On August 8, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (ULAW) held its New Graduates Recognition Ceremony for the 2025–2026 academic year at Hòa Bình Theater in Ho Chi Minh City. In addition to honoring 1,748 new graduates, the University awarded VND 791.5 million in merit prizes to students with outstanding achievements and introduced 60 postgraduate scholarships with a total value of more than VND 1.3 billion. Notably, beginning in 2026, ULAW officially renamed its “Graduation Ceremony” as the “New Graduates Recognition Ceremony” and introduced the ULAW New Graduates’ Pledge for the first time.
A vibrant atmosphere at Hòa Bình Theatre shortly before the ULAW 2026 New Graduates Recognition Ceremony
The ULAW New Graduates Recognition Ceremony 2026 took place during a particularly significant year for Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, as the University celebrates 50 years of tradition and development (1976–2026) and 30 years under the name Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (1996–2026).
The 1,748 graduates honored at this year’s ceremony included students from Cohort 46 of the LLB–BBA Dual Degree Program and Cohort 47 of the Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of International Trade Law, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Arts in Legal English programs, together with graduates from the University’s High Quality Programs.
Rather than organizing a conventional graduation ceremony centered solely on diploma presentation and the announcement of graduates’ names, ULAW designed this year’s program as an academic ceremony in which the recognition of academic achievement was placed alongside messages concerning professional responsibility, personal integrity, and the journey each graduate will continue after leaving the University.
A panoramic view of the ULAW 2026 New Graduates Recognition Ceremony
One of the most notable figures announced at the ceremony was the VND 791.5 million allocated for merit prizes honoring students for their academic achievements throughout their degree programs and their contributions to University activities.
Under the University’s merit award decisions, 484 students were recognized for academic excellence, including 176 students from High Quality Programs and 308 students from standard programs. Among them, 62 students graduated with Excellent classification, 422 graduated with Very Good classification, and eight were recognized as the top graduates of their respective majors and academic programs.
Additional awards were presented to students who made significant contributions through their roles as class officers, Youth Union and Students’ Association members, student movement organizers, and participants in other University activities. In total, 629 awards were presented to 541 students.
The highest cash award, valued at 15 million VND, was presented to the two top graduates of the graduating class, Trần Phương Thảo and Lê Huỳnh Bảo Trâm. They were respectively recognized as the top graduate of the High Quality Bachelor of Law Program and the standard Bachelor of Law Program, while both also received the title of Excellent Student for the Entire Program.
Other top graduates and students with outstanding academic records received awards corresponding to their respective programs. Students who made significant contributions to class management, Youth Union and Students’ Association activities, student movements, and other University initiatives were also formally commended and rewarded on this occasion.
ULAW new graduates taking part in the Pledge-taking Ceremony
Alongside its financial awards, ULAW introduced for the first time a substantial support policy for students seeking to continue their academic journeys: 60 postgraduate scholarships with a total value of more than 1.3 billion VND.
These included five scholarships covering 100% of tuition fees for the entire program, five scholarships covering 50% of tuition fees, and 50 scholarships covering 10% of tuition fees for master’s degree programs at ULAW.
The five recipients of full scholarships were Trần Phương Thảo, Lê Huỳnh Bảo Trâm, Trần Thanh Yên, Nguyễn Minh Phương, and Trần Thị Xuân Diễm, the top graduates of the High Quality Bachelor of Law Program, Bachelor of Law Program, Bachelor of International Trade Law Program, LLB–BBA Dual Degree Program, and Bachelor of Business Administration Program, respectively.
Under the scholarship policy, recipients may use their scholarships after being admitted to and enrolling in a master’s degree program at ULAW within 36 months from the date on which their bachelor’s degrees are conferred. The scholarships cannot be converted into cash or combined with other financial support policies.
ULAW new graduates at the New Graduates Recognition Ceremony
“Every New Graduate Carries Two Diplomas”
While the merit prizes and scholarships demonstrate the University’s tangible investment in its learners, the message delivered by the Rector of ULAW focused on a longer-term question: What kind of person will a graduate become after leaving the University?
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Secretary of the University Party Committee and Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, explained that the University’s decision to replace the term “Graduation Ceremony” with “New Graduates Recognition Ceremony” was not simply a change in wording. It represented a deliberate choice reflecting ULAW’s educational philosophy.
A university diploma recognizes the completion of an academic program. What the University seeks to honor, however, is a broader journey of personal development, encompassing the knowledge, resilience, and character cultivated throughout each student’s years at ULAW.
Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, delivers his remarks at the ceremony
According to the Rector, every graduate leaves ULAW carrying one diploma conferred by the University. Yet there is another “diploma” that will be conferred by life itself. This second diploma is written through competence, integrity, responsibility, and the value each individual creates for the community. Ultimately, it is this “diploma” that determines the enduring value of a ULAW graduate.
This message also reflects ULAW’s understanding of education as the University advances toward a multidisciplinary model. Students may pursue Law, Business Administration, Legal English, or other disciplines to be introduced in the future, but higher education, the Rector emphasized, must first and foremost be about educating people.
For law students, this means upholding the rule of law and serving justice. In business, it means demonstrating professional ethics, innovation, and social responsibility. In language studies, it means developing the ability to connect knowledge and people. Across all disciplines, the shared objective remains the same: educating individuals with knowledge, resilience, and integrity who are prepared to serve society.
Reflecting on his own journey, which began 37 years ago when he first entered ULAW as a student, before becoming a lecturer and eventually standing on the same stage as Rector, Dr. Lê Trường Sơn emphasized that the value a university provides extends beyond professional knowledge. A university should also offer an environment in which people learn to think rationally, act responsibly, and live according to sound and enduring values.
Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, presents an award and scholarship to Trần Phương Thảo, the overall valedictorian of the graduating cohort
The ULAW New Graduates’ Pledge Marks the Transition from Student to Professional
The ceremony began with a procession of flags representing the University’s academic units. Ten flags, including the ULAW flag and those of its faculties and institutes, were carried into the auditorium by top graduates and outstanding students, followed by members of the University’s Executive Leadership Board and leaders of its academic and administrative units.
The procession symbolized the convergence of different fields of knowledge rather than serving merely as an opening performance.
Following the opening ceremony and the Rector’s address, the program provided a reflective moment for students’ stories before the representative of the top graduates delivered her speech.
Dr. Lê Trường Sơn, Secretary of the Party Committee and Rector of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, presents awards to students in recognition of their outstanding achievements throughout their programmes of study
Representing the graduating class, top graduate Trần Phương Thảo expressed her honor and emotion as she reflected on her journey of study and personal development at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. At ULAW, she shared, students were not only equipped with professional knowledge but also learned to grow through challenges, through moments when they did not achieve the results they had hoped for, and through the continuous effort required to move forward. From the uncertainty of their first days at the University to the moment they officially became graduates, every experience, friendship, and lesson had become a cherished part of their youth at ULAW.
Trần Phương Thảo, overall valedictorian of the graduating cohort, valedictorian of the High-Quality Law Programme, and recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for the entire programme of study, delivers remarks on behalf of ULAW’s new graduates at the Recognition Ceremony
As the graduates prepared to begin a new chapter, Thảo expressed her belief that regardless of the different paths they might choose, they would continue to carry the responsibilities of those educated in law: respecting justice, defending what is right, and living responsibly toward the community.
On this meaningful occasion, she also expressed her sincere gratitude to the University’s lecturers and staff, senior students, friends, and especially her family, whose love, guidance, and unwavering support had provided a strong foundation throughout her journey of growth.
Trần Phương Thảo was one of the most outstanding members of this year’s graduating class, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0, a conduct score of 99 out of 100, and an IELTS score of 7.0. In scientific research, Thảo led a project examining criminal liability in relation to self-driving vehicles. The project was awarded Second Prize at the 2025 Ministry-level Science and Technology Awards for Students, First Prize at the University level, and First Prize by the Faculty of Criminal Law. In addition to her academic achievements, she actively participated in legal education and outreach activities, volunteer programs, and Youth Union initiatives.
ULAW new graduates joyfully capture memorable moments with their parents
Immediately following the top graduate’s address, the ceremony moved to one of its most significant new academic rituals: the ULAW New Graduates’ Pledge.
All 1,748 graduates stood together, placed their right hands over their hearts, and pledged to live with honesty, integrity, resilience, and compassion; to uphold the rule of law and serve justice; to continue learning and creating; to use their knowledge in service of the Fatherland, the People, and society; and to preserve and promote the reputation of ULAW.
The Pledge concluded with three concise declarations:
“Enlightened Knowledge. Firm Justice. Responsibility for the Future.”
Following the Pledge, the graduates participated in a ceremony expressing gratitude to their families and lecturers, those who had accompanied and supported them throughout their university journey.
The program then continued with the announcement of official decisions, the recognition of top graduates and students with outstanding achievements, and the presentation of scholarships, before diplomas were formally conferred upon each graduate.
As each graduate’s name was announced throughout the auditorium, the moment marked both the conclusion of their university years and the recognition of a journey of learning, personal development, and perseverance that had reached its fruition.
When the graduation caps had left the stage and the lights of the ceremony dimmed, what remained was more than a diploma or a moment of public recognition. For every ULAW graduate, the ceremony represented the beginning of a new journey, one in which knowledge must be demonstrated through competence, resilience must be expressed through personal choices, and integrity must be upheld in every action.
Ultimately, the value of a ULAW graduate does not end on graduation day. It continues to be written through the way each individual lives, practices their profession, and contributes to society.
Produced by: Department of Communication and Enterprise Relation