QS ImpACT Undergraduate Scholarship: 2026 winner | TopUniversities

QS ImpACT Undergraduate Scholarship: 2026 winner

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Nghia Luu, winner of our QS Undergraduate Scholarship 2026

We are pleased to announce the winner of this year's QS ImpACT Undergraduate Scholarship: Nghia Luu.

Nghia is a student from Vietnam who dreams of working in the food industry: creating more sustainable food production systems and integrating new technologies to reduce food insecurity in Vietnam and beyond. As a result of the QS scholarship, he is able to start this journey by studying a Bachelors degree at Cornell University.

What did you find most challenging about writing your scholarship application?

I think the most challenging part was creating a cohesive story throughout my essay.

Although I had many lessons, challenges, and stages of my journey that could be woven together, I struggled to combine them into one narrative that could grab the attention of the readers.

Additionally, connecting the impact that I made with my future plans and how they aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) required a lot of thought in order to build a meaningful narrative. 

Why did you choose your particular university?

I chose Cornell because of its philosophy “any person, any study” where there is no expectation or standard path that is put on a person, but rather on their personal choice to guide them into whatever industry they do.

Additionally, the school’s emphasis on hands-on experience means that learning coexists in both classroom and field work. 

Why did you choose to study in the US? What drew you to that particular country?

When I was young, I witnessed many of my relatives studying abroad, and I always saw it as one of my dreams for the future.

I chose the United States because of the diversity within its education system, where millions of people from different backgrounds come together to discuss their interests and exchange ideas. This is important to me because developing innovative solutions requires seeing problems from different perspectives, something I hope to gain by learning and collaborating with people from around the world. 

How did you feel when you found out that you had been chosen to receive the scholarship?

I was both amazed and surprised when I saw the announcement from QS ImpACT. Receiving the scholarship was something I’m proud of because it motivates me to keep working and putting efforts into building more sustainable food systems. I’m really grateful to join the community of ambitious people who striving to succeed in their own field of interest.

What impact will the scholarship have on your student experience?

QS ImpACT Undergraduate Scholarship has greatly helped me cover part of my tuition, given that education is becoming increasingly expensive.

It also helps relieve some of the financial burden on my sponsors, allowing me to focus more on making the most of my college experience while taking full responsibility for the opportunities I've been given. 

What part of your programme are you most excited for?

Given that I’m studying Food Science at Cornell University, I’m really interested in how I can integrate my previous background working on environmental sustainability with knowledge on food science to improve and create a more sustainable food system.

I look forward to exploring more on how the integration of technology can help to reduce loss through processing raw materials and reduce the waste output. 

What are your plans for the future? Do you know what career you would like to pursue?

I want to work in the food industry. My goal is to become a food scientist focused on food processing technologies that can enhance the productivity and efficiency of food production systems. Ultimately, I hope to apply these innovations to build more sustainable food systems and address food insecurity in Vietnam and around the world. 

What advice would you give to students who are still looking for a scholarship or those who hope to receive next year's QS scholarships?

My biggest advice is to be authentic and express your passion for what you're doing. I believe that having a genuine story and thoughtful reflection in your application gives depth to your profile.

It is important not to try to be perfect, but rather to embrace your challenges, learning lessons, and the impact that you are trying to make.

Lastly, don't be afraid to apply even when you are not confident, because applying is always better than wondering "what if." Whether you receive the scholarship or not, the process itself gives you an opportunity to reflect on your journey, your initiatives, and how you've grown. You will always learn something by taking action. 

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