Australia Awards Scholar from Indonesia Shares Her Master’s Experience at ANU

Halo!

My name is Rhema Wijaya, and I come from Indonesia. Currently I am a student in the program of Master of Environmental Management and Development, Crawford School of Public Policy in the Australian National University.

Before starting my master's, I spent around 10 years working in communications for environmental and development projects. With the growing urgency of environmental and climate issues, I’ve come to realize how important it is for communication professionals like me to truly grasp the complexities behind these challenges. Only then can we make them more accessible and relatable to a broader audience, so that more people are not just aware but also understand what’s at stake.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

I am incredibly grateful to be a recipient of the Australia Awards Scholarship—a prestigious and transformative opportunity offered to future leaders from developing countries. This scholarship allows recipients to pursue study, research, and professional development in Australia, with the goal of returning home to contribute to their countries’ development, prosperity, and resilience.

In Indonesia, the Australia Awards is the longest-running foreign scholarship, administered by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

The scholarship provides comprehensive support for my studies, including:

• Full tuition fees
• Return airfare to and from Australia
• A fortnightly stipend to help covering living expenses
• Visa application costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• An Introductory Academic Program (IAP)
• Additional academic and professional support throughout the study period

This scholarship has opened doors not only to quality education but also to lifelong networks and personal growth.

Educational Background

For my undergraduate studies, I majored in International Relations and earned a Bachelor of Political Science from Parahyangan Catholic University in Bandung, Indonesia, graduating with a GPA of 3.67/4.00.

While my undergraduate degree is not directly related to my current field of study, it played a significant role in shaping my way of thinking and developing my professional path. The critical thinking, analytical skills, and global perspective I gained during my studies in International Relations have been instrumental in my academic and career journey, ultimately leading me to where I am today.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to Australian Universities?

Australia Awards Scholarship applicants are not required to apply directly to the universities during the initial application process. Once selected for the scholarship, Australia Awards assists recipients in applying to their proposed institutions based on their study plans and preferences.

One unique aspect of the Australia Awards is that even if your initial English language test score (such as IELTS) is below the university’s minimum requirement, the scholarship provides an English for academic preparatory program to help you meet the language proficiency needed for admission. This support ensures that scholars are well-prepared both academically and linguistically before starting their studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Scholarship(s)?

The Australia Awards Scholarship opens annually, usually between February and April, and follows a highly competitive and rigorous selection process. The process includes two main stages:

1. Online Application – This involves submitting required documents and answering a series of essay questions.
2. Interview Stage – Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, after which the final selection is made.

In my cohort, the acceptance rate was around 3-5% in Indonesia, so it was crucial to be well-prepared, both administratively and substantively.

For the administrative preparation, I carefully reviewed all the required documents listed by the scholarship, such as academic transcripts, ID card, birth certificate, and others. I made sure to gather and check these documents well in advance, ensuring they were complete, accurate, and uploaded correctly before the deadline.

For the substantive preparation, I also took the time to align my proposed study program with Australia Awards' priority areas. While not a strict requirement, I found this significantly strengthened my application. When preparing the essays (usually 4–6 questions with word or character limits), I didn’t jump straight into writing. Instead, I first reflected on my key experiences, the skills I wanted to highlight, and the core messages I wanted to convey. This helped me craft focused, compelling essays that told a coherent story about who I am, what I’ve done, and how the scholarship would support my goals.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe several key factors contributed to the strength of my application.

First, I put a lot of thought and effort into writing my essays. I carefully wove a narrative that connected my background, achievements, chosen field of study, and future goals, ensuring that each part aligned with the overall purpose of the program. I didn’t just list accomplishments; I told a story that demonstrated how my past experiences and future aspirations made me a strong fit for the scholarship.

I also asked friends to proofread my essays, which helped improve the flow of my writing and eliminate grammatical errors or awkward phrasing. This made my application more polished and easier to read.

Secondly, I made sure to highlight the strong alignment between my proposed study, my future contribution plans, and the development priorities of both the Australia Awards and the Australia-Indonesia partnership. I think showing this clear, thoughtful connection helped demonstrate that I was not only a qualified applicant but also someone who understood the broader mission of the scholarship.

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

If I had the chance to go through the process again, I would prepare more thoroughly for the interview, especially when it comes to reflecting on my previous education, both the challenges I faced and the achievements I gained.

I also realized the importance of having a strong closing statement. If I could do it again, I would prepare a thoughtful and memorable closing to wrap up my interview in a way that reinforces my key messages on the panel.

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

Getting the Australia Awards Scholarship wasn’t an overnight success—in fact, this was my fourth time applying! Looking back, I believe what made the difference this time was how much I had grown—both personally and professionally—since my first attempt. I was more intentional with my storytelling, clearer about my goals, and better at connecting my study plans with the scholarship’s priorities. That growth helped me present a more compelling and aligned application.

For anyone thinking of applying, my biggest advice is this: take the time to reflect on your genuine motivation. Ask yourself—what do I genuinely want to learn? What kind of impact do I want to create after graduation? Your answers to those questions are the heart of your application. They will guide your choices, strengthen your narrative, and set you apart.

Having a clear and authentic motivation not only helps you stay focused during the application process but also makes your story more compelling to the selection panel. Remember, scholarships like Australia Awards are not just about academic excellence—they’re looking for individuals who are committed to making a meaningful contribution to their community and country.