Indian Student Wins Multiple Scholarships to Study Commerce at University of Melbourne

Hi! My name is Gurjas Singh, and I completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Management and Marketing. I’ve always been interested in how businesses grow and make decisions, which led me to explore both strategy and consumer behaviour through a double major.

Over time, I became especially curious about how decisions at all levels — from the front line to leadership — shape an organisation’s direction and culture. That also sparked my interest in stakeholder engagement and how managing relationships plays a big role in creating lasting impact. I’ve always been drawn to bridging big-picture thinking with practical execution, and that’s guided both my studies and career goals.

Scholarship Details

I was fortunate to receive the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, awarded by the University of Melbourne, which provided a one-off grant of AUD $10,000. In addition to that, I was also offered the Bachelor of Commerce Global Scholarship, which offered a 20% fee remission throughout the course of my degree. Both scholarships were awarded based on academic merit and served as a great motivation to keep striving for excellence throughout university.

Educational Background

Before starting university, I completed my high school education in India, where I consistently performed well academically. I focused on subjects like economics, business studies, and mathematics — areas that sparked my early interest in how organisations operate and how strategic decisions are made. I realised early on that this was a field I wanted to explore further and actively contribute to in the future.

My academic performance placed me among the top students in my cohort, which helped me qualify for competitive university programs and scholarships. Outside the classroom, I was actively involved in extracurricular activities that helped me develop leadership skills and a strong sense of teamwork — both of which proved valuable in my transition to university life.

For students hoping to secure a scholarship, I’d strongly recommend researching what scholarships they may be eligible for early on and setting a clear goal to exceed the required academic threshold in high school. It not only opens up more opportunities but also gives you clarity and motivation throughout the process.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Australian Universities?

Research, research, research — that’s what it all came down to. I thoroughly explored every institution I was interested in, making sure the coursework aligned with my academic goals and long-term interests. I also looked at things beyond just the course structure — like breadth subjects, extracurricular opportunities, and what the overall student experience might be like.

I spent time on online platforms and communities to get a general sense of what studying at each university would actually feel like. From there, I built a shortlist of priority and backup universities based on what aligned best with both my aspirations and academic profile.

An important piece of advice I’d share is to research the eligibility criteria and admission focus for each country — they differ more than you might think. I found that Australian institutions tend to be more academic-heavy in their selection criteria, whereas U.S. universities often place significant, if not equal, weight on extracurricular achievements. Understanding these differences early on can help students tailor their efforts accordingly.

I also took the IELTS exam, preparing through online resources and practice tests. While research is incredibly useful, I’d say the most important thing is building a strong high school base — academically and personally. That foundation makes everything else smoother, whether it's applying to universities or standing out for scholarships.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

For some of the scholarships I applied to, it came down to academic merit — so I set clear grade goals early in high school to make sure I met the eligibility criteria. Having that clarity from the beginning helped me stay focused and work towards something tangible.

Other scholarships looked beyond grades and required a more holistic view of who I was. For those, I reflected deeply on my extracurricular involvement and made sure my personal statements genuinely captured what I had learned from those experiences. It wasn’t about listing achievements — it was about showing growth, values, and authenticity.

In some cases, I think being in the right place at the right time also played a role. But what mattered most was being prepared, putting in consistent effort, and presenting my story in a way that felt real. Getting feedback from mentors and refining my application materials helped me communicate that clearly.

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

To be honest, I don’t think I would have done anything differently — everything worked out the way it was meant to. But if I were to share a few tips for future students, I’d say: know your deadlines, research a lot, don’t hesitate to ask for help (whether from people around you or online communities), and maybe say a little prayer too.

Also, get involved — whether you're in high school or already at university. Join extracurriculars, meet people, explore different interests, and see what works for you and what doesn’t. The process is a lot more enjoyable when you’re learning, growing, and having fun while building skills that will stay with you long after applications are over.

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

Be clear about what you’re aiming for and know your deadlines. I’d recommend picking subjects in high school that you’re actually interested in — or at least kind of enjoy. When you are curious about what you’re studying, it’s way easier to stay motivated and do well.

For me, having that interest helped me build a solid base and get the academic scores I needed for the scholarship. So don’t just think about what looks good — think about what feels right for you. Focus, plan ahead, and give it your best shot.