Resilience, adaptability, leadership potential, and a sense of social responsibility are increasingly becoming common characteristics among students pursuing global education opportunities.

At a recent scholarship awarding ceremony, British University Vietnam (BUV) granted hundreds of scholarships across 12 categories to students from provinces and cities nationwide.

Students from Dien Bien, Hai Phong, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City were among the recipients, bringing diverse personal stories and educational experiences.

According to the university, many of the strongest applications this year stood out not only for academic achievement but also for community involvement, leadership qualities, and the ability to overcome challenges.

Among the scholarship recipients was Tran Ngoc Bao Minh, a student from the Foreign Language Specialized School, whose profile combined academic achievement with extracurricular and community activities.

With a GPA above 9.0 and an IELTS score of 8.0, Minh has also published English-language books on Amazon, participated in communication campaigns in collaboration with UNICEF and Vietnam’s Ministry of Health, and co-founded IELTS For All, a non-profit initiative providing free learning resources to disadvantaged students.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minh said she viewed education as extending beyond academic performance.

“I’ve always believed that learning is not only about achieving good results, but also about understanding the kind of meaningful impact you want to create for the community and society around you,” she said. “Receiving a scholarship from BUV motivates me to continue pursuing bigger projects and ambitions in the future.”

Tran Ngoc Bao Minh represents scholarship recipients speaking at the ceremony. Photo courtesy of BUV

Minh’s mother, Van, said the family prioritized an educational environment that encouraged independent thinking and personal development alongside academic achievement.

“What matters to us is not just qualifications but whether our child can grow in an open environment, gain real-world exposure, and feel confident pursuing the things she genuinely wants to create,” she said.

This year’s scholarship programme also highlighted stories shaped by personal adversity and perseverance.

Another recipient was Quang Van Son, one of two students awarded the Lion Heart Scholarship, which recognizes perseverance, determination, and positive community contributions.

Raised at SOS Children’s Village Dien Bien Phu, Son previously pursued vocational training and worked in the service industry before returning to academic study. His experiences later inspired him to pursue a degree in international hospitality management while continuing to participate in projects supporting disadvantaged youth in remote areas.

Quang Van Son (L, 3rd) receives the Lion Heart Scholarship. Photo courtesy of BUV

Reflecting on his journey, Son said becoming independent at a young age helped him better understand the role education can play in changing opportunities.

“I hope that one day I can return to support the Thai community and children at the SOS Village, so they can have more confidence and hope that their circumstances do not define their limits,” he said.

According to BUV, stories such as Son’s reflect the broader objective of the scholarship programme: expanding access to international education for students with ambition and potential regardless of geographic or financial background.

Professor Rick Bennett, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President of BUV, said scholarships should also be viewed as investments in future contribution and impact.

“A scholarship is not simply recognition of what students have achieved today, but also a reflection of the confidence we place in their future,” he said. “What we value is not only their accomplishments so far, but also the impact and values they will go on to create.”

BUV said its scholarship programme is built around the ACE model — Aspiration, Commitment, and Empowerment — with the aim of broadening educational opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

Recipients will continue their studies within what the university describes as its “Triple Quality Framework,” combining recognition from Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, accreditation by the UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), and a QS 5-Star rating maintained for six consecutive years.

According to the university, the programme reflects its long-term educational approach of preparing globally minded graduates capable of contributing to Vietnam’s future development and international integration.