Average IQ in Vietnam: Score, Ranking & Analysis
Average IQ
94
Global Ranking
#50
out of ~199 countries
Region
Southeast Asia
Important note: National average IQ scores are estimates based on limited sample sizes and vary across studies. These figures are heavily influenced by socioeconomic factors, access to quality education, healthcare, nutrition, and testing conditions. They do not reflect the intelligence or potential of any individual from that country. IQ scores measure specific cognitive skills and should be interpreted within their proper scientific context.
Education System in Vietnam
Vietnam is a remarkable outlier in global education data — despite being a lower-middle-income country, Vietnamese students score comparably to those in wealthy OECD nations on PISA assessments. The education system emphasizes discipline, hard work, and mathematics from an early age. Teachers are respected professionals, and families invest heavily in their children's education. Challenges include rural-urban disparities and limited resources for technology and infrastructure, but the system's efficiency in producing strong outcomes with modest spending is globally recognized.
To understand what IQ scores measure and how they're calculated, see our guide on what IQ is. For a breakdown of what different score levels mean, visit our IQ score ranges page.
Vietnam Compared to Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia IQ Comparison
Here is how Vietnam compares to other countries in Southeast Asia that are included in our database:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam | 94 | #50 |
| Thailand | 91 | #68 |
| Myanmar | 87 | #72 |
| Cambodia | 91 | #73 |
| Philippines | 86 | #111 |
| Timor-Leste | 85 | #113 |
Countries with Similar Rankings
These countries have similar average IQ scores and global rankings to Vietnam:
| Country | Average IQ | Global Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israel | 95 | #45 | Middle East |
| Portugal | 95 | #46 | Europe |
| Ukraine | 95 | #51 | Europe |
| Denmark | 97 | #52 | Europe |
| Romania | 91 | #53 | Europe |
Understanding IQ Distribution
It's crucial to remember that national averages represent the middle of a wide distribution. Within every country, individual IQ scores span the full range from below 70 to above 130 and beyond. A country with an average IQ of 94 will have many individuals scoring well above and below that number. Factors like socioeconomic status, nutrition, education quality, and access to healthcare play significant roles in cognitive development and test performance.
The Flynn Effect — the observation that IQ scores have risen substantially over time in many countries — suggests that environmental improvements like better nutrition, healthcare, and education access can significantly impact cognitive test performance at the population level. Many developing nations are experiencing rapid improvements in these areas.
Historical Context: IQ Trends in Vietnam
Vietnam's modern education system was built after reunification in 1975, incorporating Soviet-influenced STEM emphasis into a Confucian culture that has valued learning for over a millennium. The Đổi Mới economic reforms of 1986 opened Vietnam to international engagement and investment in human capital. Vietnam's PISA debut in 2012 produced a global sensation — the country ranked 17th in mathematics, above the United States and UK, despite being a lower-middle-income country. Subsequent PISA cycles confirmed this was no anomaly. The result is attributed to family investment in education, disciplined classrooms, and a well-trained teaching corps, achieved with modest per-student spending.
Education System Deep Dive
Vietnamese compulsory education covers 5 years of primary (grades 1-5) and 4 years of lower secondary (grades 6-9). Upper secondary (grades 10-12) leads to the national high school graduation exam (tốt nghiệp THPT). Competition for places at top universities like Vietnam National University is intense. Teachers are highly regarded socially, and family spending on private tutoring is substantial relative to incomes. In PISA 2022, Vietnam was not a participant, but PISA 2018 results (scored separately due to sampling concerns) placed Vietnam students above several wealthy OECD nations in mathematics. Emphasis on mental arithmetic and mathematical drill begins in early primary years.
Cognitive Achievements and Scientific Output
Vietnam has produced Ngô Bảo Châu, who won the Fields Medal in 2010 for proving the fundamental lemma of the Langlands program — one of the most significant mathematical results of the decade. Vietnamese-American Dũng Nguyễn contributed foundational algorithms used in internet routing. Vietnamese researchers are increasingly competitive in materials science, agriculture biotechnology, and infectious disease research at institutions including Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. Vietnam has produced multiple IMO gold medalists, with its national mathematics olympiad program considered among Southeast Asia's most rigorous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average IQ in Vietnam?
Vietnam's average IQ is estimated at 94, ranking #50 globally. Notably, Vietnam's PISA scores significantly exceed what its income level would predict, making it one of the most educationally efficient countries in the world.
Why does Vietnam outperform wealthier countries on PISA?
Vietnam's educational success is attributed to strong cultural emphasis on learning, disciplined classroom environments, respected teachers, heavy family investment in education, and an efficient curriculum focused on core academic skills. The country achieves remarkable results with modest per-student spending.
How does Vietnam compare to Thailand?
Vietnam (94) scores higher than Thailand (91) despite having a lower GDP per capita. Vietnam's stronger PISA performance and cultural emphasis on education suggest that spending efficiency and educational culture matter more than raw economic resources.
Explore More Countries
See the full list of all countries on our Average IQ by Country page, or take our free IQ test to see how you compare.
MyIQScores Editorial Team
Researchers in cognitive psychology, psychometrics & educational science
Last updated
May 10, 2026
All content on MyIQScores is reviewed for scientific accuracy against peer-reviewed research in cognitive psychology and psychometrics. Our editorial team cross-references each article with published literature before publication and updates pages whenever new research warrants a revision.