Vietnamese Student Secures Full Scholarship at Sydney Uni

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Nguyen Tuyet Lan, a 19-year-old from Hanoi, has taken a significant step towards her dreams by securing a 100% scholarship to the University of Sydney. This prestigious award, part of the International Student Merit Scholarship, is granted to just 20 students worldwide and will cover her annual tuition of AU$57,700 (approx. 1.36 million Thai Baht) for the Advanced Computing programme.

Lan’s decision to delay her university enrolment was initially a gamble. Instead of heading straight to Australia after high school, she opted to take a year off to enhance her prospects. This bold move has clearly paid off.

"This scholarship eases a huge financial burden for my family," Lan remarked upon receiving the award. Her family, initially concerned about her moving so far away, had always supported her ambitions.

Lan's journey to this achievement began in her home city of Hanoi. Though she hadn't always dreamed of studying abroad, her participation in student projects and interactions with peers interested in overseas education inspired her to explore the possibility. Secret visits to study abroad fairs further solidified her resolve, and she eventually shared these aspirations with her family, who stood by her side.

With an impressive GPA of 9.4–9.5, Lan was already an accomplished student. However, recognising the intense competition for full scholarships in Australia, she pushed herself even harder during her final year of high school. Her dedication paid off with a near-perfect GPA of 9.9, alongside successful applications to several top Australian universities, including Sydney, ANU, Melbourne, and Adelaide.

Despite these offers, Lan made another significant decision: to take a gap year. During this time, she focused on strengthening her application, studying English, tutoring, and participating in community projects. Her efforts culminated in two carefully crafted essays for the University of Sydney’s scholarship application, revised meticulously with her advisor's guidance.

Her counselor, Kate Pham, highlighted Lan's determination and work ethic, noting the profound depth of her essays. Lan’s former teacher, Vu Lan Anh, expressed pride in her achievements, especially her ability in mathematics and her exceptional interpersonal skills.

As Lan prepares for this new chapter at one of the world’s top universities, her story serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and strategic planning. Her achievements reflect not only academic excellence but also a personal journey marked by courage and determination.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-09