Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship Recipient, Le Khanh Nam (Jack) from Vietnam, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Medical Science at the University of Sydney, Australia

My name is Le Khanh Nam, but people call me Jack. I’m 18, from Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (Medical Science) majoring in Anatomy & Histology. I was always keen on the natural sciences, especially Biology and Chemistry, which are the fundamentals of medical science, and it was only fitting that I would pursue higher education in this field, and it would also be a good foundation for my ultimate goal of becoming a D.M.D.

Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship Details

Sydney International Undergraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship (SIUAES). It covers all tuition and amenities fees, subject to an increase every year (Up to 250K AUD)

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

1. Sydney International Student Award: 20% tuition fee reduction for the full duration. (USYD)
2. Macquarie University $10,000 EA Scholarship: 10K AUD fee reduction. (Macquarie)
3. Vice Chancellor’s International Scholarship (VCIS): Up to 10K AUD. (Macquarie)
4. WSI UG 6K AUD Multi-year Scholarship: Reduction of 6K AUD/year. (WSU, Sydney)
5. ACU Executive Dean’s International Scholarship: Fee reduction in increments. (ACU)

Educational Background

I’m the only 1600 SAT scorer nationally in the May 2025 cycle, and I completed my High school Diploma at Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted. I was in the Integrated Program, doing the IGCSE, and I also placed 3rd overall for Biology in a city-wide excellent student contest.

The IGCSE stream required every student to only take the natural sciences, which helped me greatly to have a strong foundation of the sciences and strengthened my love for Biology and Chemistry (Math also, but Physics not so much)

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Institutions?

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and Institutions?

I did everything (consultation, paperwork, translations,…) through IDP, and it’s completely free also!

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

I did the SAT and scored a 1600. I practiced mainly through practice tests, material online, from teachers, and test prep centers. I recommend DSAT16, ETEST, ZETH Prep, and Duc An SAT. Since I’ve studied at all these places and had great results.

IELTS I had an 8.0. I took the IELTS for the first time in 8th grade and had a 7.5 then, through test centers and past papers, and it was just being consistent every day until I took it at the end of 12th grade.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship?

Funny story, actually. My original plan was to study either medicine or dentistry at UMP, Vietnam, but that plan was changed because my girlfriend was commencing at USYD, and I had to find every way possible to attend USYD, not only for my relationship but also to pursue my passion in healthcare. Therefore, USYD was the PERFECT choice, and it all seemed to fit together.

I already got the SAT score and IELTS for University admissions in Vietnam, but since they’re standardized tests, I was not limited to Vietnam and used them to apply in Australia.

There are also 2 essays you need to do (500 for the first prompt, 800 for the second) that you need to answer and be considered for the Scholarship.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

The score prerequisites are the barrier to any merit-based scholarship, so your GPA, SAT, ACT,… need to be to a certain threshold for you to be shortlisted, but then comes the 2 prompts you need to answer.

I know that I’m not the only applicant with a perfect SAT score or a perfect GPA, but it was my own story that stood out.

The 2 prompts are some of the simplest that you’ll ever answer, but because of that, they’re also the most difficult to answer properly. The 1st prompt asks for what you did throughout secondary (High school) education, and the 2nd asks for your goals in the future.

I approached the prompts as just a way for me to convey my story and aspirations to the admissions team, my own unique story. My message was clear and showed the real “me”, and I know that every one of us stands out from each other, it’s just how we convey it.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Aside from the usual advice (start early, apply early,…), I would say to find a major that you’re interested in first, then look for multiple options.

I’m fortunate enough to be able to study at USYD, but looking back, I would probably apply to other countries (Finland, Germany,…).

Focus on your GPA as well, even in your first year of high school, and maintain good study habits, connections, and friendships.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Focus on your grades, attend clubs, do volunteering,… all to build your own story. Every one of us is special and is capable of doing great things, every single one of us, meaning YOU. Start now, do your homework, finish up the assignment,…and believe in yourself, you’ll be good.