Monash International Merit Scholarship Recipient, Minh Thu “Daisy” Huynh from Vietnam, Shares the Story of How She Applied for the Prestigious Award to Pursue Her Double Degree in Business and Information Technology at Monash University, Australia

Hi there! My name is Minh Thu Huynh, though I often go by Daisy (she/her). I was born and raised in Vietnam, where I spent the first 18 years of my life before pursuing higher education abroad.

Initially, and perhaps unexpectedly, Australia was not part of my plan for university, nor did I foresee pursuing anything beyond a single Business degree. However, during my first semester at Monash University, I developed a strong interest in the intersection of technology and strategic thinking. This led me to transfer into a double degree in Business and Information Technology, a decision that has significantly broadened both my academic and professional perspectives.

Hence, I am currently majoring in Economics and Business Strategy within the Business faculty, and Business Information Systems for the IT degree. This combination enables me to explore how businesses can leverage technology and data-driven insights to tackle complex, real-world problems. My motivation for further study stems from a deep-seated desire to design innovative, sustainable solutions to global challenges, particularly those at the intersection of digital transformation and strategic development.

Monash International Merit Scholarship Details

I was honoured to be a recipient of the Monash International Merit Scholarship, awarded by Monash University under the Sir John Monash Scholarship for Excellence framework. This prestigious scholarship is granted to high-achieving international students who have received a full course offer for undergraduate study at a Monash campus in Australia.

• The scholarship offers $10,000 per year, awarded annually for the duration of the degree (based on 48 credit points of study per year). The total value of the scholarship can reach up to $50,000, depending on the length of the program.
• Only 31 scholarships are awarded each year, making it a highly competitive and merit-based award.
• Since the selection for this scholarship is based solely on academic excellence, recipients must maintain a distinction average (70% or above) each semester to retain it.

In my case, I was awarded the scholarship after completing my second year, and received it for my final two years (Year 3 and Year 4), with a total value of $20,000 ($10,000 per year).

Link to Scholarship: https://www.monash.edu/study/fees-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/international-merit-5770

Other Scholarships/Grants

Monash International Travel Grant: Upon my initial application to Monash University in 2022, I was awarded the Monash Abroad (Australia) Travel Grant, valued at $10,000, which supported my first year of study.

Monash Sibling Discount: I chose to study in Australia largely because my elder sister was also pursuing higher education here. We both enrolled at Monash University and were therefore eligible for a 10% sibling discount on course fees. This discount was applied in my second year, amounting to approximately $5,000 - $6,000 in tuition fee reductions.

Monash International Merit Scholarship: As previously mentioned, I was awarded the Monash International Merit Scholarship for my third and fourth years, receiving $10,000 per year, totalling $20,000 over the two years.

Educational Background

Before attending Monash, I completed high school at the Bilingual Canadian International School (BCIS) in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where I studied both the Vietnamese MOET curriculum and the Ontario (Canadian) curriculum. I graduated in 2022 with a Year 12 GPA of 9.4/10 under the Vietnamese system.

Academic achievements:

• Valedictorian of the graduating Class of 2022 (Year 12)
• Bronze Medal, Ho Chi Minh City English Olympic Contest (April 2021)
• First Place, 2020 Crystal Growing Competition (Video Category), Mekong Delta Region
• Principal’s Honor Award, Class of 2019 (Year 9)
• Second Place, 2019 Crystal Growing Competition (Video Category), Mekong Delta Region
• Top 12 Finalist, Physics Olympic Contest, District 7 (2018)
• Outstanding Achievement, Waterloo Gauss Mathematics Contest (Grade 7 level) while in Grade 6 (2016)

Leadership & Extracurricular Involvement:

• President, BCIS Student Council (2020 - 2021)
• Event Planner, BCIS Student Council (2019 - 2020)
• House Leader, BCIS House Council (2018 - 2022)
• President, BCIS GIN Organisation Club (2015–2017)

Language & International Exposure:

Alongside my formal education, I participated in several language immersion programs and international summer camps to develop my linguistic and cultural skills:

• EF Santa Barbara, California, USA (2017): EF SET English Test: C1 Level
• EF Vancouver Island, Victoria, Canada (2018): EF SET English Test: C2 Level
• MTC Mandarin Summer Academy (2019): National Taiwan University
• IELTS Score: 7.5 (achieved in 2022)
• Currently preparing for HSK 4 and aiming to further improve my Mandarin proficiency

These experiences not only enhanced my academic foundation but also nurtured qualities such as cultural adaptability, global awareness, and strong communication skills. They were instrumental in preparing me for my multidisciplinary studies at university, particularly in bridging business and technology.

Overall, my academic achievements, leadership roles, and international exposure helped me develop a mindset grounded in curiosity, resilience, and initiative. Whether through competitive projects or collaborative environments, I learned to adapt quickly, think critically, and push beyond conventional boundaries. This foundation has been essential to my success at university, enabling me to engage meaningfully in both social and academic settings and approach challenges with confidence and a growth mindset.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Monash University?

People often say, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” but that’s exactly what I did when applying to university - I applied only to Monash University. Looking back, I realise how risky that decision was, but fortunately, it worked out in my favour. Perhaps Australia and I were simply meant to be.

When researching study options in Australia, I initially considered both the University of Melbourne and Monash University. However, I found that the University of Melbourne only accepted direct undergraduate entry from a select list of Vietnamese schools (unfortunately, mine was not one of them). Despite my academic scores being well above the entry requirements, I would have had to go through a foundation or college pathway, which I felt would be time-consuming and unnecessary.

In contrast, Monash University stood out for several reasons. It offered flexible study options, including double degrees and double majors, as well as a wide range of practical, career-oriented programs. These features were not commonly available at other universities I looked into. Most of the information I used during the application process came from the official Monash University website, which was comprehensive and easy to navigate. For admission, I ensured all required documents were prepared, including my academic transcript, IELTS score report, and other supporting materials.

How is Your Experience at Monash University?

I'm currently in my fourth (and hopefully final) year at Monash University, pursuing a double degree. Academically, Monash has been incredibly flexible and supportive - offering a wide range of majors and minors to choose from, along with strong academic support systems such as Student Academic Support (SAS) and Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS), which could be beneficial for those who are in need.

Socially, my experience has also been rewarding. I’m now a Senior Mentor in the Monash IT Peer Mentoring Program, which I first joined as an IT Mentor last year. This program has been one of the most impactful parts of my university life. It not only allowed me to support first-year students in their transition to university, but also helped me form meaningful friendships across faculties.

Through this, I’ve come to appreciate that Monash offers more than just academic excellence - it also fosters a vibrant and inclusive community through its diverse range of clubs, societies, and peer programs.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

First and foremost, I believe my strong academic performance demonstrated that I met, and in some cases exceeded, the entry requirements of the institution. However, beyond academics, what likely set my application apart was my active engagement in leadership roles and extracurricular activities. These experiences aligned well with the university’s values of initiative, collaboration, and community involvement.

Finally, I made sure to be honest and authentic throughout the application. Rather than trying to fit a mould, I focused on showcasing what made me unique, such as my international exposure, multidisciplinary interests, and willingness to take calculated risks (like only applying to Monash). I think that sincerity can be quite compelling in a sea of polished but generic applications.

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

If I could go through the process again, I would remind myself not to be afraid to ask questions and to be more self-confident. Early on, being shy and reserved held me back from valuable opportunities - both academically and personally. Over time, I realised that asking doesn’t diminish anything; instead, it often opens unexpected doors. Whether it’s reaching out to peers, speaking with teachers or mentors, or contacting student services like Monash Connect, simply asking can lead to insights, support, and opportunities that might not be visible at first glance.

Hence, I would have explored more institutions and scholarship opportunities much earlier, especially those available before or during the initial application process. I also could have consulted with current students or alumni to gain insights into how they structured their applications and what they wished they had done differently. Although my path worked out well, a broader perspective might have helped reduce the risks I took by applying to only one university.

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

Start early - give yourself enough time to research options, gather documents, and refine your application. By this, you give yourself the space to understand what’s expected and to craft a strong and authentic application.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions along the way. You don’t have to do it all alone - asking questions shows initiative and can lead you to opportunities or resources you might not find on your own.

Ultimately, the earlier you start and the more you ask, the more confident and prepared you’ll feel.