The Convocation of the 2024-2025 academic year, held on October 5th, marked a special milestone for the faculty and students of VinUni.
It was special because the university officially became the youngest institution globally to receive the comprehensive QS 5-star certification from QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the leading global education ranking organization based in the UK.
Convocation of VinUni’s Cohort 5.
The convocation of VinUni’s 5th intake took place in a solemn atmosphere filled with joy and pride among the faculty, students, and parents. This year, the university welcomed 450 new students across four institutes. Among the 450 new students, there are international students from 26 countries, including Afghanistan, American Samoa, Australia, Bangladesh, the UK, Burma, Colombia, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, and more.
New students marching into the hall
The new students of Cohort 5 marched into the hall with excitement and pride as they began their new journey at the world-class institution.
To be admitted to VinUni, candidates must go through rigorous selection processes, including academic criteria such as GPA, IELTS, SAT scores, and more. Additionally, successful applicants must demonstrate outstanding extracurricular achievements, exceptional academic abilities, a passion for learning, creative thinking, and resilience.
VinUni receives QS 5-Star Certification.
A key moment of this year’s convocation was when Mr. Samuel Ang, Regional Director for Asia from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), presented the QS 5-star comprehensive certification to VinUni. This achievement made VinUni the youngest university ever to receive this recognition. It is a testament to VinUni’s relentless efforts in building an excellent, world-class institution that fosters students’ development in knowledge, skills, and global integration.
Mr. Samuel Ang spoke at the ceremony.
Mr. Samuel Ang spoke at the ceremony, sharing: “Each 5-star evaluation in various fields represents the extraordinary contributions of the faculty and staff, who have worked tirelessly to create a rich educational environment and nurture talent. The positive learning environment at VinUni reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.”
Professor David Bangsberg, Provost of VinUni, strike the ceremonial drum to mark the beginning of the new academic year.
The ceremony reached an emotional and inspiring moment when Professor David Bangsberg, Provost of VinUni, strike the drum to officially open the new academic year and welcome the Cohort 5 students.
Professor David Bangsberg affirmed: “It is you, the students, who inspire me every day. I believe our future is brighter because of your commitment to change and your belief that we can conquer new frontiers to shape a better world.”
Dr. Le Mai Lan, President of University Council’s speech.
In her welcoming speech, Dr. Le Mai Lan, President of University Council, shared the university’s mission to train talented individuals and reflected on VinUni’s proud 5-year journey. She emphasized that the QS 5-star certification is the result of the collective efforts of the faculty, students, and staff, alongside the strong support and visionary leadership of Vingroup.
The students attended the convocation.
Dr. Le Mai Lan also inspired the new students by sharing impressive achievements from the first cohort, who graduated in June. Among them, 25% received invitations to continue their studies at prestigious Ivy League schools, and 32% of the graduates were recruited by global corporations, tech companies, and leading financial institutions in Vietnam before graduation, with attractive salaries and benefits.
“With this pride, I also want to share a few words with you, the new students of the 5th intake. Welcome to VinUni, where this will now become your second home. On this significant occasion, I wish you three things: self-confidence, self-respect, and self-reliance. VinUni provides the best opportunities, but it cannot act on your behalf. Seize these opportunities proactively and lead your own journey to build your career starting today,” Dr. Le Mai Lan shared.
VinUni attracts international students.
Patience Adesominu, a nursing student from Nigeria, shared: “Even though I’m just starting, and even when I’m about to graduate, my journey at VinUni is about becoming the best version of myself. VinUni has truly opened doors I never imagined and brought the world to me without me leaving Vietnam.”
The Oath-Taking Ceremony
One of the most emotional and memorable moments during each convocation at VinUni is the oath-taking ceremony. In this sacred moment, all the faculty, students, and staff join together, placing their hands on their hearts and reciting the oath in unison, reminding themselves of their mission in the journey ahead at this “5-star university.”
Mr. Greig Floyd Craft, Chairman of the Asia Accident Prevention Fund, and his godson, student Thien Nhan from the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
Also attending the convocation was Mr. Greig Floyd Craft, Chairman of the Asia Accident Prevention Fund, who is the sponsor of Thien Nhan, a student from the Institute of Engineering and Computer Science.
Ten years ago, Mr. Craft, along with Tran Mai Anh and Dr. Roberto DeCastro, founded the “Thien Nhan and Friends” project to assist children with genital deformities and related illnesses. This year, Thien Nhan is part of the 5th intake of students, symbolizingthe perseverance and strength of a “VinUnian.”
White Coat Ceremony for Medical students, College of Health Sciences
Following the convocation, the College of Health Sciences held a white coat ceremony for the medical students of the 2024-2025 academic year. The white coat is not only a symbol but also represents the significant responsibilities in public health that medical professionals undertake.
With the QS 5-star certification and a new academic year underway, VinUni continues to aim for becoming a world-class university, committed to training talented individuals for Vietnam and contributing to the development of the country and the world.
