A Vice-Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship of $9,000 has been awarded to the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who wants to commit her life to helping people as a doctor.

Tiffany Ho graduated from Townsville’s St Margaret Mary’s College last year and has just started an accelerated Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences at USC, which means she’ll complete the degree in two years instead of three.

“I love studying and I’m excited by the course work already,” Tiffany said.

“I chose to do the accelerated course because the sooner I can transition in to medical studies, the sooner I can become a doctor and start helping people.”

Tiffany’s desire to work in the service of others as a health professional is born from her own experiences as a patient.

“I was hit by a car when I was 4 before we came to Australia and more recently I’ve been diagnosed with an auto-immune disease,” she said.

“I’ve always been treated so kindly and well by medical staff and I’d love the chance to give back.”

The Vice-Chancellor’s Merit Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students commencing their first undergraduate degree.

Tiffany said the additional funding was a huge help to her, and her family.

“We are all so grateful and thankful for the financial help. It will make everything easier and a bit less stressful for us,” she said.

One of five children, Tiffany is the first person in her family to attend university.

“It’s a new experience for all of us,” she said.

“My parents were refugees who have always made education a priority, so they are happy with my decision to study.”

- Megan Woodward