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 Australia Awards Scholarship?

To prepare for the Australia Awards Scholarship, I dedicated substantial time to thoroughly researching the scholarship’s objectives, eligibility criteria, and selection process to ensure that my goals aligned with its core values. I also conducted detailed research on leading Australian universities that offer face-to-face Master’s programs in Cybersecurity, carefully reviewing program structures, course content, and how these programs would support my long-term professional aspirations.

In parallel, I began preparing my application through AusAID Fiji, recognizing that the process required careful planning, self-reflection, and a strong understanding of my academic and professional journey. I invested considerable time in thoughtfully responding to the application questions, ensuring that my answers clearly articulated my motivations, career goals, and commitment to contributing to Fiji’s development upon completion of my studies. This preparation process allowed me to refine my objectives, strengthen my application, and present a well-considered and genuine representation of my capabilities and aspirations.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out due to a combination of my academic background, professional experience, and a clear sense of direction. Completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Cybersecurity demonstrated my strong interest and solid foundational knowledge in the field. In addition, I was able to draw on my prior experience handling cybersecurity-related tasks in the workplace and effectively connect these experiences to my academic pursuits and long-term career aspirations.

Furthermore, my role at the time as a Web Engineer at ANZ Bank, Fiji allowed me to highlight the critical importance of cybersecurity within the financial sector and demonstrate my understanding of real-world security challenges. I also made a conscious effort to clearly outline my goals and future plans, showing how the scholarship would support my professional development and enable me to contribute meaningfully to the cybersecurity landscape in my country. I believe this clear vision, combined with relevant qualifications and practical experience, helped differentiate my application from others.

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

I would advise applicants to be confident in their abilities and to communicate their ideas clearly and honestly, both while filling the application form and during the interview. I found that preparing thoroughly and practicing through mock interviews made a significant difference, as it helped me structure my answers better and speak with greater confidence.

I would also encourage applicants to actively look out for fully funded scholarships, such as the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS), as they provide an excellent opportunity to study abroad and gain exposure to different cultures and academic environments. Lastly, I believe it is important not to feel discouraged if you are not selected on your first attempt. The competition is very high due to the large number of applicants each year. From my perspective, persistence is essential—continuing to apply, learning from each experience, and improving your application will eventually lead to your selection.