Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholar, Irene from China, Shares Her Journey of Earning Multiple Academic Awards While Completing Her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Finance at the University of Melbourne

Hi, there! I’m Irene, originally from Shanghai, China, and now based in Melbourne, Australia. I recently completed my Master of Finance at the University of Melbourne, where I also earned my Bachelor of Commerce, both with First-Class Honours. I chose finance because I’ve always been drawn to analytical work, problem-solving, and understanding how capital flows shape worldwide businesses and economies. Pursuing postgraduate study felt like the right step to deepen my quantitative skills and open more doors in the financial services industry.

Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship Details

All the scholarships I received were offered by the University of Melbourne:

1. Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship 

The scholarship is awarded to students who are re-enrolling for the current year in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, or Bachelor of Science in recognition of their academic achievements. (A$10,000)

1. Business and Economics Graduate Scholarship 

The scholarship is offered to students enrolled in a graduate coursework degree with the Faculty of Business and Economics in recognition of their academic achievements. I was offered this scholarship to undertake my Master of Finance. (25% fee remission for the duration of my course)

1. Eric J. Ingram Prize in Project Finance

The prize was established by Eric John Henry Ingram, who bequeathed a portion of his estate to the University of Melbourne to reward the student(s) with the highest mark in the subject. I received this prize for achieving the top mark in FNCE90048 Project Finance. (A$302.70)

1. Eric J. Ingram Prize in Case Studies in Finance

The prize was established by Eric John Henry Ingram, who bequeathed a portion of his estate to the University of Melbourne to reward the student(s) with the highest marks in the subject. I received this prize for achieving the top mark in FNCE90013 Case Studies in Finance. (A$302.70)

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor of Commerce (double majored in Finance and Economics) at the University of Melbourne with First-Class Honours, earning multiple academic awards such as the Dean’s Honours List and the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship. My strong academic performance and quantitative training, including econometrics, corporate finance, and financial modelling, built a solid foundation for my Master of Finance. Passing the CFA Level I and II exams in the top 10% also strengthened my preparation for advanced coursework in investment management, equities, and derivatives. 

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

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

Before applying to the University of Melbourne, I gathered information directly from official university websites, faculty pages, and course handbooks to understand program structures and admission requirements. I also spoke with current students and alumni at university events and campus tours to get insight into teaching quality, academic expectations, support services, and recommended study pathways. 

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

I didn’t take any of the SAT/ACT/TOEFL/IELTS/GRE/GMAT exams. Instead, I completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), which is the senior secondary qualification completed by students in Victoria, Australia. The final VCE results determine a student’s ATAR, which Australian universities use for admissions decisions. My preparation focused on maintaining strong results across my subjects and building a solid academic foundation for university-level study.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship?

I didn’t actively search for scholarship information because all the awards I received were based on automatic consideration. Eligible students are evaluated directly by the university, and qualified candidates are awarded the scholarships without needing to apply. 

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Melbourne?

The University of Melbourne offers rigorous, well-structured programs. Both the Bachelor of Commerce and Master of Finance are practical, quantitative, and closely aligned with industry expectations. The degrees are globally recognised, highly ranked, and strike a strong balance between academic theory and real-world application. 

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

Strong academic performance was the key selection criterion for the scholarships and awards I received. 

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

I would have taken a more proactive approach to scholarship research instead of relying solely on automatic university offers. The University of Melbourne provides a wide range of scholarships, many of which require separate applications and value experiences and skills beyond academic performance. Therefore, starting earlier would have given me more time to identify opportunities, tailor applications, and potentially secure additional scholarships.

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

As there are so many scholarships out there, many scholarships reward effort, clarity, and consistency just as much as raw academic performance.

First, focus on building a strong and consistent academic record is never wrong, as a high GPA not only increases your eligibility for scholarships but also strengthens your profile for jobs and other opportunities. Second, make full use of official university resources, connect with alumni, and never assume you’re “not competitive enough.” There are many scholarships available, and a significant number reward commitment, clarity of goals, and steady effort just as much as academic excellence.