From Hanoi to Deakin: How Rachel Won the Vice-Chancellor International Scholarship to Study Business Analytics in Australia

Hi there! I’m Ngoc Anh, commonly known as Rachel. I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Hanoi, Vietnam, where I spent the first 18 years of my life before moving to Australia to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics at Deakin University with a Deakin Vice-Chancellor International Scholarship. My passion for business and eagerness to learn about technology have inspired me to do a degree in this field.

Scholarship Details

Here are the scholarships that I've gotten:

• Deakin University – Deakin Vice-Chancellor International Scholarship (50%) – Accepted
• University of Sydney:
  • Vice-Chancellor International Scholarship (AUD 10,000)
  • Business School International Scholarship (AUD 10,000)
  • Sydney International Student Award (20%)
• University of Melbourne – Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (25%)
• University of Technology Sydney – Academic Excellence International Scholarship (30%)
• University of Wollongong – UOW Excellence Scholarship (30%)
• University of Newcastle – Business & Management Excellence Scholarship (AUD 36,000)
• La Trobe University – La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship (25%)

 Educational Background

I graduated from a gifted high school in Hanoi, Vietnam, with a GPA of 9.8/10 (equivalent to 3.92/4). I also scored 7.5 on the IELTS and 1500 on the SAT, both on my first attempts. Beyond academics, I participated in several clubs and programs, with the most notable position held being the Head Organizer of a nationwide debate contest with over 300 debaters and numerous judges from prestigious debate institutions across Vietnam. These first-hand experiences have shaped me as a young and aspiring leader who wishes to contribute to society, and have supported my essay writing process.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Australian Institutions?

I make sure I have all required documents available, including an academic transcript, standardized scores reports, etc.

Talk about how you prepared for those SAT and IELTS?

With a strong background in English at high school, I found preparation for the IELTS pretty straightforward and spent roughly 2-3 months revising for the test. The SAT was more challenging due to its logical reasoning applied to both reading and math. Since the SAT has gone digital (no more paper SAT), learning resources were very limited. My advice was to make the most out of every reading material, focusing on understanding rather than volume.

How Did You Prepare to apply for those scholarships? What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Apart from the bare minimum requirements, I try to make my application stand out by maintaining a consistently high GPA, scoring well on the SAT and holding leadership roles in clubs. Each scholarship values different traits — some seek potential leaders with community impact, while others prioritize academic excellence. I tailored my application to demonstrate the key characteristics that each university looks for.

How is Your Experience at Deakin University?

I have just completed my first trimester at Deakin and was so delighted for all the support from academic staff and the connections I’ve made so far. It has truly been a precious experience.

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

I would definitely strive for higher GPA, higher test scores and try to complete the standardized tests earlier to have time for other aspects of the application.

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

There’s no one-size-fit-all essay for every scholarship. Do research into each scholarships’ values and adjust your application accordingly. Show them why you are the candidate they’re looking for!