How a Vietnamese-Thai Student Earned Two Merit-Based Scholarships to Study Psychology at the University of Melbourne

Hi! I’m Trang Anh Siriphattrasophon, but most people call me Annie (she/her). I’m originally from both Vietnam and Thailand and spent most of my early years growing up in Vietnam before transferring to Singapore for high school. That shift came with a steep learning curve: I barely spoke English when I first arrived, but it also sparked something in me. I started paying attention to silences: at the dinner table, in the classroom, in the lives of people who didn’t always know how to ask for help. I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a psychologist. But somewhere between decoding emotions across languages and scribbling thought bubbles in my notebooks, I realised: psychology wasn’t just a subject. It was a way of witnessing.

I recently completed my Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Psychology and Media & Communications, and am now pursuing an Honours degree in Psychology at Monash University. Across both degrees, I’ve found myself gravitating toward spaces where creativity meets care, whether that’s in research, disability support, or community education.

Melbourne International Undergraduate  Scholarship Details

I was honoured to receive two Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarships from the University of Melbourne, each valued at approximately AUD $10,000.

• The first was awarded for achieving an IB score of 43 upon entry.
• The second was granted later during my studies in recognition of continued academic excellence.

These scholarships helped ease the financial pressure of international study and reminded me that my efforts were seen and supported.

Educational Background

Before university, I attended the Canadian International School in Singapore. My predicted IB score was 36, but the pandemic became an unexpected turning point. With more time for self-reflection and less external noise, I was able to focus deeply and grow into a more motivated, grounded version of myself, ultimately graduating with a final score of 43/45.

That experience taught me that growth isn’t always linear. Sometimes it happens in stillness, in self-directed learning, in the long nights when no one’s watching. That mindset carried into my university studies and helped me succeed in both coursework and research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Melbourne?

I initially practiced for the IELTS with Yola Vietnam, but due to my IB workload, I eventually self-studied for the exam. I sat the IELTS in 2021 and received a score of 8.0.

I also applied to the University of Toronto but ultimately chose Australia for a few reasons: I wanted to stay closer to my family in Asia, but also immerse myself in a new cultural environment. The University of Melbourne stood out for its reputation, interdisciplinary opportunities, and vibrant international community.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship?

The Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarships were automatically awarded based on academic merit, so there wasn’t a separate application process. That said, I was intentional about selecting challenging IB subjects and pushing myself to maintain a strong academic performance throughout my degree.

How Is (was) Your Experience at the University of Melbourne?

I began my studies at the University of Melbourne in 2021. Despite starting uni during a pandemic, I was lucky to build a support system of friends, mentors, and peers who encouraged me to explore different paths. Because of them, I tried everything from marketing and media internships to case management and child development roles, all of which helped me clarify my passion for clinical psychology.

These experiences, combined with a gap semester before my Honours year, gave me space to reflect on how I want to show up in the world: not just as a student, but as someone who holds space for others with curiosity, care, and cultural sensitivity.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my story is one of resilience and reinvention. I didn’t come from an English-speaking background. My predicted score wasn’t extraordinary. But I brought a growth mindset and an interdisciplinary curiosity that shaped both my academic and extracurricular journey.

I was also deeply involved in community initiatives, from co-founding mental health campaigns to volunteering at hospitals and helplines. I don’t just study psychology; I try to live it in the way I listen, communicate, and collaborate.

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

Honestly, I would’ve asked for help sooner. In the beginning, I felt like I had to prove myself all the time, as an Asian woman, as someone far from home, as someone who “got lucky” with scholarships. But the truth is, no one does this alone. Finding mentors, leaning on the community, and being kinder to myself would’ve made the journey even richer.

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

Don’t underestimate the quiet parts of your story: the times you failed and tried again, the ways you supported others even when no one clapped. Universities and scholarships aren’t just looking for perfect scores. They’re looking for potential, perspective, and heart.

So reflect deeply, show up honestly, and trust that you have something worth offering. And if you’re from a non-English-speaking background like me, let your growth be your narrative. It’s powerful.