Hanoi student secures full scholarship to Tsinghua with essay on scrap boats

Nguyen Quy Bao, an 18-year-old language student from Hanoi, has secured a full first-year scholarship to Tsinghua University, one of China's most prestigious institutions, for his engineering studies. The scholarship, worth 30,000 yuan (US$4,430), covers his tuition for the initial year, with annual reassessment based on academic performance. Tsinghua University is globally recognized, ranking 14th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and second among mainland Chinese universities. Bao's application was part of the first cohort required to take the China Scholastic Competency Assessment, a standardized entrance exam established by the China Scholarship Council and the Ministry of Education, now a requirement for undergraduate admissions at 306 Chinese universities for the 2026 intake. Preparing for the exam, which had no past papers, Bao self-studied the Chinese high school curriculum and ordered revision materials from China. He sat for the mathematics and physics papers. The math exam primarily drew on Vietnamese Grade 11 and 12 material, covering sets, solid geometry, probability, calculus, and functions. The physics paper was more challenging, with kinematics constituting about 30% of the questions, alongside topics in electric and magnetic fields, waves, and optics. In addition to the exam, university applications require transcripts, language certificates, an essay, and a self-introduction video. Bao maintained a GPA of approximately 9.6 to 9.8 on Vietnam's 10-point scale, scored 7.5 on IELTS, and achieved HSK 6, the highest standard level of China's official Chinese proficiency test. His essay began with reflections on scrap boats and detailed his experience as a team assistant at a Tsinghua online research summer camp, working on a project that applied artificial intelligence to autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Bao expressed his desire to pursue mechanical engineering at Tsinghua, citing its integration of robotics, AI, and biomedical engineering, which aligns with his research aspirations. His confidence in studying abroad was bolstered by two cultural exchange trips to Suzhou and Shanghai during his high school years, where he experienced the enthusiasm of Chinese people in supporting international students. During the interview, Tsinghua faculty asked comprehensive questions about society, culture, history, economics, and finance, rather than solely focusing on his intended field. Bao believes his ability to answer these questions confidently contributed to his successful application. Data from the British Council indicates that approximately 23,500 Vietnamese were studying in China as of 2023, a significant increase from 2020. Furthermore, Vietnam recorded around 146,000 HSK test sittings in 2025, the highest number globally, underscoring the growing interest and engagement of Vietnamese students in Chinese education and culture.