Pham Ngoc Phuong Dung, a former 12th-grade student specializing in math at Luong Van Chanh High School for the Gifted, Dak Lak province, received the good news in May. This scholarship from the Singaporean government covers tuition, a living allowance of 5,800 SGD (over 118 million VND), and 3,000 SGD for housing each semester. According to the 2026 QS World University Rankings, NTU is ranked 12th globally and 3rd in Asia.

"I was surprised because I didn't think I would win this competitive scholarship to study computer science," Dung said. She is currently in Singapore, familiarizing herself with dormitory life, exploring the area, and making new friends before officially starting classes in August.

In the 2025 high school graduation exam, Dung achieved a score of 28.5 in the A01 exam group (math, physics, and English), making her the salutatorian of Dak Lak province.

Pham Ngoc Phuong Dung. Photo courtesy of the subject

Pham Ngoc Phuong Dung. Photo courtesy of the subject

Principal Huynh Tan Chau, who is also Dung's math teacher and wrote her letter of recommendation for NTU, said she has a particular passion for the subject. Dung won first prize in the provincial math competition in 9th grade and was the salutatorian of the specialized math class in 10th grade.

Dung shared that her family introduced her to math at a young age to develop her thinking skills, but the more she learned, the more she loved it. Math has many applications and is related to other subjects, helping her understand those subjects better.

She dreamed of studying abroad since 10th grade, wanting to travel and broaden her horizons. Dung chose computer science for university because its foundation is primarily math. NTU also excels in technology fields, so if accepted, it would be a great opportunity for her to pursue her goals.

Researching the university's website, Dung found that NTU targets students who excel academically, are passionate about their studies, and are active in extracurricular activities that contribute to the international student community.

Dung decided to focus on her strength in math, improve her English, and participate in national and international competitions. Throughout 10th and 11th grade, she won second and first prizes, respectively, in the provincial math competition, and a silver medal in the national round of the Fermat Mathematical Olympiad (FMO).

During the summer of 11th grade, she studied for the IELTS exam and achieved a score of 7.0. She also scored 1510/1600 on the SAT, with a perfect 800/800 in math. Dung's grade point average (GPA) has consistently been 9.5 or higher.

In December 2024, Dung began applying to NTU independently, without the help of an educational consultancy. She visited the university's website and answered questions about her personal information, providing certificates, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, a 200-word essay, and a letter of recommendation.

Three months later, she was invited for an interview. In the first round, the university sent questions for the candidates to answer via video. The questions revolved around her reasons for choosing the major, along with communication and learning scenarios to assess the candidates' problem-solving skills.

After passing this round, Dung proceeded to the scholarship interview with three NTU professors.

"The interviewers asked very quickly and intensely about the major; I could only answer instinctively," she recalled.

Dung said both interview rounds were stressful, so she barely remembered the details of the questions and her answers. Before the interviews, she consulted with former applicants, but found that the questions varied for each person, so she decided to improvise based on her knowledge.

Mr. Chau congratulates Dung at Luong Van Chanh High School for the Gifted. Photo: Facebook of Mr. Huynh Tan Chau

Mr. Chau congratulates Dung at Luong Van Chanh High School for the Gifted. Photo: Facebook of Mr. Huynh Tan Chau

Le Thi Thuy Van, Dung's homeroom teacher in 12th grade, described her as having innate logical thinking combined with diligence, focus, effort, and high determination. After class, Dung often proactively messaged or met with teachers to discuss any remaining questions, as well as new knowledge she had learned from reference materials and books.

"This impressed me, and I was always willing to support her studies," Ms. Van said.

In addition to academics, Dung actively participated in the Math Club and summer camps at school. Ms. Van always felt at ease assigning tasks to Dung. Through these activities, she noticed Dung's excellent communication and teamwork skills.

"Dung is friendly, quick-witted, empathetic, and caring. All 38 students in the math class admire her," she said.

Dung said that for now, she will focus on excelling in her chosen major to build a solid foundation for her future career.

Binh Minh