Australia Awards Scholarship Recipient, Francis Danny Gomas from Fiji, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity (Cloud Security) at the University of Sydney, Australia

My name is Francis Danny Gomas. I was born in India and have spent the majority of my life in Fiji. I bring six years of industry experience working as a software engineer. I have completed a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, specialising in Cloud Security, from the University of Sydney. I chose to pursue this program driven by a strong interest in the field and a recognition of the growing global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS), a fully funded scholarship, in 2024 to pursue a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, specialising in Cloud Security, at the University of Sydney. The program had a duration of 1.5 years, and the estimated total value of the scholarship was approximately AUD 150,000.

Educational Background

Prior to commencing my Master’s degree, I completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji, achieving a GPA of 4.25/4.5. Before that, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Information Systems from the same institution, with a GPA of 3.92/4.5.

In the Pacific region, cybersecurity has long been a priority area due to the shortage of skilled professionals in this domain. I believe that my Postgraduate Diploma provided a strong foundational understanding of cybersecurity and set clear expectations for advanced study, aligning closely with my professional interests and career aspirations.

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

How Did You Find Information About Scholarships and the University of Sydney?

The Australia Awards Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships available in Fiji. I learned about the scholarship through the Australia Awards website, where I was able to review detailed information about the program and its requirements.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

No, it wasn’t a requirement for me to take any of these tests.

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

I dedicated significant time to researching the scholarship, as well as leading Australian universities that offer face-to-face Master’s programs in Cybersecurity. I also began preparing my application through AusAID Fiji, a process that required considerable time, reflection, and careful thought in responding to the application questions.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe I stood out as an applicant due to my Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity, which clearly demonstrated my strong interest and foundational knowledge in the field. In addition, I was able to draw on my prior experience participating in cybersecurity-related tasks in the workplace and effectively relate these experiences in my application. Finally, my role at the time as a Web Engineer at ANZ Bank Fiji allowed me to emphasise the critical importance of cybersecurity within the financial sector.

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

There are two aspects I wish I had approached differently. First, I would have applied for the Australia Awards Scholarship in the previous years as well, to increase my opportunities. Second, I would have started working on my application form earlier, allowing more time for reflection and careful preparation.

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

I would suggest that those looking to pursue higher studies keep an eye out for fully funded scholarships, such as the AAS, which provide an opportunity to experience student life abroad once again. These scholarships allow you to meet people from diverse backgrounds, gain exposure to different cultures, and visit new places, making the experience both academically and personally enriching.