The information about Duyen not completing her university degree emerged in July, when she registered for Miss Universe Vietnam. In an interview with Tri Thức - Znews, she confirmed that after being crowned Miss Vietnam 2014, she did not continue her regular studies in Foreign Economics at the Hanoi Foreign Trade University. Instead, she switched to a part-time system but did not complete her degree.

Now, after being crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2024, this information has been shared again, sparking heated discussions on social media.

Some comments express disappointment, suggesting that not having a university degree could be a disadvantage when Ky Duyen presents her personal profile to the Miss Universe organization.

One user stated, "A girl who hasn't graduated from university becoming a beauty queen might struggle to spread positive messages about education. Her words on this issue also lack weight."

Others agree, emphasizing, "If she had a university degree, things would have been different. It's clear she switched to a part-time system but still didn't complete her studies."

However, some defend Ky Duyen, arguing that beauty queens need to embody multiple qualities beyond academic achievements and that a university degree is not a prerequisite for being worthy of the title. They also highlight the importance of what a beauty queen contributes during and after her reign.

"The essence of beauty contests like Miss Universe is entertainment. Therefore, it's not necessary for contestants to have a university or college degree," another viewer commented.

Amid the controversy, Ky Duyen has remained silent, choosing not to directly address the issue. On her personal social media page, she posted, "I appreciate the efforts and pursuits that led to my achievements! It will never be too late to start anew."

At Miss Universe Vietnam 2024, the organizers required contestants to hold a high school diploma or equivalent from abroad. A college or university degree was not a requirement, so the contestant did not violate any competition rules.

Not only Ky Duyen but first runner-up Quynh Anh also faced academic scrutiny. Quynh Anh had only completed high school, pausing her university studies in Hanoi to participate in The Face Vietnam 2018 and later postponing her college program in Ho Chi Minh City to compete in Supermodel Me 2021 in Singapore. To date, Quynh Anh has not resumed her studies.

International pageant criteria

Ky Duyen has just been crowned Miss Universe Vietnam 2024.

Last year, Bui Quynh Hoa faced allegations of being expelled from Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Cinema for "violating academic regulations in the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year." Miss Universe Vietnam 2023 later enrolled in a distance learning course at the National Economics University (Hanoi).

In past years, Miss Universe Vietnam did not require contestants to hold a university degree, allowing many women to compete based on their beauty, though higher education achievements sometimes led to criticism if attained.

For example, Ngoc Chau admitted to being criticized for not obtaining her bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Ton Duc Thang University (Ho Chi Minh City) due to exceeding the probation period. The beauty queen acknowledged that having a university degree helps ensure one's career and, after reevaluating her career path, she applied for a communications and marketing major.

From H'Hen Niê and Khanh Van to Kim Duyen, Vietnamese representatives in Miss Universe have had their educational backgrounds closely scrutinized.

Kim Duyen, representing Vietnam in Miss Universe 2021, left Nam Can Tho University at the end of her first year, then moved to Singapore to study foreign languages and pursued a business administration certificate. During this time, Kim Duyen faced criticism for having 43 credits outstanding and was marked as "withdrawn" on Nam Can Tho University's website.

Globally, Miss Universe pageants in recent years have not required contestants to hold a university degree, though many winners do possess strong academic backgrounds.

For instance, last year Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, who holds a degree in Mass Communication from Universidad Centroamericana, won the title. Miss Universe 2022 R'Bonney Nola Gabriel holds a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design and Manufacturing from North Texas University (USA). Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray earned a master's degree in music from Berklee College of Music (Boston, USA).

However, academic qualifications are not the sole factor for victory; winners also display standout beauty, confident demeanor, and effectively communicate their personal ideals.

Meanwhile, according to WWD, to participate in Miss World, contestants are not required to hold a university degree but must be women aged 17 to 27, unmarried, and without children. Participants must also be citizens of the country they represent or have significant residency.

Miss Grand International emphasizes the 4Bs criteria - Beauty, Body, Brain, and Business - while Miss International seeks well-rounded beauty: attitude, punctuality, intelligence.

These competitions require contestants to be ready to work proactively and bring their personal marks to inspire the community. Higher education is not mentioned as a requirement.

VNN/Znews