Vietnamese Student Wins Think Big Scholarship to Study Neuroscience and Education at University of Bristol

Hi, I’m Hien Mai from Vietnam. Thanks to the University of Bristol and its Think Big Scholarship scheme, I was financially able to complete my Master’s studies in Neuroscience and Education.

Think Big Scholarship Details

The Think Big scheme offers several scholarship amounts, ranging from £3,000 to £29,000. In my study year (2023–2024), I received the Think Big Postgraduate Scholarship, which awarded me £16,000 and the opportunity to join the Think Big Development Programme. At the same time, I also won the Global Wales Scholarship, a scheme offered to universities in Wales. I received £10,000 to study MA in Education at the University of Bangor with the Global Wales Scholarship. In the end, I chose the University of Bristol and the Think Big Scholarship, mainly because I preferred the curriculum there.

Educational Background

My educational background might seem a little unconventional, as I did not pursue Education at first. I graduated with a Bachelor of Law from the National Economics University in Vietnam (GPA: 3.47/4), where I was mainly taught about legal issues related to corporates. However, I joined many extracurricular activities during my undergraduate years, and those experiences soon ignited my passion for education. After graduation, I started working as an intern, then as an officer for non-profit organisations. I believe these work experiences played a key role in both my admission and scholarship application.

Standardized Exams (IELTS)

During the application process, the only standardized test I needed to take was the IELTS. Most postgraduate programmes require an overall IELTS band score of 6.5–7. I highly recommend candidates take the test as early as possible—ideally at the beginning of the process. Once you're done with the exam, you'll have more time to prepare the other essential documents. Apart from your degree, transcript, and IELTS result, there are four important components of the application package:

1. CV (Resume)
2. Letter of Recommendation (from an academic or professional supervisor)
3. Statement of Purpose
4. Scholarship Essay

What do you think made your application stood out?

The scholarship result relies heavily on the scholarship essay, and I think my application stood out because all the details I provided were highly consistent. I had a big goal—an ambitious career ahead—and I clearly showed what I had done so far to pursue it. I also included specific actions I had taken, such as the name of my project, the number of participants involved, and I focused on two activities that I found most relevant.

What is your advice to future applicants?

For future applicants, I highly recommend having a “central theme” for your application. For example, if you aim to become an educational manager, you should prioritise all details related to education and management skills, and use strong verbs to describe your previous tasks. You might find it difficult at first, but it is essential to avoid listing achievements without explaining how what you’ve done connects to what you plan to do in the future. Think Big Scholarships are provided by the University of Bristol, so it’s vital to research and highlight how you can contribute to the University as a Think Big scholar. Check both the University website and its LinkedIn page—they are very helpful.

Wishing everyone success in achieving your study abroad dreams someday! 🍀