Aalto Excellence Scholar, Thinh from Vietnam, Pursues a Master’s in Computer Science at Aalto University in Finland

Hello, my name is Thinh, and I’m from Vietnam. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Computer Science at Aalto University. Before applying to Aalto, I received my bachelor’s degree from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. During my studies, I quickly realized my passion for video game development. Seeing how computers can create such interactive experiences encourages me to research the technologies behind them. After completing my bachelor’s, I spent roughly a year working as a Game Developer. Being part of the engineering team has provided me with valuable experience and insights into the game industry. During this time, I began searching for programs in computer science, especially in video games and computer graphics, and Finland caught my eye. Finland has one of the leading game industries in Europe and is also home to some of my favorite game studios (Remedy Entertainment, Supercell, etc.). After much research and consideration, I decided that the Master of Computer Science curriculum at Aalto University was exactly what I wanted to pursue.

Aalto Excellence Scholarship Details

I am honored to have received the Aalto Excellence Scholarship from Aalto University. This scholarship is merit-based and awarded on a competitive basis to students with outstanding academic achievements and potential as a tuition fee waiver of €34,000, which covers the full tuition fee for the target period of the programme.

Educational Background

The Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HCMUT) provided me with the necessary foundation and research opportunities for my future career. During my degree, I actively participated in many academic activities. I took part in developing Uniify, a centralized university admissions application for Vietnamese students that won the second prize in an innovation competition. This allowed me to apply my knowledge in a real-life setting and develop my interest in software engineering. In addition, I was an organizer at the Google Developer Student Clubs - HCMUT, where I contributed to growing a tech community for students on campus. While undertaking multiple responsibilities at once, I maintained a consistent academic performance, graduating with a GPA of 3.6/4.0. As a result, I have been honored with numerous scholarships, notably the 22nd AmCham Scholarship, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, where I was awarded the Best of Interview Round title for my exceptional performance, acknowledging my achievements in studies and social work.

At the start of my career in video game development, I started with game engine architecture and created a simple game engine, which landed me a career in the game industry. At my workplace, Sun Studio, I had the opportunity to develop my technical and soft skills further. I learned how to collaborate with other team members to address problems during development. On top of that, I was invited to be the capstone project co-supervisor and lab instructor for the Database Systems course at HCMUT. Assisting students in their studies allowed me to improve my ability to guide others as well as reinforce my past learning.

These experiences have proven valuable in helping me define my career goals and prepare for the Master's program application.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Aalto University?

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

I first found the information about the program through the university website, where they displayed in detail what to expect and also the requirements for admission. The master’s programs have a language requirement for study options taught in English, where they require an overall score of 6.5 and a writing score of 6.0 for IELTS Academic. My IELTS score had expired by the time of application, so I registered for the test as soon as I decided to apply. I had taken the IELTS before, so I mostly just reviewed the format by doing some sample tests online and practicing with the forecast topics to brush up on my skills. For the evaluation criteria and required documents, I recommend visiting the program page on the Aalto University website to get the most up-to-date information and prepare your application accordingly.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Scholarship?

As this is a competitive scholarship, I had to make sure that my application stood out. To boost my application, I requested a recommendation letter from my capstone supervisor and an employment certificate from my previous employer. I spent time reflecting on my academic journey, goals, and how studying at Aalto University aligns with my plans. I carefully wrote my motivation letter to highlight not only my achievements, but also my passion for game development and the impact I hope to make. I also received feedback and guidance from my supervisor, who supported me throughout the application process.

How Does Aalto University Support International Students?

With more than 2000 international students from over 100 nationalities on campus, Aalto University provides a global and supportive environment. Services like International Student Peer Advice (ISPA) have offered me guidance on moving to and living in Finland, while the Career Design Lab provides support in planning my professional career and exploring opportunities in Finland and abroad. I’ve been enjoying Aalto’s vibrant student life as well - there are many associations, cultural events, and activities where international and local students connect. Overall, I’ve felt welcomed and well supported throughout my studies here.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Finnish? 

The program’s courses are fully conducted in English.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Academically, Not Knowing Finnish 

As Aalto University is one of the most international universities in the world, English is widely used on campus and, therefore, international students do not face any problems regarding language barriers. In addition, the university language center also provides language courses, which is a great opportunity if you want to learn the Finnish language or other languages of your choice.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application stand out is my academic background, clear motivation, and a passion for my field of study. In my motivation letter, I focused on connecting my past experiences with my future goals, and how studying at Aalto

University would help me advance toward my career goals and contribute to the industry. I think this clear motivation, along with the support from my supervisor’s recommendation letter, made my application stand out from other applicants.

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

I would have done the research and prepared my application earlier, which would have made the application process easier and less time-consuming. I also would have applied for programs that I didn’t have the confidence to apply for.

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

My advice is to start early and take time to reflect on your own story - why you want to study in this program and how it is related to your career goals. In order to improve your application, do extensive research to see which programs align with your desired career, take note of the requirements and evaluation criteria, and prepare your applications accordingly. Also, most importantly, believe in yourself, even if you think it is difficult to get in, stop worrying about it, and just go for it. Your unique experiences and aspirations are what make your application stand out. If you never try, you will never know.