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The University of New England: From Vietnam to Australia, in one transformative degree

An Australian degree is like a serving of cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese for “iced coffee with milk”). It’s an accessible necessity. It’s loved by millions all over the world. It’s sweet, refreshing and oh-so-powerful.

Just ask Vietnamese students Nu Linh Thoai Ton, Viet San Le and Van Sang Le at University of New England. Nu Linh Thoai Ton completed a PhD while Viet San Le and Van Sang Le both completed the Master of Science in Agriculture (MSciAg) degree. All three have no regrets choosing UNE and praised the quality of education delivered by expert faculty at the university. “UNE is really different in a good way – extremely kind staff, an excellent research environment, and world-class facilities. I am very pleased I have chosen UNE,” shares Thoai Ton.

When they graduate, they’ll be able to work in Australia for up to five years. In a move to strengthen the pipeline of skilled labour, the Australian government has announced that international higher education graduates with eligible qualifications will be granted an extra two years of post-study work rights from July 1, 2023. This increased the number of years visa holders can remain in Australia from three years to five years for select master’s degree holders and four years to six years for all doctoral qualifications.

It’s a great next step from the world-class education they gain at UNE. From small student-to-teacher ratio to award-winning researchers who double as teachers, programmes here can be transformative. These include the MBA (International), Bachelor of Nursing (Graduate Entry), Bachelor of Social Science, Master of Social Work (Qualifying), Master of Science in Agriculture, Master of Information Technology, and a soon-to-launch Cybersecurity programme.

All programmes are driven by insights or exposure from the country’s top educators,  especially those involved in UNE’s research strengths in agriculture, business and nursing, — as well as special traits key to the success of that discipline. The MBA (International) is ideal for working professionals as it allows students to study online, or in Armidale, Adelaide or Sydney. The Bachelor of Nursing is industry-accredited with the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Australia. The Master of Science in Agriculture leverages the country’s global dominance, whereas the IT and Cybersecurity programmes focus on employability.

All of this prepares students to tackle future economic, social and environmental challenges and opportunities — as it did for UNE graduate and Associate Professor Dr. Trach Nguyen, who is the Vice Rector of International Affairs at the Hanoi University of Agriculture.

The University of New England

Associate Professor Dr. Trach Nguyen is grateful for his UNE education, under the supervision of Professor Geoff Hinch.
Source: The University of New England

Dr. Nguyen graduated from UNE with a Master’s in Animal Science in 1996 which “changed his life.” Here, he was instilled with a great work ethic which in turn helped him gain a strong understanding of research principles. He went on to complete his PhD at UNE in Norway, thanks to a great recommendation by UNE. “Only a few PhD students in my study group finished on time and it boils down to the research methodologies learned at UNE,” Dr. Nguyen says.

So impactful was his UNE experience that Dr. Nguyen advised his daughter Nguyen Thi Duong Huyen to pursue the same programme, at the same university, and with the same supervisor, Professor Geoff Hinch. She was awarded an Australian Government Scholarship and like her father, found everyone there very “kind, helpful and friendly,” especially Professor Hinch, and could not be more grateful for the opportunity. Dr. Nguyen’s son-in-law Nguyen Hung Son also completed his PhD at UNE — an endeavour he found positive and enjoyable.

The right university can produce generations of bright and impressive graduates. UNE is not only the highest-rated Australian university for student satisfaction, but it is also the only Australian public university awarded the maximum five stars for Overall Experience by Good Universities Guide for 17 years straight. The Good Universities Guide 2023 ranked UNE first for student support for public universities as well.

These accolades are as reflective of how students feel about studying at UNE as it’s about studying at Armidale. “Armidale is a peaceful and safe place to live. The weather here is also pleasant, as it is the highest city in Australia. More importantly, if you are considering living costs as your top priority, this city is the best choice for you,” shares Viet San Le.

Vietnamese student Van Sang Le is completing his Master of Science in Agriculture at UNE.
Source: The University of New England

For Van Sang Le, it was the financial support that drew him to UNE. Through the UNE International Bursary, full-time Southeast Asian coursework students get a reduction in the published annual tuition fees for international students. To earn extra money, from July 1, 2023, international students can work part-time for up to 48 hours a fortnight during their studies. “I studied an interesting major, with great professors and paid an affordable tuition fee – this is why I chose to study at UNE,” says Van Sang Le.

Living in Armidale is more affordable than living in Australia’s major cities. A restaurant meal is 40 to 50 Australian dollars per person, a one-way local train or bus ticket is A$2, and unlimited internet is A$80 per month. The UNE campus bus is free.

But don’t take these lower prices for sub-par quality. Campus life is safe and filled with support services to help you find your feet in a new location, make new friends and keep pace with assignments. Dedicated teams make this transition easier, help manage your priorities, and help you have fun at the same time. The Armidale region is where orchards flourish, the country’s most succulent livestock graze in lush pastures and cool climate wines win awards. Arts and culture here never fail to inspire. And at around 1000 metres above sea level, there’s no shortage of rugby matches, mountain biking and all sorts of competitive and adventurous pursuits.

Ready to future fit your life and become one of many success stories at the University of New England? Click here to apply to UNE today.

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