During Viet Nam's dynastic period, students who had completed 10 years of study participated in the provincial examination (thi Hương) which were held every 3 years. People who passed with high marks were known as cử nhân, and people with lower marks were known as tú tài. The tú tài, people who failed had to attend for following exam, whereas the cử nhân continued their studies another 3 years to take part in the Metropolitan Examination (thi Hội). Those with high marks took part in the Highest Imperial Examination (thi Đình). People who passed the thi Đình were known as Doctoral Laureate (Tiến sỹ). People who came in 1st position were known as Trạng nguyên; people who came in second, Bảng nhãn; and third, Thám hoa.

In preparation for Mid-Autumn Tết, several kids build a "doctoral laurate" out of paper to precise their hope of succeeding in their studies.

Source:vietnamgreentravel.com

Vietnam guide, Vietnam travel guide