From Valedictorian to a Full PhD Scholarship in Turkey

Some dreams begin very small, but the more challenges they face, the more brightly they burn. For Nguyễn Đình Thắng – valedictorian of the Vietnam Aviation Academy, Class of 2018–2023 – that dream is to step into the world, continue learning and conducting research, and contribute to creating new values for science.

Nguyễn Đình Thắng – Valedictorian of the Vietnam Aviation Academy, Class of 2018–2023

Upon graduation, Thắng was invited to stay and work at the Academy, while continuing his academic journey with a Master’s program. From the very first days of his postgraduate studies, he was aware of the need for a long-term vision. Thắng proactively sought guidance from Dr. Nguyễn Văn Lục (Faculty of Aeronautical Engineering), a dedicated mentor who showed him how to set clear goals, design an academic roadmap, and remain persistent in his chosen path. Those years in graduate school became a period of rigorous training: balancing outstanding academic performance while tirelessly building a strong research profile for the future.

His efforts soon paid off. Thắng graduated with High Distinction ahead of schedule and published four international research papers, including three in ISI Q1 journals – a remarkable achievement for a young researcher. Yet behind those numbers were countless sleepless nights in the laboratory, manuscripts rejected time and again, and moments when giving up seemed easier than starting over. Beyond his research, Thắng also devoted himself to improving his English, seeing it as the key to opening doors to the international academic community.

Thắng and the Academy’s leadership at the Aviation Industry Dialogue 2023

His perseverance was rewarded when Thắng won the Türkiye Government Fully Funded PhD Scholarship at Koç University, valued at nearly 3.5 billion VND – one of the most prestigious awards sought after by international students worldwide. Beyond this remarkable success, he also received offers from scholarship programs in the UK, Taiwan, Italy, and the UAE. Ultimately, he chose Türkiye, drawn by its research orientation and the opportunity to work with a distinguished international professor willing to mentor him closely.

But Thắng’s journey is more than just a golden ticket to a new academic frontier. It stands as a vivid testament to the power of dreams and determination. From a modest working-class family background, he steadily broke through limitations and carved out his place on the international academic stage.

The road ahead will no doubt bring new challenges. Yet, with an unwavering passion for knowledge and the support of his teachers, family, and friends, Thắng believes he will continue to rise, writing new chapters in his pursuit of learning and discovery.

P.TS & CTSV – TH