Tran Thanh Nam, from Hai Phong, is the only student to graduate with a perfect GPA this year from the Hanoi University of Science and Technology’s Vietnamese-French Information Technology program, according to a university representative.

In the 18 years since the university switched to a 4-point GPA system, Nam is the third student to achieve this, following Nguyen The An and Tran Trung Hieu last year. The university stated that to achieve a 4/4 GPA, a student must earn at least an 8.5/10 in every subject.

"I'm overjoyed to be the valedictorian. I've taken many important exams throughout high school but never achieved the top spot," Nam said.

The 22-year-old is currently in France, preparing to pursue a master's degree in Data and AI at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris on a full scholarship. The Institut Polytechnique de Paris is currently ranked 41st globally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings.

Tran Thanh Nam. Photo courtesy of the subject

Tran Thanh Nam. Photo courtesy of the subject

A graduate of the French bilingual program at Tran Phu Specialized High School in Hai Phong, Nam studied French for 12 years and participated twice in the national French language competition.

Having won second place nationally, guaranteeing him admission to top universities in economics and foreign languages, Nam made a surprising decision midway through his final year. He shifted his focus back to math and physics to apply for the Vietnamese-French Information Technology program at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

"It was a risky decision, as I hadn't focused much on math and physics throughout high school. My physics knowledge was practically non-existent," Nam explained.

With the support of his teachers and self-study using additional materials, Nam practiced daily. After a single semester of intense preparation, he surprised himself by scoring 9.4 in math, 8.5 in physics, and a perfect 10 in French, securing his place at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 2021.

Starting at a disadvantage compared to his classmates who mostly had strong backgrounds in math and computer science, Nam initially faced challenges. He recalled a moment in his Calculus 1 class where the teacher posted an exercise online, and within three seconds, a classmate had already submitted the correct answer while Nam was still reading the problem.

This experience fueled his determination to keep up. The shift to online learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, while challenging, provided Nam with an opportunity to focus on self-study and review lectures at his own pace.

"Having been on the national competition team, I had good self-study habits and a competitive spirit. The difficulty of the material was the main challenge, not the learning style," Nam said.

By the end of the thu nhat semester, Nam had the highest Calculus grade in his class, a perfect GPA, and earned the highest scholarship at the university, covering 150% of his tuition. This achievement motivated him further.

Nam’s strategy involved minimizing wasted time and forming study groups. When in-person classes resumed, he joined and later led the French club. Balancing academics with extracurriculars was demanding, but he enjoyed the experience, learning from his peers and seniors.

"I'm also grateful for the dedicated teachers who inspired me. They provided different perspectives on each subject, which helped me learn better," Nam shared. "And of course, my family has been my strongest support system, a constant source of encouragement during stressful times."

Nam (second from the left) at his graduation project defense in July. Photo courtesy of the subject

Nam (second from the left) at his graduation project defense in July. Photo courtesy of the subject

Nam had aspired to study abroad since high school, but the Covid-19 pandemic delayed his plans. While at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, he continued to nurture this dream. In his third year, he joined the laboratory of Associate Professor Huynh Thi Thanh Binh, Head of the Optimization Research Group and Vice Rector of the School of Information and Communication Technology.

This experience provided valuable knowledge and skills, inspiring him to pursue research. His work in the lab contributed to his A+ graduation project.

Associate Professor Binh also introduced Nam to the master's program at the Institut Polytechnique de Paris and supported his application. With a perfect GPA in all 7 semesters, an IELTS score of 7.5, a DAFL C1 advanced French proficiency certificate, and recommendations from two Hanoi University of Science and Technology professors, Nam secured a full scholarship for his master's degree in March. At the Institut Polytechnique de Paris, he will be mentored by a Vietnamese professor.

Associate Professor Binh described Nam as hardworking, dedicated, meticulous, and enthusiastic.

"He is a man of his word," she said, adding that Nam expressed his desire to study in France early on and worked diligently to achieve his goal.

Nam acknowledges that his perfect GPA, excellent conduct score (96/100), and acceptance to study in France are not accidental.

"Some might consider me lucky. But I believe luck is something you create. With effort, luck will eventually come," Nam stated. The recent graduate hopes to pursue a doctorate in the future.

Duong Tam