Australia Awards Scholarship Scholar Eliki Waqavakatoga from Fiji Shares Their Journey of Securing a Fully Funded Master's at the University of New England, Australia

My name is Eliki Waqavakatoga, and I am from Fiji. I have a professional background in economics, project analysis, strategic planning, policy development, and monitoring and evaluation. Throughout my career, I have worked in both technical and leadership roles within the public sector, supporting planning, performance improvement, and evidence-based decision-making.

I pursued further education in Monitoring and Evaluation because I saw the growing need for stronger systems to measure results, improve accountability, and support better decision-making within government and development programs. While I already had practical experience in planning and analysis, I wanted to strengthen my technical expertise and gain a deeper understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies that could be applied in Fiji's development context.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

I was awarded an Australia Awards Scholarship through Australia Awards Fiji to undertake studies at the University of New England in Australia.

The scholarship was fully funded and covered tuition fees, travel, living expenses, health insurance, academic support, and scholar development activities. One aspect I particularly appreciated was that Australia Awards Fiji supported scholars throughout the entire journey, from the application stage and pre departure preparation through to study support and post scholarship engagement.

Educational Background

My educational background includes qualifications in Economics, Project Analysis, and Monitoring and Evaluation.

My economics training provided a strong understanding of economic development, policy analysis, resource allocation, and analytical thinking. My project analysis background strengthened my ability to assess investments, programs, and development initiatives. In addition, I obtained a Monitoring and Evaluation Certification, which further developed my understanding of performance measurement, data analysis, reporting, and results based management.

These qualifications, combined with my professional experience, provided a strong foundation for further studies and allowed me to connect academic learning with practical challenges faced within government and development organizations.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of New England?

I focused on identifying programs that aligned closely with my professional responsibilities and long-term career goals. I wanted a qualification that would strengthen my ability to improve planning, monitoring, evaluation, and policy systems rather than simply obtaining another academic credential.

I reviewed available programs and considered how the learning could be applied within Fiji's public sector and development environment.

How Did You Find Information About the Australia Awards Scholarship and the University of New England?

I learned about the opportunity through the Australia Awards Fiji. The program provided comprehensive information about scholarship opportunities, eligibility requirements, participating institutions, and study options.

I also researched universities and programs independently to ensure they aligned with my professional interests and development objectives.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests Such as SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT?

No. I was not required to sit for IELTS or any other standardized English language examination because my previous qualifications had been completed in English and met the scholarship and university requirements.

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

I carefully reviewed the scholarship requirements and spent time reflecting on my professional journey, achievements, leadership experience, and future aspirations.

My focus was on clearly demonstrating how the scholarship would strengthen my ability to contribute to Fiji's development. I highlighted my experience in economics, project analysis, planning, policy development, and monitoring and evaluation, and explained how the qualification would help me improve systems, strengthen institutional performance, and support evidence-based decision-making.

I also ensured that my application communicated not only what I hoped to gain personally, but how the knowledge and skills would ultimately benefit Fiji.

How is Your Experience at the University of New England?

My experience was positive and rewarding. The program was practical, professionally relevant, and directly applicable to the work I was undertaking. The learning environment encouraged critical thinking, independent analysis, and the practical application of monitoring and evaluation concepts.

The opportunity to learn alongside professionals from diverse backgrounds also provided valuable perspectives and broadened my understanding of how evaluation is applied across different sectors and countries.

How Do You Rate the University of New England Academically?

I would rate the institution highly. The academic content was relevant, the lecturers were knowledgeable, and the learning approach encouraged practical application rather than simply focusing on theory.

The program equipped me with knowledge and tools that I continue to use in my professional work today.

How Does the University of New England Support International Students?

The university provided access to academic support services, learning resources, student assistance programs, and flexible learning arrangements. Australia Awards Fiji also played an important role in supporting scholars throughout their studies and helping them successfully navigate the academic journey.

What Did You Pursue After the Australia Awards Scholarship?

Following the scholarship, I continued building my career within the public sector and applying the knowledge and skills gained through my studies.

The scholarship strengthened my ability to lead strategic planning, policy development, monitoring and evaluation initiatives, and organizational performance improvement efforts. Throughout my career, I have contributed to strengthening evidence-based decision-making, performance reporting, and planning systems within government.

Today, I serve as the Head of the Planning and Policy Development Division at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji. I have also led significant initiatives, including the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation Competency Framework for Fiji's health sector, aimed at strengthening monitoring and evaluation capacity, workforce development, and organizational performance across the health system.

The scholarship has played an important role in strengthening my professional capabilities and leadership capacity, allowing me to contribute more effectively to national development efforts.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing the Native Language?

Not applicable, as Australia is an English-speaking country and all academic instruction was conducted in English.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it combined academic preparation, practical professional experience, leadership potential, and a clear commitment to public service.

Rather than focusing solely on personal advancement, I demonstrated how the scholarship would support my ability to contribute to Fiji's development and strengthen systems that benefit communities and public institutions.

I was able to present a clear connection between my previous experience, my proposed studies, and the impact I hoped to achieve upon completion.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

If I were going through the process again, I would start preparing earlier and spend more time documenting my achievements, leadership experiences, and examples of development impact.

Applicants often underestimate the importance of reflecting on their accomplishments and clearly articulating how their work has contributed to positive change.

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

My advice is simple: do not let someone else stop you from pursuing something you believe you deserve.

There will always be people who doubt your abilities, question your qualifications, or tell you that the competition is too strong. Do not allow those opinions to become barriers to your success.

In many cases, the biggest obstacle to success is ourselves. If you decide not to apply because you think you are not good enough, then you have already denied yourself the opportunity before anyone else has had the chance to assess your potential.

Believe in yourself, prepare thoroughly, tell your story honestly, and focus on the contribution you want to make to your country and community.

You may not control the outcome, but you can control whether you take the opportunity. Apply, give it your best effort, and never reject yourself before others have had the opportunity to see your potential.