Australia Awards Scholar, Wirdah Kaif from Pakistan, Shares Her Journey of Pursuing a Master of Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne, Australia

My name is Wirdah Kaif, and I am from Pakistan. I belong to Bhakkar, a desert district of Punjab. I was the first girl from my family and my town to earn a university degree, which marked an important milestone for my community. I entered the public sector at the age of 21, the minimum age for government service in Pakistan, and began my professional career early. I completed my bachelor’s degree in public administration in 2014. I have always been passionate about pursuing further studies; however, after working in the public sector, I became convinced of the need to enhance my professional skills through this degree.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

I am currently a recipient of the Australia Awards Scholarship, a prestigious program sponsored by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The scholarship is awarded to professionals from developing countries and fully covers tuition fees, return airfare, establishment allowance, living expenses, health insurance, and academic support for the entire duration of the program.

Under this scholarship, I am pursuing a Master of Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne.

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships? 

Yes, I was offered other scholarships and fully funded study opportunities, although I did not accept them. These include:

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) for a Master of Public Administration at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, China (fully funded).

Admission to the University of Islamic International Indonesia (UIII) for a Master of Public Policy with a specialization in Climate Change. (UIII Scholarship for International Students)

International Excellence Scholarship from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom (merit-based scholarship).

Admission to the Public Policy Program at Hitotsubashi University, Japan (ADB Scholarship)

Placed on the reserve list for the Erasmus Mundus GEMMA Program.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s degree in public administration in 2014, graduating with a CGPA of 3.96 out of 4.00 and receiving a Gold Medal for academic excellence. There is a ten-year gap since my undergraduate studies. In these ten years, I worked across various government departments, where I gained firsthand experience in governance, policy implementation, and public sector management. These professional years allowed me to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings and strengthened my understanding of public administration, preparing me well for advanced studies.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Melbourne?

I began by researching international scholarships related to my field and joined online scholarship communities on Facebook. Through these platforms, I connected with scholars who had already secured international scholarships and sought their guidance. In 2023, I applied to around 20 scholarships (including Erasmus, CSC, ADB, KNB, Chevening, Rotary Peace, GKS Korea, etc) but were not successful. Rather than giving up, I reflected on my shortcomings and refined my approach. In 2024, I changed my strategy by preparing all required documents well in advance and closely following advice from successful scholars, which significantly improved my applications.

Most of the information was obtained through official university and scholarship websites. For the Australia Awards Scholarship, all relevant details regarding eligibility criteria, application procedures, and timelines were clearly available on the official website.

I took the IELTS examination, which is a requirement for the Australia Awards Scholarship as well as for some Erasmus and Chevening programs. I prepared independently by using educational YouTube channels and practicing extensively through online mock tests and practice materials available on YouTube.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Australia Awards Scholarship?

I started by making a detailed list of all relevant scholarships, noting their deadlines and required documents. I prepared all the application materials myself and then had them reviewed by someone who had already received the scholarship, which gave me valuable feedback. I also listened to interviews of previous scholars and reached out to them through social media to learn from their experiences. To stay ahead, I prepared all my documents even before some of the scholarships were officially announced, ensuring I was fully ready when applications opened.

How is (was) Your Experience at theUniversity of Melbourne?

My experience at the University of Melbourne has been good so far. The university is ranked first in Australia and 13th in the world, and its reputation is truly reflected in the quality of education and resources available. The professors are highly knowledgeable and supportive, encouraging students to think critically and apply theory to real-world policy challenges. The campus environment is diverse and vibrant, allowing me to meet peers from all over the world.

How Do You Rate the University of Melbourne Academically and Why? 

I would rate the University of Melbourne very highly, especially in terms of my faculty. All the professors are supportive, approachable, and friendly, which makes learning both enjoyable and engaging. The academic resources, including the library and online databases, are excellent and provide strong support for coursework and assignments. The university encourages critical thinking, collaborative learning, and exposure to real-world policy challenges, which has greatly enriched my academic experience.

One of my small concern would be the research component at the master’s level. While the program provides a solid foundation in public policy and management, the limited emphasis on research can make the transition to a PhD pathway slightly more challenging for students aiming to pursue advanced academic research. Overall, however, the institution offers a high-quality education and a vibrant academic environment.

How Does the University of Melbourne Support International Students?

The campus is culturally diverse, safe, and welcoming, with zero tolerance for racism, which creates a comfortable and inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds.

The University of Melbourne provides excellent support for international students. There are many services to ensure inclusion, such as academic assistance, counseling, career guidance, and social programs that help students feel part of the community.

 What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because I took the time to thoroughly research the scholarship body and understand its priority areas. I made sure to clearly link these priorities with my own professional experience and demonstrate how I could contribute my skills and knowledge to the organization or community in the future. I also focused on presenting my true story, highlighting my unique journey, challenges, and achievements, which gave my application a personal and authentic touch.

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

If I were going through the process again, I would follow the same overall approach and preparation strategy, as it was effective. The one thing I would do differently is conduct more detailed research on the degree programs. I would focus more on courses by Research rather than a course-work-based degree, especially since my long-term goal is to pursue a PhD.

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

I would say that the Australia Awards Scholarship is truly a life-changing opportunity. Once you become an awardee, you join a global community that lasts a lifetime. My advice for applicants is to start by visiting the scholarship’s official website and understanding your country’s priority areas, then align your application to reflect how your skills and experience can contribute to those priorities.

Connect with alumni or previous awardees and seek their guidance; they can provide invaluable insights and tips. Remember that scholarships like this open every year, usually from January to April, so plan and prepare early. Make your application stand out by highlighting your unique knowledge, experiences, and perspective; these are things only you can bring. Finally, the interview is a crucial part of the selection process, so be open, confident, and curious in your approach. Showing authenticity and enthusiasm goes a long way.