University at 11: Alisa Pham visits Scholars Academy

Avondale College’s Scholar's Academy was honoured to host Alisa Pham, a truly extraordinary young academic whose journey has inspired people across the country.

Alisa first made headlines as New Zealand’s youngest-ever university student, enrolling at just 11 years old. Alongside her adopted sister Vicky Ngo, she completed five years of high school in just 10 months, and has now graduated with a Bachelor of Communications from AUT.

At 15, Alisa is pursuing two Master’s degrees: one in Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence at AUT, and another in Psychology through Harvard University’s online program. Her academic interests span AI, psychology, media, and cybersecurity, and she currently works as a research assistant at AUT. She’s also the founder of Ozone Points, a digital platform that promotes environmental sustainability through tree- planting and carbon tracking.

With her remarkable intellect and impressive list of achievements, Alisa story sounds to be unrelatable to most people—but her journey has been anything but smooth. Alisa has faced and overcome immense challenges: societal prejudice against migrants, periods of homelessness, financial hardship, and complex immigration battles— including the threat of deportation. These experiences have not only shaped her character but ignited a deep passion for youth empowerment, educational equity, and social innovation.

During her visit to Avondale College, Alisa shared her journey with students, offering insights into the power of curiosity, determination, and community support. She encouraged students to embrace challenges, lead with empathy, and take initiative in shaping their futures.