Introduction to the Jensen Huang Scholarship
Nvidia, a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and graphics processing units (GPUs), has announced a significant initiative to support university students in Vietnam. The company is offering a total of US$1 million in scholarships aimed at fostering talent in AI research and entrepreneurship. This program, named the Jensen Huang Scholarship after Nvidia’s CEO, will be administered through the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM).
Objectives of the Scholarship Program
The primary goal of this scholarship is to develop Vietnam’s AI ecosystem by providing financial and educational support to promising students. The program is part of a broader collaboration between Nvidia and VNU-HCM, focusing on nurturing the next generation of AI innovators.
The scholarship program will initially operate as a pilot scheme, running through the end of next year. A substantial portion of the funding—up to $800,000—will be allocated to support students specializing in GPU technology. This funding will directly assist with AI research and startup projects, as GPUs play a critical role in accelerating image and video creation through parallel computing.
Additional Funding and Activities
The remaining $200,000 will be used for training activities, skill development initiatives, and achievement awards. These funds aim to enhance the overall learning experience and provide additional resources for students to excel in their academic and professional pursuits.
This scholarship represents one of the largest corporate-sponsored programs for students in AI-related fields. It covers disciplines such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Electronics and Telecommunications, Applied Mathematics and Informatics, and other relevant areas.
Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process
In its inaugural year, the program will award 50 scholarships to exceptional final-year or newly graduated students from VNU-HCM’s member institutions. These include the University of Technology, University of Science, International University, University of Information Technology, and An Giang University.
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, with a minimum GPA of 3.5/4.0 and an English proficiency score of IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 80 or higher. Candidates are also required to submit a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their academic performance, research capability, and extracurricular achievements.
Opportunities for Recipients
Successful recipients will gain access to several high-value opportunities, including:
- Participation in an intensive AI training program led by Silicon Valley experts.
- Access to study materials via the Nvidia Deep Learning Institute platform.
- Sponsorship for professional courses and conferences.
- Prospects for internship and project opportunities with Nvidia itself.
These opportunities are designed to provide students with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Previous Investments and Company Background
This scholarship announcement follows a previous investment earlier in February 2024, when VNU-HCM’s University of Information Technology acquired an Nvidia DGX A100 supercomputer to significantly boost its AI training and research capabilities.
Founded in 1993, Nvidia initially focused on 3D gaming chips before becoming a global leader in advanced AI chips and software. The company experienced a major breakthrough with the global AI boom catalyzed by the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022, a technology heavily powered by Nvidia’s graphics processors.
As of October 2025, Nvidia stands as the world’s most valuable chipmaker, boasting a market valuation of $5 trillion. This milestone underscores the company’s pivotal role in shaping the future of AI and technology worldwide.