How an Indonesian Student Earned Three Merit-Based Scholarships to Study a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Biotechnology at the University of Melbourne

Hello! I am Nathasya Christiana Suryo. I come from a small city in Indonesia called Solo. Recently, I completed my Master of Biotechnology degree at the University of Melbourne. At the same university, I also completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Infection and Immunity. My decision to pursue these programs was driven by my strong interest in being involved in the translation of research findings into practice. Through these degrees, I was able to gain both industry and research experience that is invaluable and unmatched.

Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship Details

In the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown, I was fortunate to receive the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship, which was automatically awarded to me based on my academic merits from the first and second years. This scholarship, worth AUD 10,000, significantly helped to ease the financial burden during that challenging time. Furthermore, when I decided to continue my studies at the same university, I was again granted two scholarships, the Science Graduate Scholarship and the Melbourne Global Graduate Scholarship, each valued at AUD 10,000, both awarded automatically based on my overall undergraduate academic performance.

Educational Background

In 2023, I completed my Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, graduating with a weighted overall mark equivalent to a high First-Class Honours Grade. My academic background has provided me with a strong foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, which has prepared me well to pursue and recently complete my Master of Biotechnology degree from the same university. Coming from a national school background, I was required to undertake the Trinity College Foundation Studies (TCFS) to satisfy the University of Melbourne’s entry requirements. Although TCFS offers a pathway to the university, the journey was far from easy. To secure guaranteed entry into my desired program, I needed to achieve a specific final average score. I initially aimed for the Bachelor of Biomedicine, which had one of the highest entry requirements—around 91. Through hard work, consistent study, and dedication, I was able to achieve a final average score of approximately 93, surpassing my original goal.

Before entering the foundation program, I also had to meet the English language requirement through the IELTS exam. I dedicated three months to intensive IELTS preparation, focusing on improving my English proficiency through practice tests and study materials. This preparation enabled me to meet the required score and gain admission into the foundation program.

Furthermore, throughout my academic journey, my resilience and strong passion for learning were essential in helping me succeed. Despite facing the challenges of COVID-19 lockdowns, I remained focused on my studies by revising regularly, practicing independently, and adapting to remote learning environments. These experiences not only strengthened my self-discipline and adaptability but also deepened my academic interest and motivation to pursue further education in this field.

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

Since these scholarships were awarded to me automatically based on my academic merits, my advice for those seeking similar opportunities is to prioritize maintaining strong academic performance throughout their studies. This can be accomplished by setting clear academic goals, consistently applying effort, and cultivating effective study habits. Furthermore, minimizing procrastination is essential to success. Personally, I found that avoiding procrastination enabled me to sustain high grades during both my undergraduate and postgraduate studies. I employed the same strategies across both levels, which proved effective; therefore, I encourage you to begin your work promptly, as delaying may result in missed opportunities.