Won a PhD scholarship to a top school after failing at the age of 18

 Won a PhD scholarship to a top school after failing at the age of 18

Having failed at university, Nhan Duc was determined to "have to change", then continuously won full scholarships for masters and doctorates in Europe and the US.

At the end of 2021, Tran Thanh Nhan Duc, 26 years old, an international student on an Erasmus Mundus master's scholarship in Europe, received a doctoral scholarship in the US. Duc won admission to the University of Virginia with a total scholarship of 300,000 USD (about 7 billion VND) for 5 years.

According to US News & World Report, Virginia is ranked 25th among the top national universities in the US. In addition, the young man from Binh Dinh was also admitted to two other American schools, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech, with support ranging from $225,000 to $250,000 for the whole course. Germany is committed by universities to award scholarships when they have not completed a master's program, although this is a necessary condition.

Tran Thanh Nhan Duc, an alumnus of the University of Science and Technology (Da Nang University), is studying for a master's degree in Europe. Photo: Character provided

Tran Thanh Nhan Duc, an alumnus of the University of Technology (Da Nang University), is studying for a master's degree in Europe. Photo: Character provided

With good academic ability, Nhan Duc spent his middle and high school years peacefully but without direction. When applying for the university entrance exam, he enrolled in Accounting, University of Economics (Danang University) under the advice and orientation of his family. Unexpectedly, Germany lacked points and failed. "I was shocked by this result. Even though my family didn't blame me, it still hurt to see my parents have to face social prejudices when I failed college," he recalls.

Determined to retake the exam, in just one year, Duc lost 7 kg. Tired days, lying down to prepare to sleep, but remembering the recent failure, he turned on the light to study again. This time, Germany aimed at Water Engineering Construction, University of Science and Technology (Danang University) and became the entrance runner-up. However, the experience of failing at university still haunts and urges Germany to go further.

In the first two years of university, Duc spent time studying English, then focused on doing research. When he had the opportunity to approach many projects, he realized that he was interested in studying the elements of the natural environment such as weather, climate change and how they affect life, including construction. , rather than learning about materials, architecture. Determining that this program has not really developed in Vietnam, Germany aims to study in Europe.

When Germany heard about passing the program "Hydroinformatics and Water Management" by Erasmus Mundus - one of the most prestigious full master's scholarships in Europe, Germany thought how to win a PhD scholarship in the US. One of the determining factors of a PhD scholarship application, he explained, is the scientific article. If the announcement is continuously made in a short time, the candidate will be questioned for not being transparent. Therefore, Germany determined this is a must do early to keep the pace of research, and at the same time to help the profile strong and natural.

Duc considers himself a perfectionist and ambitious, so he wants to do everything as neatly as possible. When the exam schedule coincided with the stressful period of the study, he often stayed up 3-4 days a week. In just over a year, while studying for a master's degree in five countries, France, Germany, England, Spain and Poland, he has completed 5 scientific studies, which have been published in prestigious international journals and conferences. gender. "My goal is six. Although it is not as expected, I think the result is not bad," Duc said.

Germany and friends traveled to Monaco during their master's study in Europe. Photo: Character provided

Germany and friends traveled to Monaco during their master's study in Europe. Photo: Character provided

In addition to scientific publications, he thinks that an equally important factor is the letter of recommendation. Candidates cannot be fully active in this while the application period is limited. Duc decided to ask for three letters, one from the doctor who was teaching him in Poland - who had reviewed two of his scientific papers, and two university lecturers. Duc said that, above all else, these are the people who know the best about his academic achievements and research abilities at bachelor and master levels.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vo Ngoc Duong, Deputy Head of Training Department and Mr. Nguyen Quang Binh (University of Science and Technology, University of Danang) led Duc in research from the very beginning. Knowing the achievements of his students, Mr. Duong is not surprised because even as a domestic student, Duc has shown his ability and interest in the field of climate change and scientific research.

From an academic perspective, Mr. Duong evaluates Duc as diligent, sensitive and meticulous - important qualities for a researcher. He also has the ability to work in groups and lead members. "Duc is hard-working and eager to learn. She once helped me organize an international conference that would not have been so successful without Duc's help," said Mr. Duong.