From Ha Tinh to Utrecht: How a Vietnamese Student Secured a Fully Funded Scholarship to Study Economics in the Netherlands

Duong Nguyen, originally from a modest city in central Vietnam, began a Bachelor’s degree at Utrecht University in the Netherlands in August 2019 after being one of only three recipients of the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship from the Utrecht School of Economics.

My Story: Duong Nguyen

My name is Duong Nguyen, and I’m from a modest city in Vietnam’s central region. In August 2019, I began my Bachelor’s journey at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, as one of just three students awarded the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship by the Utrecht School of Economics.

I chose to major in Economics and Business Economics, with a minor in Applied Data Science using R. The road to Utrecht started unexpectedly—through a simple photograph. It featured a red holly shrub surviving the Dutch winter. To me, that plant symbolized resilience—something I deeply related to after growing up in a less developed area, where perseverance was key to supporting my family.

That image was enough to make me dream of walking the streets of Utrecht. And with the university’s generous financial and academic support, I turned that dream into reality.

The Scholarship: Utrecht Excellence Scholarship

I received the Utrecht Excellence Scholarship for three consecutive years. It fully covered tuition fees and living expenses, and after tuition was paid, the remaining balance was directly transferred to my bank account. This flexibility allowed me to manage my finances responsibly and independently.

Beyond the scholarship, Utrecht University demonstrated remarkable compassion during tough times. When the COVID-19 pandemic impacted my part-time work, I reached out to the university for emergency aid. They responded immediately with a €300 rent support grant.

Another time, after waiting two years for a spot on a government rescue flight home to Vietnam, I found myself facing a steep €1,300 ticket. Despite it being outside the university’s obligations, they covered half the cost. These acts of kindness taught me a powerful lesson: support often comes to those who ask—and who ask with purpose.

Academic Background

In Vietnam, students applying to Dutch universities must typically graduate from a gifted high school. I studied at one in Ha Tinh Province, which ranks among Vietnam’s best. My GPA was 9.0, a solid standing that helped me remain competitive.

Yet academic excellence alone doesn’t guarantee success. Utrecht also evaluates a student’s character, motivation, and potential—qualities that often carry equal weight.

Preparing for Utrecht University

I met the language requirement through the IELTS exam, initially scoring 7.0. Unsatisfied, I retook it and improved to 7.5. I emailed the admissions team to ask if I could submit the updated score. Their response was encouraging—they accepted my original result, as it already met the criteria, and they appreciated my initiative to improve.

The takeaway? Your efforts and mindset matter just as much as your grades.

Preparing for the Scholarship Application

Applying for scholarships is a demanding process—emotionally and mentally. I applied to programs in Austria, Italy, France, the U.S., and finally, the Netherlands. Each rejection tested my resolve. But I kept believing that perseverance would lead me to the right opportunity.

For me, studying abroad wasn’t a distant dream—it was a realistic goal I was determined to achieve. After four years of dedication, I finally secured the scholarship that turned my ambition into action.

What Made My Application Stand Out?

I believe it was a combination of academic readiness and self-awareness. I knew what I wanted from the program and how I could contribute in return. Utrecht values small, meaningful contributions—academic or social. I had been involved in environmental and community initiatives, which aligned with the university’s values around sustainability and development.

In essence, it wasn’t just what I’d done—it was how I thought, and how I communicated that.

If I Could Do It All Over Again…

Honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing. I gave it everything I had, and I learned from every challenge and success along the way.

Advice to Future Applicants

Dreams can fade, especially in the face of hardship or distraction. But self-discipline endures. Don’t treat scholarships as once-in-a-lifetime dreams—make them part of a structured plan. Work towards them daily, whether you feel like it or not.

Have faith in your potential, and combine it with consistent effort. The results will follow.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP