Frequently Asked Questions / Câu hỏi thường gặp

The programme is designed for those at the start of a research or academic career: undergraduate and postgraduate students, early-career researchers, new university lecturers, and high-achieving secondary school students who love science.

Teaching and discussion are conducted in Vietnamese. The website is in English to familiarise participants with the international language of science, but all lectures and workshops are in Vietnamese.

The school equips participants with the most essential foundations for a research career: scientific research methodology, academic freedom and responsibility, critical thinking, research presentation and publication, and selected topics across natural, social, and economic sciences. Sessions are interactive — passive learning is not accepted.

Lecturers are experienced researchers, many currently active in research in Vietnam and internationally. They work across education, natural sciences, engineering, economics, and social sciences. All participate voluntarily and without remuneration.

No. The school is entirely free of charge. There are no attendance fees or any other charges of any kind. Students who complete all sessions receive a certificate.

Yes. Lunch and dinner on all school days are provided free of charge at the ICISE canteen. Refreshments (tea, coffee, water) are also provided during breaks.

At ICISE (International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education) in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh Province — Vietnam's only international science centre, founded by Prof. Jean Trần Thanh Vân.

Typically 3–4 days, running from 8 am to 6 pm each day (with a lunch break 12:30–13:30). Exact dates are announced each year on this website and our Facebook page.

A limited number of travel grants are available for accepted students who live far from Quy Nhon and face financial difficulty. To apply for a grant, include a letter explaining your situation with your application. Grants are not available for students resident in Quy Nhon.

Yes. The school can only host a limited number of students (around 120–180 per year). Applications are reviewed by a committee and only the strongest candidates are invited. Not being selected does not mean you are not excellent — it simply means other applicants suited this year's cohort better. Reapplicants receive a priority bonus.

(1) Motivation letter + CV as a single file (letter on page 1); (2) Evidence of academic achievements, if declared; (3) Travel grant letter, if requesting financial support. PDF preferred; DOC/DOCX accepted. Documents can be in Vietnamese or English.

A concise personal letter (ideally one A4 page) explaining your passion for science and your reasons for wishing to attend. There is no fixed template. Write in whichever language you express yourself best. Refer to the school's theme. Search online for academic motivation letter examples for guidance.

Either is accepted. English is preferred (selection reviewers can assess English-language applications more easily) and using English helps you practise for future international applications. However, write in the language in which you can express yourself most clearly and authentically.

The deadline is announced each year on this website and our Facebook page. No late applications are accepted for any reason. Do not wait until the last day — the online system can become congested and prevent submission.

Results are communicated by email on the date announced by the organisers. Check your spam folder if you do not receive a message by that date. All communication is by email, so ensure you enter a correct address in the application form.

Yes, and we encourage it. Reapplicants receive a priority consideration bonus. Please update your motivation letter to reflect your growth and new experiences since your previous application.

The school is entirely non-profit. Funding comes from the generous support of organisations and individuals who share our commitment to science education in Vietnam. All funds are used exclusively for organising the school (venue, meals, logistics). All organisers, lecturers, and volunteers participate without any remuneration. Any surplus is carried forward for the next school — in practice this has never occurred given the tight budget.