Alexander and Zigeng top IB DP students in the world 2024

The Curt Nicolin Academic Achievement Award 2024 goes to Alexander König and Zigeng Zhang.

The award recognizes the academic achievements of students on the IB Diploma Programme at SSHL.

Alexander and Zigeng both achieved 41 points which was the highest score at SSHL last academic year and this puts them in the top 8 % of all IB Diploma students worldwide in the May 2024 examinations.

This means that they, apart from the sum of 10,000 Swedish kronor each that they already received for reaching 40 points, also get to share the extra prize sum of 40,000.

Adrian Feehan, IB DP Coordinator at SSHL:

– Scoring 40 points or more is impressive, and achieved by less than 10% of students worldwide. We had many students working at a consistently high level throughout the Diploma Programme but it takes something extra special to be able to replicate this in the final exams, which in the DP, determine the majority of the grades.

Alexander König together with Sofia Kinberg, School Director and Anna Johansson, IB MYP coordinator. 

Today we had the great pleasure to meet Alexander, as he came to visit SSHL. We also talked to Zigeng about receiving the award:

How do you feel about receiving this award?

Alexander: It’s great fun! And it’s an honor, I must say, not everyone gets it. So it’s really great fun. I’ve studied hard, and this puts a quality stamp on what I’ve done.

Zigeng: It is an honor to receive the Curt Nicolin award, and to be part of a long line of alumni who have also been driven in their studies at the school.

What made you so successful in your studies?

Alexander: It’s probably because I’ve studied a lot! Of course you have to have a balance in your studies, but it’s important to make sure you study all the time, consistently throughout all three years.

Zigeng: I would say that it’s mainly because I liked the hard work. The IB programme is very stimulating and keeps you super busy. I think it’s fun to work with something that feels important, and so schoolwork became very easy to get involved in – and a bonus that it was a fast pace programme.

What are your plans for the near future?

Alexander: This autumn it’s the Stockholm School of Economics for me. I continue studying right away, because I know that is what I want to do. As for the future in general, I take it one step at a time.

Zigeng: This autumn I will start studying at the Stockholm School of Economics.

How has your time at SSHL been?

Alexander: It’s been great! I’ve had very good teachers, and good school friends too.

Zigeng: SSHL is a unique place, filled with interesting people and perspectives. I think that the school has made me well prepared to face life after my time at SSHL.

Alexander and Zigeng are very well deserving recipients of the Curt Nicolin prize and we wish them both the best of luck!

Zigeng Zhang outside the entrance to the Stockholm School of Economics. 

The Curt Nicolin award recognises students who reach 40 points or more. Beyond the recognition, all recipients are awarded a prize sum of SEK 10,000. The student who rises to the top to achieve the highest overall score at SSHL receives an additional award sum of SEK 40,000.

Every year on Scholarship prize Day, we also recognise a large number of students with several other scholarships, awards and prizes.

Below: Alexander König together with Sofia Kinberg, School Director at SSHL.