Indonesian Public Health Researcher Wins Australia Awards Scholarship to Study at UNSW

Hello, my name is Dita, and I am from Jakarta, Indonesia. I completed my Master’s degree in Public Health at the University of New South Wales, Australia. Prior to pursuing my Master’s, I worked at a local non-governmental research institute.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

I received a full scholarship from the Australian Government through the Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS). This scholarship provides full funding for postgraduate studies (Master’s and PhD) at public universities across Australia. It offers comprehensive benefits, including:

• Tuition fees
• Pre-Departure Training (including English for Academic Purposes) prior to commencement of studies in Australia;
• An airfare return-ticket (economy)
• Medical examination and student visa application
• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Establishment allowance (5,000 AUD)
• A fortnightly stipend (±1,300 AUD)
• Introductory Academic Program (IAP) prior to the commencement of Masters or PhD studies

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Public Health at the University of Indonesia, graduating with a GPA of 3.74/4.00. I specialized in Epidemiology, a field heavily focused on research, which helped me secure my first position at a research institute. My academic background and experience in public health research aligned well with the AAS focus areas, particularly in health and development.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for Australia Awards Scholarships?

To apply for AAS, a minimum English language proficiency score is required. Applicants may choose from IELTS, TOEFL ITP/iBT, or PTE Academic. I took the Academic IELTS, where the minimum score for a Master’s Award was 6.0. I took the test at the British Council in Jakarta after completing an IELTS preparation course at IALF (available both online and in-person).

Once I was awarded the scholarship, Australia Awards Indonesia assisted in managing the university application process. I only needed to submit my preferred institutions and degree program.

Preparing for the scholarship required substantial research and planning. I began by identifying the gap between my current qualifications and what I aimed to achieve, then aligned this with how the scholarship could support Indonesia’s development. I created a study plan that outlined the program I wanted to pursue, the skills I aimed to gain, the challenges I might face, and strategies to overcome them. Most importantly, this plan helped me clearly link my studies to public health challenges in Indonesia and how I hoped to contribute to solving them.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my research background was a key strength. Since public health research is a priority area for AAS and closely tied to human development, it aligned well with the scholarship’s objectives. Furthermore, my study plan, which I had created earlier, really helped me be detailed and structured in my scholarship application.

What would you have done differently if you were going through the process again?

If I could do it again, I would dedicate more time to interview preparation. I only did about three mock interviews with different questions. More practice would have helped me become more confident and better prepared for the actual interview.

What advice would you give to those looking to apply for a similar scholarship?

Do thorough research before applying. Take the time to reflect deeply on what you hope to achieve and how your goals can contribute to your country’s development. When applying, frame your application in a society-centric way rather than a self-centric one. Instead of focusing only on personal gain, highlight how your studies, skills, and future plans will benefit your community and country.