How a Vietnamese Biomedical Scientist Leveraged the Ewha Global Partnership Program Scholarship to Earn a PhD in Life Sciences at Ewha Womans University

My name is Thai Quynh Anh Nguyen, and I’m originally from Vietnam. I earned my Ph.D. in Life Sciences from Ewha Womans University in South Korea, where my doctoral research focused on the roles of oncogenes ERBB3 and GGT5 in colorectal cancer progression and metastasis.

Currently, I’m a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Department of Systems Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, working on improving immunotherapy outcomes for hard-to-treat cancers like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and melanoma with low tumor mutation burden.

Since childhood, I’ve been deeply passionate about biomedical research, especially areas like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases Alzheimer’s, where scientific discovery can truly transform treatment outcomes.

Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP) Scholarship Details

I received the Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP) Scholarship from Ewha Womans University. This scholarship is designed for outstanding female students from developing countries who show leadership potential in their field.

The EGPP Scholarship covers: Full tuition, On-campus housing, a Living stipend (about $700/month, enough to cover basic expenses in Seoul), Health insurance, and Round-trip airfare. Up to 3 years of doctoral study (plus a 1-semester extension if needed).

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships?

Before EGPP, I was awarded the Center for Global Mentoring Fellowship from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 2014-2015. As a visiting researcher at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, I contributed to developing peptide-based drugs that target misfolded p53 proteins in ovarian cancer.

Educational Background

I graduated from Vietnam National University, University of Science, in 2009 with a B.S. in Biology (GPA 7.3/10) in the top 3% of the 2009 class and got a master’s degree in animal biotechnology at Jeju National University, South Korea (GPA 4.2/4.3). During my master’s studies, I focused on stem cell and gene therapy, specifically engineering mesenchymal stem cells for targeted osteosarcoma therapy. I also published four international papers in the biomedical field -this research experience and publication record greatly strengthened my scholarship application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Ewha Womans University?

It took me about 2 months to prepare my application to Ewha, which included: writing a compelling personal statement, preparing for the TOEFL score of 88, gathering recommendation letters, and official documents.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Ewha Global Partnership Program (EGPP)?

I found EGPP through the Ewha International Admissions Portal. When you apply to Ewha Womans University, you can apply for EGPP simultaneously.

Here’s what I think made the biggest impact:

• A strong personal statement that conveyed my passion, leadership potential, and academic goals
• Prestigious recommendation letters from mentors in my field
• A demonstrated record of research achievements and publications

Keep in mind: Only about 8-10 EGPP scholarships are awarded per semester (both undergraduate and graduate students), so standing out is essential.

During the final round of scholarship interview, I made sure to prepare thoroughly by reviewing common questions about my academic background, research experience, motivation for applying, and future goals. Since I indicated in my application that I could speak Korean, the committee asked me to introduce myself and share my background in Korean. I had anticipated this and practiced explaining my research and personal story in both English and Korean to ensure I could express myself clearly and confidently. I remained calm and genuine throughout the interview, focusing on demonstrating my passion for biomedical research and my long-term vision as a scientist and leader.

How Is (Was) Your Experience at Ewha Womans University?

Studying at Ewha was both challenging and transformative. I was surrounded by top-tier students, which pushed me to grow academically and personally. I chose to study at Ewha Womans University because of its strong reputation for academic excellence, particularly in life sciences and biomedical research. As one of the leading women’s universities in the world, Ewha offers a unique environment that empowers female scholars to grow into global leaders. The university’s advanced research facilities, interdisciplinary programs, and international collaborations aligned perfectly with my academic and career goals in cancer biology. Additionally, Ewha’s commitment to supporting international students through scholarships like EGPP, along with its inclusive and intellectually driven campus culture, made it an ideal place for me to pursue my Ph.D. journey.

How Does Ewha Womans University Support International Students?

Living in Seoul- Korea, offered incredible cultural experience, and Ewha’s International Office provided amazing support - from visa on-site workshops and job fairs to cultural events, international student day, and networking sessions.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Korean?

Classes were available in both Korean and English, but all course materials in my field were in English, making it accessible even without fluency in Korean.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My application stood out due to a strong research background with international experience, including cancer and stem cell projects in Korea and at UCLA, United States. I had four publications in peer-reviewed journals, demonstrating productivity and scientific impact. My recommendation letters came from respected experts who emphasized my leadership and research potential. A well-crafted personal statement told my story- my passion for biomedical science, the challenges I overcame, and my vision to lead in global health. I aligned my goals with EGPP’s mission to support future female leaders from developing countries, which helped me stand out among highly qualified candidates.

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

I spent too much time trying to raise my TOEFL score higher than necessary, thinking a higher score would significantly strengthen my application. However, I’ve come to realize that once you meet the minimum language requirement, what truly matters is how well you present your story. Instead of focusing excessively on test scores, it's far more impactful to invest your time in crafting compelling personal statements and clearly highlighting your academic achievements, research experience, and the contributions you've made in your field. These elements provide a clearer picture of your potential and passion, which resonate more with selection committees.

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

Don’t focus solely on achieving a high GPA or test score. While academic performance is important, what truly sets you apart is your personal story- one that reflects your passion, purpose, and potential. Invest time in gaining meaningful research experience and, if possible, aim to publish or present your work. These accomplishments demonstrate your commitment and capability in your field. Equally important is building relationships with strong mentors who can support your journey and advocate for you. Be authentic in your application, be bold in your goals, and be ready to lead. The EGPP scholarship is not just financial support - it’s an opportunity to become part of a global community of women scholars making a real impact.