Nguyen Thi Phuong was awarded GREAT scholarship 2025–26 and is currently a master's student in Sustainable Leadership and Management at Edge Hill University.
Why did you choose the UK as a study destination?
I chose the UK because it represents a unique balance between academic excellence and real-world relevance. UK higher education encourages critical thinking, independent learning, and debate – qualities I value deeply as both an educator and a lifelong learner.
The UK feels like a place where the world quietly comes together. Different cultures and lived experiences meet every day, inside and outside the classroom. For me, working in international education, this diversity is not just inspiring; it is essential to how I learn and grow.
In many ways, I also feel that the UK chose me. The opportunities, the people I have met, and the values I resonate with here all seem to align with who I am and what I hope to contribute.
How did you feel when you received the GREAT Scholarship?
It was a moment of deep gratitude and quiet pride.
The GREAT Scholarship felt like recognition, not only of my academic profile, but of the years I have dedicated to education, student support, and international collaboration. As someone who has spent a long time encouraging students to believe in global opportunities and in themselves, receiving this scholarship reaffirmed my own belief that commitment and purpose truly matter. It motivated me to make the most of this opportunity and to give back even more meaningfully. And, Im proud to be a GREAT scholar for life.
What do you think about the study programme and educational environment in the UK?
What I really appreciate about the programme is how up to date the curriculum is. It doesn’t feel disconnected from what is happening in the world. Lecturers often encourage us to look for recent research, and real-life cases to enrich our learning, which makes the whole experience much more relevant.
From my own experience, I noticed that the educational environment in the UK is very respectful and student-centred. At my university – Edge Hill University, this mindset goes beyond academics. The university has clearly invested a lot in the student learning experience, including strong learning support and a 24/7 library that students can access anytime. On-campus activities very visible and accessible, so I feel there is always something happening that I can take part in. The Learning Edge platform at Edge Hill, in particular, makes my studying much more manageable. It helps me keep track of course content, deadlines, and modules in a way that feels organised rather than overwhelming.
What are your plans after finishing this Master’s degree?
After completing my Master’s degree, I plan to return to Viet Nam and continue working in higher education and international cooperation. My goal is to apply the knowledge and perspectives gained in the UK to strengthen international programmes, support student mobility, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable education initiatives.
In the longer term, I would love to develop community-based educational projects for young people and underrepresented groups, possibly through building my own education-focused academy, to help them access global opportunities and believe in their own potential.
What advice would you give to Vietnamese students who wish to apply for the GREAT Scholarship?
My advice is to start with purpose, not just achievements. The GREAT Scholarship looks for students who know why they want to study in the UK and how they plan to use that experience afterwards.
Be honest in your application and don’t underestimate the value of your experiences, especially those related to community, leadership, or impact. Finally, be consistent and believe that your voice matters, because you must trust yourself first before others can believe in your capabilities. If you have a genuine vision and the willingness to contribute, you are already a strong candidate.
