How a Cambodian Pharmacist Secured the Fully Funded Australia Awards Scholarship to Study a Master of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney

Hi! My name is Dany, and I’m from a small province in southwestern Cambodia. I recently completed a Master of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney. I chose this degree because I wanted to deepen my clinical knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and learn from Australia’s advanced healthcare system. With the knowledge, skills, and connections I’ve built here, I hope to contribute meaningfully to improving Cambodia’s healthcare system.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. I’ve applied to many scholarships and faced several rejections, but I didn’t give up. In 2022, I took a leap and applied for the Australia Awards Scholarship, and fortunately, I was successful. I was supported by this prestigious, fully-funded scholarship throughout my studies.

The Australia Awards Scholarship is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and aims to support the development priorities of Australia’s partner countries through education and leadership.

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor of Pharmacy from the University of Health Sciences in Cambodia, graduating with a GPA of 3.88 (on a 4.0 scale). I was part of the international program, which required studying both English and French. This foundation really helped me prepare for studying in an English-speaking country and laid the groundwork for my pharmacy knowledge.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Sydney?

To meet the admission requirements, I explored The University of Sydney’s official website for details on academic and English language requirements. I achieved an overall IELTS band score of 7.5 (Listening: 8, Reading: 7, Writing: 6.5, Speaking: 7.5).

To prepare for the IELTS, I used the free materials provided when I registered for the computer-based test and other websites like IELTS Liz and IELTS Buddy. I made sure to understand the exam format and learned strategies for each section. I also set a target score that met both the university and scholarship requirements. I practiced specific skills using websites like IELTS UP, and I spent time improving my vocabulary and test-taking confidence.

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

The first thing I did was research the scholarship criteria—things like required work experience, eligible fields of study, and English proficiency levels.

Attending information sessions held by the Australia Awards team and connecting with alumni were extremely helpful. Their advice and firsthand experiences guided me through the application process and helped me avoid common mistakes.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe what made my application unique was how closely my field of interest aligned with the scholarship’s mission. Clinical pharmacy is still developing in Cambodia, and my career goals directly support system improvement and evidence-based practice in healthcare.

I also had around three years of relevant work experience, which gave me a deeper understanding of the gaps in our healthcare system and the skills I needed to help address them.

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

Looking back, I wish I had started the application process earlier. Rushing near the deadline while balancing work responsibilities was stressful. If I could do it again, I’d start earlier, stop overthinking, and reach out for support sooner.

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

If you’re thinking about applying for a similar scholarship, here’s what I recommend:

• Do your research: Understand the scholarship requirements, the course structure, and the institution you’re applying to.
• Make connections: Reach out to past applicants, both successful and unsuccessful. Their experiences are incredibly valuable. If possible, find a mentor who can support you throughout the process.
• Build a support system: The application journey can be mentally and emotionally tough. Having friends, family, or mentors to encourage you can make a big difference.
• Stay curious and take action: Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply. You never know what you’re capable of until you try!