Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship and New Zealand Development (NZAID) Scholar, Dr. Albert Muleke from Kenya, Pursued His PhD in Agricultural Science at the University of Tasmania and His Master’s in Agricultural Science at Lincoln University

Hi, I’m Dr. Albert Muleke, and I come from Nakuru, Kenya. Nakuru is a vibrant town in the Great Rift Valley, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife. At the heart of the town lies Lake Nakuru, famous for its large numbers of flamingos. The surrounding Lake Nakuru National Park is home to endangered species such as black and white rhinos, Rothschild giraffes, lions, leopards, and buffalo. Beyond its natural beauty, Nakuru’s warmth, culture, and community spirit played a big role in shaping the values that guided me on my scholarship journey.

The journey

From early on in life, I aspired to build a research-oriented career and worked steadily toward that goal. Along the way, I was fortunate to receive two highly competitive scholarships: the Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship, which enabled me to pursue a PhD at the University of Tasmania in Australia, and the New Zealand Development (NZAID) Scholarship, which supported my Master’s degree at Lincoln University, New Zealand. Both were fully funded scholarships, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and relocation costs.

Securing these scholarship opportunities was the result of my careful planning, deliberate preparation, and persistence. I first completed my Bachelor’s degree in Kenya with first-class honours, which laid a strong academic foundation for postgraduate admissions and scholarship applications. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I consistently maintained high grades. Since Kenya is an English-speaking country, all my coursework was in English, which meant that I did not need to take an English language test during my scholarship application process.

After graduating from undergraduate studies, I devoted myself fully to exploring postgraduate scholarship opportunities. I researched what makes a strong application, shortlisted the scholarships I was eligible for, and carefully prepared each requirement. To improve my chances, I applied broadly to several competitive international scholarships, including Commonwealth and Chevening (UK), Fulbright (USA), Eiffel (France), DAAD (Germany), NZAID (New Zealand), Australia Awards (AAS), and MEXT (Japan).

Eventually, I was awarded two fully funded Master-level scholarships: NZAID and AAS. Alongside my academic performance, what strengthened my applications were my relevant work experience and a clear plan to contribute to my country’s development. During the application period, I secured a job closely aligned with the scholarship requirements, which equipped me with practical skills to support regional and national development. This experience allowed me to draft a strong, realistic plan for my future contributions. These aspects helped me stand out and demonstrate real impact beyond academics. I ultimately chose the NZAID Scholarship, as it best matched my study interests and long-term career goals.

From the outset of my Master’s studies in New Zealand, I had a clear vision of progressing to a PhD. I focused on maintaining top grades in both coursework and research, eventually achieving first-class honours. Alongside my studies, I gained valuable hands-on experience through roles as a research assistant, data analyst, and consultant. I also took advantage of Lincoln University conference support to present my research at conferences, seminars, and in publications. By the end of my Master’s, I had delivered two conference presentations and published one paper based on my thesis — milestones that further paved the way for the next stage of my academic journey.

After graduating from my Master’s, I set out to secure a PhD opportunity. I reached out to multiple supervisors whose research aligned with my interests. I sent personalized, mini-proposal emails that introduced my background, expressed my genuine interest in their work, and briefly outlined how my research ideas could complement their project. I was fortunate to receive positive feedback from a world-renowned supervisor at the University of Tasmania. With their support, I developed a strong project proposal and applied for the Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS). Alongside my application, I provided evidence of my capabilities, including publications, conference presentations, my research experience, and strong recommendations from referees and my potential supervisor. Preparing for the TGRS was both challenging and transformative — and I was deeply honoured to be awarded the scholarship to pursue my PhD in Agricultural Science.

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

Looking back, I’m grateful for how my scholarship journey unfolded, but there are a few things I would approach differently if I had the chance to do it again. During my Bachelor’s, I devoted almost all my energy to achieving first-class honours. While that was essential, I could have also started researching scholarships, connecting with potential postgraduate institutions, and drafting application materials. An early start would have reduced stress and given me more time to polish my applications.

For my Master’s, I applied to almost every major scholarship I could find across multiple countries. While this increased my chances, it also spread my energy thin. If I were doing it again, I would prioritize scholarships that best matched my research interests and career goals, tailoring each application more carefully.

When it came to my PhD, I realized the value of a strong publication record. At the time, I had only one conference paper from my Master’s thesis. Publishing one or two peer-reviewed papers during my Master’s would have made my PhD applications even more competitive, especially for top universities.

What Advice Would You Give to People Applying for the Same Scholarships?

For prospective applicants preparing to apply for competitive international scholarships like the Australia Awards or New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships, my advice is to start early. Don’t just focus on grades during your Bachelor’s degree; begin researching scholarships, potential supervisors, and eligibility requirements at the same time. Collect documents such as transcripts, certificates, and recommendation letters in advance, and start drafting your application materials as early as possible. An early start reduces stress and gives you time to polish your applications properly.

I would also advise you to apply strategically rather than broadly. During my Master’s applications, I applied to nearly every major international scholarship I could find, which increased my chances but also spread my energy thin. Instead, focus on scholarships that align closely with your academic interests and long-term career goals. For instance, the Australia Awards Scholarships and the New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships are designed for candidates who can demonstrate a clear link between their studies and development in their home country. Tailoring your application to these objectives makes it much stronger.

I strongly encourage applicants to strengthen their profiles beyond academics. Excellent grades are essential, but scholarship committees also value leadership, research ability, and impact potential. Get involved in meaningful projects, seek relevant work experience, and look for opportunities to publish or present your research work. For example, publishing a paper or presenting at a conference can significantly boost your application for competitive PhD scholarships. And remember — rejection is part of the process. Stay persistent, learn from each attempt, and keep refining your applications. The right opportunity will come!