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

I am Wirdah Kaif from Pakistan. I completed my bachelor’s degree in public administration in 2014 and began my professional career in the public sector immediately finishing my degree. Starting my career early provided me with valuable practical exposure to governance and public service delivery.

Coming from a background where opportunities for women’s education are limited, I take pride in being the first girl in my family and area to obtain a university degree. This achievement has strengthened my determination to continue my academic journey.

I have always been passionate about continuing my education; however, my experience in the public sector motivated me to pursue further studies in public policy, where I can deepen my understanding of effective policymaking and institutional development.

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 every year 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.

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

Admission to the Public Policy Program at Hitotsubashi University, Japan

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.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Although the application process for the Australia Awards Scholarships does not require a direct application to the University of Melbourne, I carefully chose my program by researching the University of Melbourne's Master of Public Policy program. I was particularly drawn to the program’s curriculum, which emphasizes evidence-based policy analysis, governance, and behavioral aspects of public policy.

I have also considered the university's highly regarded academic faculty, whose expertise in public policy and development provides a strong learning environment. In addition, the program’s strong industry and government linkages offer practical exposure, which is essential for understanding real-world policy challenges.

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 for the Australia Awards Scholarship?

Australia Awards is a prestigious scholarship offered every year from February to April. Here is the official link to the scholarship. https://australiaawards.com.au

I began preparing for the Australia Awards Scholarships well before the application window opened between February and March. I ensured that all required documents were organized in advance to avoid last-minute challenges.

I conducted thorough research on the scholarship’s key priority areas and aligned them with my professional experience and long-term goals. Additionally, I reviewed the experiences of previous scholars to better understand how they connected their studies to development outcomes in their home countries.

A significant part of my preparation was developing my Development Impact and Linkages Plan (DLIP). While preparing this plan, I carefully linked my current work with the Australia Awards priority areas and identified practical initiatives I could implement at a personal and professional level to contribute to positive change in my sector. This preparation helped me present a clear and well-structured application, demonstrating both my readiness for the program and my commitment to contributing to sustainable development in my home country.

How is Your Experience at the University 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?

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 have greatly enriched my academic experience.

One of my small concerns 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 the 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 coursework-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.