Nguyen Phu Minh Chau, a graduate of the High School for the Gifted in Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has earned a full scholarship from the Fast Retailing Foundation and admission to Kyoto University after successfully navigating multiple application rounds and interviews.

Chau was in disbelief when she received the scholarship notification. The Fast Retailing scholarship is one of the most generous for international students in Japan. While the results were expected in a week, Chau received the email immediately after her interview.

"When I read the congratulations, I couldn't believe it and asked a friend to read it again. After my friend confirmed, I celebrated with my grandparents so loudly that my mother, who was outside, thought something was wrong," Chau recounted.

Minh Chau said she enjoys Japanese style and culture. Photo: Provided by the interviewee

Minh Chau said she enjoys Japanese style and culture. Photo: Provided by the interviewee

Chau's scholarship is worth approximately 3 billion Vietnamese dong (approximately 127,000 USD), covering full tuition, initial settlement expenses, and a monthly stipend of 160,000 Japanese yen (approximately 1,070 USD).

After securing the scholarship, Chau faced the challenge of applying to universities, including Sophia University, Keio University, Nagoya University, Waseda University, and Kyoto University. She noted that Japanese universities require applications similar to American universities, including essays, transcripts, and extracurricular activities. She was accepted to all five universities and chose to study economics at Kyoto University, ranked 2nd in Japan and 57th globally by THE 2026.

Chau found the Kyoto University interview the most demanding. A week prior, the organizers called to test the internet connection, audio, and the suitability of her interview space.

"It felt incredibly formal and rigorous. The interview lasted only 30 minutes, but 4 professors intensely questioned me on many topics, particularly tea," Chau said.

Tea was the subject of her essay and part of her motivation to study in Japan. Chau explained that her family enjoys tea, and she particularly loves matcha latte, made from matcha, a famous Japanese green tea powder. During family trips, she often visited tea-growing regions in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam.

While researching sustainable economic development, Chau realized that despite Vietnam's renowned tea-growing regions and its top ranking in tea exports, the economic return was low. She discovered this was because the tea was primarily exported raw, fetching lower prices, with little focus on branding and product development.

This led Chau to wonder how Japan had elevated this agricultural product, especially matcha, to a world-renowned specialty. More broadly, she wanted to learn about sustainable business practices that harmonize people, nature, and culture.

During the interview, the professors asked why she hadn't chosen other countries known for tea, such as China or the United Kingdom. Though surprised, Chau responded that British tea culture was associated with royalty and aristocracy, distinct from Vietnamese values and culture. Meanwhile, Chinese tea production mirrored Vietnam's, primarily focusing on raw exports.

The Fast Retailing Foundation also tested her knowledge by asking her to distinguish between different teas. Chau described how she differentiated Vietnamese black tea and the aftertaste of various Japanese matcha types. She explained that Japan has two matcha harvests: spring and summer. Spring matcha has a sweet aftertaste, while summer matcha is typically more bitter and astringent. She also noted the color of matcha powder indicates its quality.

"The application and interview process was demanding, but the outcome was well worth it. This provides a solid foundation for my studies," Chau stated.

Minh Chau (right) receives her scholarship from a Fast Retailing Foundation representative in May. Photo: Provided by the interviewee

Minh Chau (right) receives her scholarship from a Fast Retailing Foundation representative in May. Photo: Provided by the interviewee

Chau planned to study abroad since the beginning of 10th grade. She strategically dedicated 10th grade to competitions and academics. During the summer of 10th grade, she prepared for the SAT and IELTS, then focused on extracurricular activities in 11th grade. In 12th grade, she dedicated most of her time to college applications. With a GPA of 9.7, an SAT score of 1560/1600, and an IELTS score of 8.0, Chau was also accepted to two universities in the US.

"Perhaps because I planned ahead and didn't overreach, I didn't feel pressured throughout high school," she shared.

Kyoto University offers international students English-taught programs, but Chau chose to study in both Japanese and English to join classes with local students.

"I want to become fluent in Japanese to experience and understand the country and its people. There's no better way than to challenge myself to learn their language," Chau said.

Chau's current Japanese proficiency is at the N4 level (4th out of 6 levels, with N1 being the highest), enabling basic communication. The university is providing 6 months of preparatory classes in Japanese language and advanced mathematics before she begins her studies in the spring.

For the next 4 years in Japan, Chau's top priority is academic excellence. She also hopes to travel around Japan, experiencing its natural beauty.

"Kyoto University is known for its dynamic and diverse environment that respects individuality. I've also promised myself to diligently vlog about my study abroad experience," Chau said.

Hoang Ngoc Chien, Chau's math teacher and homeroom teacher throughout high school, described her as an excellent student, consistently ranking among the top of her class. She proactively studied for the IELTS and SAT ahead of her classmates.

Chau also impressed him with her discipline and time management. Despite living 20-30 km from school, she was rarely late.

"Chau is kind, so her classmates adore her and often ask her to explain difficult concepts," Chien commented.

Le Nguyen