UNIS Hanoi’s flagship scholarship programme continues to grow from strength to strength, thanks to the unwavering support from the School community. 

Launched in 2012 to mark the 25th anniversary of the School, the UNIS Hanoi Scholarship Programme is transforming lives. 

Our first scholar, Nam Nguyen who graduated in 2015 with a perfect IB score, is now at William’s College in the USA, ranked #1 in the world by Forbes last year. He is about to start his second year studying Economics and Computer Science with a full scholarship. Joining him Stateside this month is Phuong Ly who also secured generous financial aid to study Pre-Medicine and International Relations at her first choice, Lafayette College in Pennsylvania. 

Both graduates, says Head of Schools Dr Chip Barder, are shining examples of what the Scholarship Fund set out to achieve.

He explained, “In our founding memorandum of understanding, UNIS Hanoi was established to assist in the development of Vietnam. In honour of our founding principles, the recipients of UNIS Hanoi’s scholarship programme are talented local students who we believe will most benefit from accessing an international education. Nam and Phuong’s incredible achievements demonstrate what belonging to a learning community such as ours can nurture in an individual. Their contribution to our school and the contributions they are committed to making in the future, will only benefit Vietnam in the long term.”

In 2013, Nam became UNIS Hanoi’s very first scholarship student. The son of a fabric cutter and a housewife, Nam could never have imagined studying at UNIS Hanoi before. But thanks to his exceptional academic ability and his clear potential to succeed, he was successful in his application. Three years later, Nam became one of only 160 out of a total 65,000 full IB Diploma candidates around the entire world to achieve a perfect IB score! 

Nam recalls applying for a scholarship at UNIS Hanoi because he wanted ‘a stronger, more comprehensive, diverse education’. 

“I knew it would be the best way I could change my family’s fortunes” he said. But it is not only his family’s futures that concern Nam. He is committed to using this advantage to help create ‘the world we want’ and it was no surprise when he returned this summer to UNIS Hanoi to spend time mentoring and coaching the current scholars.

Phuong Ly, who always dreamed of becoming a doctor believes that without the scholarship, she would not be within reach of achieving her lifelong ambition. Yet, she is. As she begins her next chapter as a proud medical student at a top American college, she only has words of gratitude to share with the School community. “Thank you, thank you, thank you to the end!” she enthused at her graduation last June. “I’ll never forget what UNIS Hanoi has done for me.”

This academic year, eight scholars continue to study at UNIS Hanoi, with two expected to graduate in June.

And the School is committed to expand the programme with additional scholarships funded through donations by our community.