How a Biomedical Engineering Student from Fiji Won the Fully Funded Australia Awards Scholarship to Study at RMIT University

Hi! My name is Shavlin Singh, and I’m from Fiji. I’m currently in my third year at RMIT University, pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering (Honours). Since high school, I’ve had a strong interest in the intersection between human biology and medical technology, so studying biomedical engineering has been a perfect fit for me.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

Thanks to the Australia Awards Scholarship, I’ve been able to follow my passion and pursue this career path, since the biomedical field is not well explored in Fiji. The scholarship covers full tuition fees along with a regular fortnightly stipend to help with accommodation and living expenses.

Educational Background

Moreover, I applied for the scholarship about a year after finishing high school, back in 2023. Before receiving the award, I had begun my undergrad in the Medical Imaging Science program at Fiji National University (FNU). My academic performance, particularly my Year 12 and 13 external exam results, played a major role in securing the scholarship.

As part of the application process, I sat the IELTS exam to meet the language requirement. I found that practicing with past exam papers available online, as well as watching videos on IELTS exams, was a great way to prepare.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the GKS Scholarship?

Furthermore, the application itself is quite comprehensive and requires thoughtful preparation. It begins with an in-depth online form where you outline your academic background, career goals, and preferred universities that you would like to study in Australia. I spent time researching universities and clearly explaining why I chose my specific course and location. I also wrote a CV highlighting my academic achievements, leadership roles, and extracurricular involvement. As a tip, choosing strong referees who can genuinely vouch for your credentials adds credibility to your application.

This was actually my second time applying for the Australia Awards Scholarship. Looking back, I learned a lot from my first attempt. One of the most important lessons was to avoid vague or superficial reasons for wanting to study in Australia. Instead, focus on how your chosen degree aligns with your career goals, how it could contribute to your home country’s development, and how it could strengthen ties between your home country and Australia.

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

Another key piece of advice is to be genuine. Answer every question honestly and try not to rely heavily on AI-generated content, except perhaps for refining grammar or improving structure. Authenticity really matters, and you will also get a chance to showcase your personality if you get short-listed for the interview process.

Finally, my biggest advice is: just go for it! Apply as many times as needed, and take each attempt as a learning opportunity. There are plenty of online resources to help you prepare for interviews, including tips on body language, using natural gestures, and answering questions with confidence and clarity. These small details can go a long way in making a strong impression.

Final Thoughts

Finally, I’d like to wish all the best to both new and returning applicants! Stay persistent, stay true to your goals, and keep learning from every experience. I genuinely hope the best for you in your future endeavors. May your hard work lead you to exciting opportunities and meaningful impact!