How an Indonesian Policy Leader Won the Fully Funded Australia Awards Scholarship to Pursue a PhD in Business at the University of South Australia

Hi, my name is Kingkin Fitoriani, and I currently work at the Ministry of Public Works, Republic of Indonesia, under the Directorate General of Infrastructure Finance. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep interest in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), particularly in project management and project finance within the infrastructure sector.

I have been awarded the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) for the 2025 Semester 2 intake, and I will be pursuing a PhD in Business at the University of South Australia (soon to be Adelaide University). My decision to further my education in this field stems from my desire to bridge policy and practice, and to contribute more meaningfully to evidence-based policymaking and PPP project design, especially in the context of Indonesia’s infrastructure development.

I’m also a mother of a 13-year-old daughter who will accompany me in this academic journey, not only to stay close as a family, but also to give her the opportunity to experience a high-quality international education, develop cultural awareness, and grow in a supportive, diverse learning environment during her formative years.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

I received the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS), a prestigious and fully funded scholarship program offered by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). This program is part of Australia’s broader commitment to supporting sustainable development in partner countries, including Indonesia, by investing in human capital and leadership potential.

The scholarship provides extensive support for awardees, covering:

• Full tuition fees for the duration of the study
• Establishment allowance upon arrival in Australia
• Return airfares to and from Australia
• Living expenses (stipend) for the entire study period
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Pre-departure training and enrichment programs, including IELTS preparation, academic readiness workshops, and cross-cultural orientation
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP) in Australia
• Supplementary academic support during the study

Beyond the financial and logistical support, AAS also provides invaluable networking and leadership opportunities. Awardees become part of a global community of changemakers and professionals working across sectors such as government, NGOs, business, and academia. During and after the study, AAS scholars are encouraged to participate in professional forums, policy roundtables, research collaborations, and alumni networking events, which often lead to long-term partnerships across countries.

As part of the Australia Global Alumni Network, I will have access to lifelong learning opportunities, mentoring, and connections with fellow graduates from leading Australian universities. These networks play a crucial role in strengthening people-to-people ties and shaping development cooperation between Australia and Indonesia.

I am deeply honored to be part of the AAS program and committed to applying the knowledge and experiences I gain toward Indonesia’s development priorities, especially in strengthening infrastructure governance and Public-Private Partnerships.

Educational Background

I began my academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia. While architecture provided me with a strong foundation in design thinking, systems integration, and spatial planning, it also sparked my interest in how infrastructure projects are planned, financed, and delivered, beyond their physical form.

This led me to pursue a dual Master’s degree in Economics and Public Policy through a linkage program between the University of Indonesia and the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Japan. The program deepened my understanding of development economics, infrastructure financing models, cost-benefit analysis, and policy evaluation, all of which are critical in shaping infrastructure projects that serve public needs.

My academic training laid the groundwork for my current role at the Ministry of Public Works, Republic of Indonesia, where I serve as a Team Leader in the Policy Formulation under the Directorate General of Infrastructure Finance. Over the years, I’ve been actively involved in the structuring, financing, and regulatory design of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects in sectors such as roads, bridges, and water supply. I work at the intersection of policy and implementation, developing strategic frameworks, conducting public consultations, and coordinating with private investors, legal advisors, and international development institutions.

My educational background in economics and policy allows me to approach infrastructure projects from a multidisciplinary perspective, bridging technical design, financial feasibility, and governance considerations. This experience also shapes my PhD research interest in strengthening evidence-based PPP policymaking and improving investment readiness in emerging economies like Indonesia.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of South Australia?

I started preparing well in advance by researching universities and programs that aligned with my professional goals in PPPs and infrastructure policy. I explored program structures, academic supervisors, research centers, and faculty expertise, especially those with strong linkages to real-world infrastructure and policy research. I also reached out to alumni and looked for universities with research themes that matched my intended dissertation.

The University of South Australia (UniSA) Business School stood out due to its AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and EFMD (EQUIS) accredition, its emphasis on industry-linked research, and its established expertise in public administration, governance, and infrastructure policy, areas that closely align with my professional background and research interests.

As part of the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) process, I received guidance and support in identifying suitable programs and navigating the application procedures. AAS also facilitated communication with the university and helped ensure that my research focus aligned with UniSA's supervisory capacity and research priorities. The credibility of UniSA as a high-performing institution within Australia’s higher education system, combined with the structured application pathway through AAS, gave me confidence in my choice.

As part of the AAS requirements, I sat for the IELTS Academic test and obtained an overall score of 7.0, meeting the language requirements for both the scholarship and university admission.

To prepare for the IELTS, I engaged in self-study using official IELTS preparation materials, practiced with mock exams under timed conditions, and focused particularly on enhancing my academic writing and listening skills. My previous postgraduate education in English (through my Master’s program at GRIPS, Japan) gave me a solid foundation in academic English, which was helpful in preparing for the test.

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

Applying for AAS requires preparation on multiple fronts. I carefully studied the selection criteria, prepared my statement of purpose, and gathered strong letters of recommendation from my previous Master's Degree thesis supervisors. I also made sure my career plan and proposed study had clear development relevance for Indonesia, as AAS highly values return on investment through contributions to national development.

Moreover, I refined my CV to highlight my work in PPPs, wrote and rewrote my development impact statement, and sought feedback from previous awardees and mentors.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe several elements contributed to the strength of my application.

First, my professional experience in policy formulation, especially in the area of infrastructure financing and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), demonstrated a solid alignment between my background and the PhD research I proposed. As a Team Leader at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, I have been actively engaged in shaping national policy strategies, supporting the structuring of PPP projects, and advising on financing frameworks. This role requires a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, bureaucratic processes, and the realities of inter-agency coordination, critical components that influence the success of infrastructure policies in practice.

Second, I was able to show that I not only work in the field but also reflect critically on it. I had a published policy article related to PPPs during the pandemic, which showcased my ability to translate field experience into academic output. This was a valuable way to demonstrate both analytical and writing skills, as well as my commitment to evidence-based policymaking.

Third, my application emphasized the importance of networking, stakeholder management, and collaborative governance, as I have worked extensively with government agencies, private sector players, and development partners. These experiences illustrate my capacity to serve as a future policymaker and agent of change, equipped with the skills to design and implement reforms that bridge public goals and private sector expertise

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

If I were to go through the process again, I would start preparing my application documents much earlier, especially the research proposal and personal statements, which are critical components of both university and scholarship applications.

In hindsight, I also would have made more effort to engage with potential supervisors early in the process. Seeking early feedback could have helped me refine my research topic further, not just in terms of academic rigor, but also in terms of practical implementation and policy relevance. This kind of input is invaluable for ensuring the research proposal aligns well with the university’s research strengths while also addressing real-world development challenges.

By allowing more time for review and revision, I believe I could have submitted a proposal that was even stronger and more focused from both a theoretical and applied perspective.

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

• Start Early – Give yourself enough time to research, draft, and refine your application materials. Don’t underestimate how long it takes to write a solid research proposal or a meaningful personal statement. Even with a busy schedule, you need to intentionally make time. Sometimes you have to “force” yourself to create space in your day for this, because if you wait for the perfect moment, it may never come.
• Be Authentic – Don’t try to write what you think the selection panel wants to hear. Write your personal statement from the heart, and show how your personal journey connects with your country’s development goals. Your passion, values, and sincerity are what make your story powerful.
• Tell YOUR Story – You are unique, and your background is part of your strength. You are not just applying for a scholarship; you are building your narrative as a future leader. You are your own brand, so own your story with confidence.
• Get Feedback – Ask for input from alumni, mentors, or peers who have gone through similar processes. Their advice can help you see gaps, strengthen your argument, and polish your application.
• Show Impact – Use real examples from your work to demonstrate your contribution to society, policy, or development. Concrete results speak louder than abstract ambitions. Then, explain how your study will expand or scale that impact.
• Prepare for the Interview – If shortlisted, take time to practice common questions around development issues, your field of study, and your future goals. Think about how to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely.
• Believe in Your Story – Confidence matters. If your application reflects both passion and preparation, and you stay grounded in your purpose, you have every chance to succeed.