How a Zambian Psychiatrist Won the Fully Funded Australia Awards Africa Short Course Scholarship to Complete Public Mental Health Training at Queensland University of Technology

My name is Brian Maila, MD, a psychiatrist and public mental health professional from Zambia with a strong interest in mental health systems strengthening, substance use disorders, and global mental health policy. I am passionate about transforming mental health and addiction service delivery, particularly through integration into primary care. I am currently pursuing a Joint Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Research on Substance Use at San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego. My work has focused on expanding access to community-level mental health services and informing policy reforms through research. My decision to pursue further education Australia Awards Africa short course scholarship in this field was shaped by the significant mental health treatment gap I observed in my country and across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Australia Awards Short Course in Mental Health Care in a Public Health Context in 2019 that was conducted jointly by Queensland University of Technology and The Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, an institution ran jointly out of a shared vision and commitment to collaboration between members of the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town (UCT), and the Psychology Department at Stellenbosch University (SU) was an appropriate program for me to contribute positively to national public mental health reforms in Zambia.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

In 2019, I was awarded the prestigious Australia Awards Africa Short Course Scholarship in Mental Health Care in a Public Health Context. The program was delivered by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in partnership with the Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, which is jointly managed by the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Department of Psychology at Stellenbosch University (SU). The course comprised three weeks of in-person training in Australia, three weeks in South Africa, and six weeks of online mentoring. The scholarship provided full funding, covering tuition, travel, accommodation, living expenses, and health insurance. I did not pursue other concurrent scholarships at the time, as this award aligned perfectly with my professional goals in mental health policy and leadership.

Educational Background

At the time of applying for the Australia Awards Africa Short Course Scholarship in Mental Health Care in a Public Health Context, I held a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology (BSc HB) and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), both from the University of Zambia School of Medicine. I was also in my third year of the Master of Medicine in Psychiatry program at the same institution. These qualifications provided a solid foundation for designing and implementing an evidence-based, policy-relevant Reintegration Action Plan (RAP) during the scholarship. I undertook the short course as an intercalated training opportunity that complemented my postgraduate studies. In hindsight, it was one of the most pivotal decisions in my professional journey, a transformative experience that significantly shaped the direction of my career, particularly in the integration of mental health into public health systems. As part of the program, I developed an RAP focused on piloting antenatal depression screening at Chelstone First Level Hospital. This initiative, which followed the local validation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) as a brief screening tool, aimed to advocate for the integration of mental health services into routine primary health care, especially within antenatal care settings.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Queensland University of Technology?

I learned about the scholarship through a former classmate who was aware of my Master of Medicine in Psychiatry training and believed the program would be an excellent fit for me. They shared the application link, and after reviewing it, I found that it was indeed well aligned with my training needs at the time. This occurred just a few weeks before the application deadline. My preparation involved thoroughly reviewing the call for applications to assess the eligibility criteria, engaging with mentors and referees for strong recommendation letters, and carefully examining the program syllabus. I also identified key systemic mental health gaps in Zambia and clearly articulated how my proposed work would align with national priorities. Additionally, I consulted widely to ensure the feasibility of my proposed Reintegration Action Plan (RAP).

Standardized Tests and Information Sources

To prepare for the application, I relied heavily on resources from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australia Awards Africa websites. These platforms provided clear guidance on scholarship criteria, application timelines, and country-specific eligibility requirements. They also featured a template of the Reintegration Action Plan, which helped me shape my application effectively. The application process did not require standardized tests. However, after being accepted into the program, I was asked by the scholarship team to complete the English Quick Placement Test prior to the start of the course. I completed this test as part of the pre-course formalities, and it was established that I did not require any pre-program English placement training.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Australia Awards Scholarship?

The Australia Awards Short Course application process involved several key steps. I began by carefully reviewing the eligibility criteria and ensuring that my application aligned with the program’s development priorities; specifically, the strengthening of mental health systems in Africa. Central to my submission was a compelling Reintegration Action Plan (RAP) focused on addressing antenatal depression through the validation of a screening tool and the provision of clinical training, with the goal of contributing to national mental health policy reforms in Zambia.

To strengthen the RAP, I engaged key local stakeholders at Chelstone Hospital, secured organizational support, and aligned the initiative with the Ministry of Health’s objective of bringing health services as close to the people as possible. I also emphasized my previous leadership roles, community engagement efforts, and long-term vision for advancing mental health policy. Finally, I compiled all supporting documents, including academic credentials, identification, and letters of recommendation, and submitted a completed application through the Online Australia Awards Scholarships Information System (OASIS).

How Was Your Experience at Queensland University of Technology?

The training at Queensland University of Technology (Brisbane, Australia) and the Alan J. Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health (Cape Town, South Africa) was outstanding and transformative. The course was immersive, interactive, and grounded in both theory and practice. The curriculum covered mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention, and system integration. We engaged with public health experts, visited mental health facilities, and collaborated with peers from across Africa, gaining valuable insights into regional and global mental health care approaches.

I developed lasting relationships with peers and faculty, many of whom remain active collaborators in mental health research. Site visits like Biala City Community Health Centre gave me practical insights into medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which I implemented upon returning to Zambia. Site visits and mentoring also supported the refinement of my Regional Action Plan, leading to the successful implementation of depression screening for pregnant women at Chelstone First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.

The project screened 281 women and linked those needing further assessment to on-site mental health services. I also co-authored a research article with a fellow participant from Cameroon, highlighting key lessons from the Australia Awards Africa Short Course. The article is available here: ResearchGate link.

How Do You Rate Queensland University of Technology Academically and Why?

I rate QUT and its partners highly for their academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum and the use of innovative teaching methods. The program delivered practical, research-informed training specifically tailored to the needs of African mental health systems. Its modular structure, combined with culturally sensitive content and delivery, made the course both relevant and impactful for real-world applications. The faculty was not only knowledgeable but also invested in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and leadership skills in global health.

How Does Queensland University of Technology Support International Students?

The institution, supported by the Australia Awards team, provided comprehensive support for international students across logistical, academic, and emotional domains. This included a well-organized pre-departure orientation that prepared us for both academic and cultural integration. During the course, personalized mentoring and responsive program coordination ensured a smooth learning experience.

Importantly, the support extended beyond the classroom, ongoing alumni engagement, and follow-up mechanisms allowed for continued refinement and successful implementation of my Regional Action Plan (RAP), even after the course had ended. This sustained support was instrumental in translating training into meaningful impact in my home country.

Would Students Face Language Barriers in Australia and South Africa?

Students are unlikely to face language barriers in either Australia or South Africa. Australia is an English-speaking country, and all course content was delivered in English, ensuring accessibility for participants from across Africa. In South Africa, while the country is multilingual, English is widely spoken and commonly used in academic and professional settings. The program in Cape Town was also conducted entirely in English, allowing for smooth communication and full participation throughout the training.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application to the Australia Awards Africa Scholarship stood out because it identified a clear, measurable public health problem, depression in pregnancy, and proposed an evidence-based, practical, and scalable solution. The RAP was backed by local institutional support, a plan for skills transfer to ensure sustainability, and alignment with national policy frameworks promoting integration of services and delivery of health services, including mental health care, to be as close to the people as possible. The combination of relevance, feasibility, and policy alignment in the proposed project, along with my academic background at the time, made my application for the scholarship compelling.

What Would You Have Done Differently If You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would have started my preparations earlier, especially gathering references and drafting the Reintegration Action Plan earlier to allow for broader stakeholder consultations. This would have strengthened the scale-up framework and integration with national policies even further. Earlier planning would have allowed for more review and refinement of my application materials to ensure a stronger submission. Moreover, I would have assessed other funding partnerships earlier to ensure sustainability beyond the pilot phase. Resource mobilization was the main challenge despite strong local buy-in.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Start early, be intentional, and align your goals with the scholarship’s mission. Give yourself ample time to understand the eligibility requirements and design a strong, well-structured application. Begin by clearly identifying and defining a local problem you are passionate about solving, and develop a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) Reintegration Action Plan (RAP) that demonstrates how you will use the knowledge gained from the program to address the problem and how your proposed solution will have a sustainable, long-term impact.

Discuss your plans with your employer, local stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure your RAP is grounded in real needs and has institutional support. Strong letters of recommendation and clear alignment with national or organizational priorities can significantly strengthen your application. Seek mentorship or consultations from past scholars or alumni who can provide practical insights. Leverage your professional and academic networks; these connections will not only guide your proposal but can also lead to lasting collaborations.

Throughout the process, remember that this scholarship is more than just academic; it is a platform for leadership and public service. Articulate how you will apply the knowledge and skills you gain to drive development and positive changes in your country or region. Demonstrate not only your academic qualifications, but your commitment to impact, equity, and inclusive growth.