Swedish Institute (SI) Scholar, An (Kaley) from Vietnam, Pursues a Master’s in Marketing at Stockholm University, Sweden

I am Thi Thuan An Nguyen, better known as An or Kaley, proudly being a Vietnamese. Growing up in a modest background, I was always driven by the idea that education is not just a pathway to personal growth, but also a tool to architect broader social impact.

If I had to describe my academic and professional journey in one phrase, it would be: running a marathon while carrying a vision - inclusive marketing, especially within high-growth tech-powered landscapes.

This belief shaped my decision to study International Business Economics at Foreign Trade University (Ho Chi Minh City), where I graduated as Salutatorian in my major. It further drove me to look beyond Vietnam for postgraduate study, searching for a place that would challenge me and expand my perspective.

The Defining Point: SISGP

In 2024, I was honored to be awarded the Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP), funded by the Swedish Government. This prestigious program covers full tuition fees, living expenses, insurance, travel support, and leadership training initiatives. It is offered to professionals worldwide who show strong leadership potential and commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SISGP award empowers me to enroll in my dream Master’s program in Marketing at Stockholm University, one of the world’s leading universities (Top 1%, #147 in QS World University Rankings 2026, #30 in Social Policy and Administration).

Multiple Doors, One Choice

The road to SISGP was paved with other precious opportunities. Before deciding on Sweden, I am fortunate to have received multiple competitive full-ride scholarships, including:

• Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Program (French Government) at PSL University (#28 QS 2026)
• Invest Your Talent in Italy Scholarship (Italian Government)
• Full-ride Scholarship at Verona University, Italy (Student Support & Benefits Scholarship, Top 3 Excellent Winners)
• Nominee for Master Mind Scholarships (Belgian Government)
• Tuition scholarships from JYU (Finland), University of Limerick (Ireland), NCI (Ireland), and SETU (Ireland)

Each offer represented a vote of confidence in my capabilities, and choosing was not simple. But, Sweden, with its culture of inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, felt like the perfect match for both my academic pursuits and my long-term ambitions.

Building the Foundation

Looking back, I realize my educational and professional milestones gave me the platform to dream bigger.  

Beyond formal undergraduate study, I spent countless practice hours on other professional certificates, earning a GMAT score of 740 (97th percentile) and an IELTS 8.0, which later proved crucial to my applications.

My professional journey began at Mondelez International as a Management Trainee in the EDGE Star program and later at ShopeePay (SeaMoney) as a Senior Marketing Associate. These roles sharpened my analytical and leadership skills and gave me real-world experience in fast-moving industries.

At the same time, I sought out leadership opportunities outside work. I was the only Vietnamese delegate at the Asia Pacific Youth SDGs Summit, graduated from the Aspire Leaders Program (Harvard Business School), and launched initiatives as a Global Goals Youth Initiator. All these experiences tied back to a central theme: leadership for impact.

Preparing for “Scholarship Application” Marathon

Finding Information: I began by mapping out countries and programs aligned with my interests, then systematically tracked scholarship opportunities through university portals, government pages, and youth platforms.

Standardized Tests: GMAT self-study journey was a marathon, not a sprint. My approach was to focus on strategy - understanding the test structure - rather than memorization. I relied on a mix of online resources, mock exams, and peer study groups.

Application Preparation: Each scholarship required a tailored strategy. For SISGP, I emphasized my leadership in youth development, my professional achievements in tech marketing, and my commitment to sustainable growth. I also spent weeks polishing essays and revising until every word reflected me and my story authentically.

Standing Out as an Applicant

I believe it wasn’t just the grades or professional titles that made me a strong candidate. It was the narrative coherence - the way I connected academic records, career growth, and leadership experiences into a single, purpose-driven story. Scholarship committees look for potential changemakers, not just excellent students. My application showed how each step of my journey was leading me toward that goal.

Lessons Learned and What I’d Do Differently

If I were to go through the process again, I would start earlier by researching scholarship deadlines and requirements. Many programs have overlapping timelines, and balancing multiple applications with my full-time job was both mentally and physically demanding. Besides, I learned the importance of building a supportive peer network; sharing drafts, exchanging feedback, and encouraging each other made the process far less isolating.

My Notes for Future Applicants

1. Anchor a clear “Why”: Scholarships are not just about funding; they are about impact. Know why you want that program, why that program may “want” you, and how they tie to your long-term vision.
2. Craft your “human” narrative: Achievements matter, but what truly resonates is how you connect the dots among them. Clarity of purpose is what transforms an application into a story.
3. Start early and stay disciplined: Prepare your documents, tests, and references well in advance. From tests to essays, focus on quality rather than quantity.
4. Seek feedback: Don’t shy away from sharing your essays with mentors or peers. Fresh eyes can reveal blind spots.
5. Embrace resilience: Rejections may come, but every “no” is simply a step closer to a “yes.”

Closing Reflections

When I first received the SISGP award, I felt a mix of disbelief and gratitude. To me, it was more than a scholarship; it was validation that perseverance, clarity of vision, and a can-do attitude can do wonders.

As I set foot in Sweden, the very first foreign nation I have ever lived in, I carry with me not just my dreams, but also the hopes of inspiring other students who dare to aim high.

If there’s one thing my journey proves, it is this: when the “why” is big enough, the “how” becomes easy.