Why is the US a place that attracts so many international students? Let's find out 5 highlights of the education system in the US!

2.1. Uphold freedom and respect for individual freedoms

In the US, students have the freedom to choose what they like and are able to actively choose and arrange classes to best suit their schedule. Students have the right to express their personal views and be free to be creative because this will bring a lot of interest in learning, stimulating their own development.

2.2. Friendly and open American educational environment

The United States is a multicultural country, and Americans are very hospitable, close, open, and eager to learn. These outstanding personality traits are applied by many international students when they return to their home countries. Thanks to these personality traits, students are able to study and research in a practical, dynamic, and quality American educational environment.

2.3. High-quality training program

The US is always among the top countries with the world's leading training and teaching quality. Schools always have a team of experienced and highly qualified lecturers and professors. Students here can try their hand at all professions.

The US is also home to many top-quality universities. There are 4 out of 10 American universities in the top 10 best universities in the world (According to QS World University Rankings 2025). This is an extremely large number.

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The US is the country with the world's leading training quality

2.4. Proactive and practical methods of American education

Students studying in the US will be given the opportunity to experience reality, without cramming too much theoretical knowledge. The exchange of information between lecturers and students is very equal, free, and comfortable. The lecturers always encourage students to give their personal views, to improve their critical ability and creative thinking.

2.5. Orientation of American education from elementary school

American education equips children with basic knowledge and soft skills right from the beginning of elementary school to help students have a solid foundation to be ready to continue on the path of open learning in the future.

3. Find out the conditions for studying in the US by level of study

The United States is the country where many international students want to study and research the most, so in order to be able to study in the United States, you need to meet the general conditions necessary for each level of study here.

1 - Requirements for studying in the United States at the high school level

  • Students from grade 7 and above.

  • GPA in recent years with a score of 6.5 or higher (some schools may consider Math scores and English scores).

  • For high school age and younger, no IELTS, or TOEFL certificate is required, but only pass the school's English entrance test or ELTS test

2 - Conditions for studying in the United States at the undergraduate level

  • At least 2 years of high school in the U.S. to get a high school diploma.

  • If you have not studied for 2 years, you can study the Foundation program to be able to enter universities in the United States.

  • If you are eligible to graduate from high school in the United States, you need to have an SAT degree or take the AP standardized exam to be admitted to universities in the United States.

3 - Requirements for studying in the United States at the postgraduate level

  • Have a bachelor's degree from a University in their home country (maybe 3 or 4 years).

  • The GPA of the whole course is 7.0/10 or 3.2/4.0.

  • IELTS 6.0 - 6.5 or TOEFL 550.

  • Letters of recommendation from professors or high-ranking people in the university

  • Portfolio, thesis, or corresponding experience if studying specific disciplines related to engineering.

  • GMAT/GRE certificate to win scholarships.

Above is information about the American education system, I hope this article has provided you with more information to be ready for the route to study in the US. If you have any questions or other questions about the education system in the country, IDP is hereStudy Abroad Counseling in the U.S. is free of charge and accompanies you throughout the application process.

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