Vinay Chansomphou completed his assessments while receiving treatment for cancer and received his degree in a small ceremony in hospital.
Vinay Chansomphou, a UNSW postgraduate student from Laos, recently completed his degree under very difficult circumstances. During his studies, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer and underwent intensive treatment. With the support of staff across UNSW, Vinay was able to finish his final assessments, which were rapidly examined, and he received his degree in a small ceremony at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
The pharmacist and academic was awarded a double master’s in Public Health and Infectious Diseases Intelligence (Extension) from UNSW. His study was supported by a prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship, administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
“I want to sincerely thank UNSW, my course convenors, the Australia Awards and UNSW Student Support Team, DFAT and all the people around me who supported me through the toughest times,” Vinay said.
“Their guidance, encouragement and kindness helped me continue my studies and achieve my dream of graduating, even while facing cancer treatment. This support reminded me that education is not only about knowledge, but also about community and care.”
Scientia Professor Rebecca Ivers in the School of Population Health and Deputy Dean Global Engagement and External Education in Medicine & Health described Vinay’s situation as “truly heartbreaking”.
“I would like to note the compassionate, wraparound support provided to Vinay by Pia Larrson, Student Support Advisor, and from Mella Astar in the Australia Awards Team, as well as Tracy Ellis and the academics in the School of Population Health – particularly Abrar Chughtai,” she said.
“Thank you everyone for your compassionate, supportive care of our student. It is times like this that allow us to see the true colours of our staff, and I have never been prouder to be at UNSW.”
His focus on health systems and outcomes
Vinay’s journey in health education began at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Vietnam, where he earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm). It sparked his lifelong dedication to improving health systems and outcomes.
From 2019 to 2023, Vinay served as an Academic Affairs Officer at Savannakhet College of Health Sciences in Laos. He led curriculum development aligned with national health and education directives and played a key role in fostering international collaborations across Southeast Asia. Vinay’s work helped elevate the college’s global profile and reflected his deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.
Vinay’s time at UNSW
At UNSW, Vinay not only focused on his degree but also joined many activities that shaped his student life.
“I learned to swim through the international student program and later became a mentor assistant to help new students settle in. I completed Mental Health First Aid training, which gave me practical skills to support others. I also volunteered with the Wellbeing Club, where I contributed to activities that promoted health and connection,” he said.
One of the biggest highlights for Vinay was being involved in UNSW Health and Wellbeing initiatives. Through the programs, he had the opportunity to volunteer, support fellow students, and contribute to events that encouraged better physical and mental health across campus.
“It gave me a sense of purpose outside my academic work and allowed me to connect with people from many different backgrounds. Another memorable experience was joining the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk with new students. It was more than just exercise – it was an opportunity to share culture, build friendships and enjoy the beauty of Sydney together,” Vinay said.
“These activities gave me confidence, skills and a strong sense of belonging to the UNSW community. They reminded me that studying abroad is not only about academic learning but also about building connections and experiences that stay with you for life.”
Vinay said another very important part of his journey was the friendships he built with his Australia Awards cohort.
“From the first orientation days, we quickly became a close-knit group, sharing meals, exploring Sydney together and helping each other adjust to life in a new country. We supported one another through assignments, late-night study sessions and the ups and downs of postgraduate life,” he said.
“When my health declined, they were there visiting me in hospital, checking in on me and reminding me that I wasn’t alone in this journey. These friendships gave me encouragement, comfort and a sense of family while being far from home, and they remain one of the most valuable parts of my scholarship experience.”
Academically, Vinay said he paid strong attention to preparing for his project research. He often stayed up late reading, writing and refining assignments.
“It required discipline and determination, especially because I was aiming not only to pass, but to meet a high standard worthy of studying at a prestigious university like UNSW. For me, this was about proving to myself that I could balance academic excellence with all the other demands of student life,” he said.
Things became more challenging when Vinay started cancer treatment. Suddenly, his timetable was filled with hospital appointments, treatments and recovery days. It wasn’t easy to move between chemotherapy and coursework, but he said he refused to let the illness take away his purpose.
“Sometimes I attended lectures online from the hospital, or I worked on assignments during moments of energy between treatments. On top of this, I also worked part-time to help cover some of my treatment expenses.
“Balancing work, study and treatment was exhausting, but it taught me resilience and the importance of staying focused on my goals even when life felt unpredictable,” Vinay said.
Now a proud UNSW alumnus, Vinay embodies a legacy of quiet strength, resilience and unwavering dedication. His story continues to inspire – one of hope, dignity and the impact of a life committed to learning, service and purpose.
“Looking back, my time in Australia was not just about completing a degree. It was about learning new skills, building a community, facing health and financial challenges, and still choosing to move forward,” Vinay said.
“The Australia Awards gave me an opportunity to grow both academically and personally, and even though my journey was difficult, I am proud that I continued with courage and commitment.”
Top image: Vinay's mother, Vinay, Rebecca Ivers and Anita Heywood (L-R)
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