Australia
award queries
Neeti
Aryal Khanal
Mail2neeti@gmail.com
Being an alumni of Australia Awards,
every year at the time of application, I receive many queries regarding the
application process. I am more than happy to share my own experience and help
in any way I can. But sometimes, it becomes very tedious to answer all the questions
individually. Thus, I thought, it would be good idea to put all I know together
for the purpose of information. The earlier version of the document was based
on my earlier experience of being Masters by Research and Coursework student at
Monash University. After being successful applicant of Australia Awards 2015 to
pursue my PhD at Monash University again, I have decided to write an updated
version of it. At the end of the document . I request all individuals reading
this document to see this creation as my personal opinion and experience. This
is not the sole source of information about scholarship. Please refer to
concerned websites and guidelines to understand more about application process
and requirements.
1. Becoming sure about what you want to study
First of all be sure yourself what kind of
courses you want to take. The decision can be made by several factors. One
important way is always to proceed ahead with the same discipline that you had
taken in your bachelors or in masters. Australia offers different kinds of master's
degree: 1) coursework 2) coursework and research 3) research. Do check
eligibility criteria of these courses which will be clearly stated in university
website. You can always drop in an email to the school or department you were
applying. Locate the email that deals with admission related queries and ask
them in time. But sometimes, people want to pursue different field of study
than what they have originally pursued before. In this case, it may be good
idea to link your interest and work experience with the studies with your
experience. But do be sure to check eligibility criteria of the course you are
applying for. Also consider the development priorities as stated in scholarship
website to ensure that the course/research area you are pursuing is in line
with the development priorities.
2. Which University is good?”
The most frequent question I am
asked is "which university is good". It is hard question to answer.
But in Australia, 8 universities, often known as (group of eight) are
considered the best. Google it to know more. However, applying to new
universities has its own perks as well. But more than the university itself, it
depends on the area of studies you want to pursue. Certain universities are
considered of highest standard for certain discipline. A thorough internet
search on this matter will answer your queries. While choosing the university,
make sure that university is listed on the scholarship website as an approved
university for receiving Australia Awards scholarship.
3. How much experience is needed
Another question is about the
experience. The level of experienced required by the scholarship applicant is
clearly stated in the website of Australia Awards.
4. Preparing ahead of time
Book test for IELTS/TOEFL in time, it may be
hard to get a date that is suitable for you if you do not book it in advance. We
Nepalese have a way of doing everything at the last minute. Make a calendar of
the activities you need to do. Contact the right people for your references.
Often they have their own commitments and they may not always be able to
provide you the reference letter within 1 or 2 days. Planning in advance into
smallest details of all the activities you need to carry out will save you from
trouble and tension of applying in the rush of deadline.
5. Focus on your essay
Many people think that their job experience,
their highest level of academic achievement may be more than enough for
receiving scholarship. Sometimes, the way you answer the questions for
scholarship essay may carry more significance. Start working on the essays
early. Don't brag too much. Understand your limitations. Do not exaggerate at
the same time, do not be too humble. I know it is a difficult balance to
achieve but it works best in the long run. Be sure to state your achievements
clearly and at the same time, do be clear about your future goals and plans.
There is usually a question about what you will do after coming back to your
country. Sometimes, we think that by saying "big" things we will
impress the reviewer of scholarship. That is not always so. Think about what
actually you can do? How you can make a difference? Break down your goals into
series of achievable/doable activities and actions and then later transform it
into a broader goal. That way, you will be clearly saying what exactly you can
do, without bragging too much and at the same time not being too humble.
6. Be optimistic, be positive
Try your best to do all that you can to
develop a good application. But do not be disappointed if you are not
successful this time. Applying for scholarship requires a great level of skill,
and this skill is often gained by practice. By practice, I mean failing to
receive few scholarships you applied for. Same was with me. Before I received
Australian Leadership Awards, I had applied numerous scholarships but did not
become successful. Then, for a while, I stopped applying and focused more on my
work. I became engaged in research and activism. I took initiatives to start
something in which there was almost no money. But these activities helped me to
learn better and become a better person and to put in a nutshell perhaps a
suitable candidate for scholarship. Thus, often application for scholarship and
being successful in it may require certain level of skill and credibility.
7. Skills Required
Here I wish to list out some skills
you can develop which will give you a better advantage than other applicants.
But please do be aware that I am writing by my own experience and I may be
wrong about some things and may have left about few more things.
A. Leadership skills
People, who are leaders, people who believe in
change and those who always have new ideas and are concerned with the solutions
rather than problems. The question remains how you demonstrate it. You may have
initiated some activity, some project or idea that may have made a difference
in your college, university and workplace. That is one of the reason, I always
encourage my students to think beyond studies and think about what they can
contribute to any kind of social cause. Over the years, I have seen many of
these students who were engaged in these kinds of activities becoming far more
successful than those students who cared only about studies.
B. Research experience
Since scholarship is for academic
degree, prior research experience, though even a very small one will always be
a plus point for you.
C. Publications
Publication in academic journals are
preferred but for master's level, if you write in daily newspapers or even a
blog which have a greater following will give you an edge, because with this
you will be able to show that you have an ability of expressing your ideas
clearly.
D. Hard work: if you are a hard worker, if you are dedicated in
what you do, ranging from your studies to your job and philanthropic
activities, gives you a certain air of sincerity and confidence that is so
genuine that you don't have to practice it to impress people in scholarship
forms and interviews. It will come naturally to you.
E. Vision for the development of the nation
You may have your personal reasons
for pursuing further studies with scholarship such as getting good job, being
settled abroad. But these personal reasons will not carry you that far.
Government scholarships like Australia Awards are designed in such a way that
there is a careful consideration of candidate's potentiality to contribute to
the development of the country after being back home. So, last but not the
least is to have a vision for what you can do in future to contribute to
development of our country is most crucial.
8. Added
information for PhD students ( Note: Australia Awards does not offer PhD anymore, this may be useful to apply other scholarships provided by Universities)
I became
successful in Australia Awards 2015 to pursue my PhD at school of social
science in Monash University. Though, I had in mind about other scholarships in
other countries, I found Australia Awards best suited to my personal and
professional needs. Here are some of the reflection on my journey towards PhD.
All required information regarding PhD application is found on relevant
university website and Australia Awards website. I refrain to make comments
about the formal process as it can be different according to the university and
the faculty you are applying for. I will just reflect on my own journey.
- Proposal
comes first
Sound,
clear and well written proposal is one of the strongest consideration of your
acceptance for supervision by potential supervisor. I refrain from commenting
on how to write a proposal, but I can share how I did it myself. Being a
Sociologist with strong interest on issues of women’s rights I have always been
engaged in various research projects and have regularly but not so frequently written
about issues that I think are important. Beyond that, I am keen to participate
in various forms of discussion whether that on online forums or face to face
coffee meetings that can go on for hours. All these have helped me to become
sure about what I wanted to explore for my PhD topic. Two things are extremely
crucial about choosing your topic, based on my personal experience. First thing
is to choose something that you are really interested in. Four years is a long
time to work on an issue that you are not passionate about. Second is to make
sure that it aligns with the development priority. As you are applying for a
scholarship that is a part of development funding.
- On
choosing supervisor
As
a PhD student, choosing supervisor is the most important decision you will
make. But how do you choose? By now, you will know that all universities in
their webpage clearly state the research expertise and past publication of
their faculty members. Besides that normal google scholar search query by the
name of your intended supervisor will help you to be sure about the academic
expertise of the supervisor. It is very important to be clear on your
communication with your intended supervisor. It helps to mention that you
intend to apply for Australia Awards Scholarship provided by Australian
Government. It does not happen always and everywhere but chances are that if
you mention this fact, there is probability of quick response from supervisors.
Communicate early and well in advance with them as sometimes events such as mid
semester break, Easter break will affect the early communication from your
supervisors
All
the best !!!
