How an Indonesian Professional Secured the Fully Funded Australia Awards Scholarship for a Master of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne

Hi, my name is Yusridar Mustafa, but most people call me just Angie. I am from Yogyakarta, Indonesia, a small city an hour and a half by plane from Bali. I have been working for more than 15 years in the non-profit sector, strengthening the capacity of local communities and governments to achieve health outcomes. In the last 10 years, I have been engaging with the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector with international organisations. Currently, I am working as a monitoring and evaluation coordinator for a Global WASH Programme, implemented in 14 countries.

Despite my extensive experience in the field, I needed to improve my knowledge by achieving a Master's Degree from a developed country because, working in an international organisation, global knowledge on specific issues was critical. Not only will the degree allow me to pursue my career in the sector, but it will also help me to understand consciously on social challenges consciously and why they happen.

Finally, after several years graduated with my Bachelor's degree, and I had the opportunity to pursue my Master's in Australia, the Master of Development Study, the field that I had always wanted to explore.

Australia Awards Scholarship Details

As an Indonesian, I was eligible to apply for applying Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS), a prestigious scholarship provided by the Australian government for Asia and Africa due to the strong relationship with the national governments. The scholarship offers extensive support, ranging from pre-departure training to reintegration workshops after the study ends. However, the scholarship is also very competitive. I failed two times in 2019 and 2020, and just in 2021, with persistence and hard work, I was accepted.

Due to my experience, I got a 1.5-year program for a Master of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne under AAS, with the total amount of the scholarship being more than AUD 110.000. That included tuition fees, monthly stipends, return airfare tickets, and health insurance. The total amount excluded other supports such as academic and tutorials per semester, physiological support, and any in-kind support provided by the institution for AAS scholars.

Educational Background

To be honest, my previous degree did not align with my Master’s, however, my experience did help me to apply for the specific fields in the university.

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

As an AAS awardee, I benefited from the Australia Award Indonesia, which helped me and others prepare and apply to the institution. If you live in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Mongolia, or Africa, check out the Australian Award Scholarship in your country and apply where possible.

Working in international organizations allowed me to practice English daily as part of my long-term preparation. Additionally, the AAS supports our language improvement through pre-departure training and IELTS tests.

Of course, personal preparation is essential; taking individual tests and practicing with colleagues and friends is key to making significant progress in your English skills

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Australia Award Scholarship?

I always prepare to go the extra mile even before the scholarship application opens. This always gives me more time to prepare the documents, understand the requirements, and really reflect on my motivation for applying for such a scholarship.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My personal stories brought unique perspectives to my application. Although I read many awardees' stories, the personal narrative in my motivation letter and my ongoing commitment to the sector made my application stand out.

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

I wouldn’t change a thing. I completed my studies with pride and built valuable connections through the scholarship. Looking back, I'm really proud of the two failures that helped me discover who I am and what I want. This growth is a key part of my application.

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

First, understand who you are, and let that shine through in your application. Make it as personal as possible so examiners truly grasp your goals and what you do.