Moving across the world was a major step for Su Myat Tun (Su Mrat). “There have been ups and downs,” she shares honestly about her time in Australia, “but the ups have been inspiring.”

Su Mrat explains that the scholarship support made the transition smooth:

“Australia Awards helped us so much, from accommodation to settling in, everything was so well-organised. We felt genuinely welcomed and embraced by the Australian community. We were also lucky to have Australian friends we’d worked with in the past in Myanmar who helped us find a place to live.”

Deciding where to study took time. “It actually took me months,” she laughs. “First, it was about the course. The Master of Development Studies at the University of Melbourne offered a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. After thoroughly exploring the subjects, I realised how relevant it was to my goals. I even found academic expertise connected to Myanmar, which made it feel right.” Personal connections and an active Myanmar student network in Melbourne sealed the decision.

Su Mrat served as MC at the Australia Awards Scholar Club Networking and Welcoming Event.

Su Mrat’s Australia Awards Scholarship experience was an academic and personal transformation. “Studying development studies was the right decision,” Su Mrat says. “At a time when so much is happening in Myanmar, I’ve been able to critically understand our country’s challenges through conceptual theories of development and governance.” Even from afar, she recognises the ways regional and international engagement connect to Myanmar’s realities. While being away from home is hard, she believes it deepened her perspective:

“Distance doesn’t mean disengagement – there are still ways to contribute.”

Australia surprised her with its diversity. “I expected Australia to be mostly white,” Su Mrat laughs, “but was delighted to find an incredible celebration of multiculturalism and diversity.” She was amazed by how vibrant and colourful everything is. “From Italian to Greek food scenes, to Indian,Thai and Myanmar cultural festivals, it’s been one of the most enjoyable parts of living here.”

The local primary school system was another highlight. “My son attended a wonderful school across the road from our home. Coming from a Buddhist country, we hesitated about choosing a Catholic school but discovered a strong sense of community and shared values.”

In June 2025, Su Mrat attended the Australia Awards Myanmar Professional Linkages Workshop – Staying Connected, which transformed her view of using LinkedIn to share her scholarship stories. “In Myanmar, social media feels personal, not professional. The workshop showed me how to build networks and engage meaningfully.” Her newfound confidence, proactive outreach, and a strong LinkedIn presence helped her secure a professional internship with the Humanitarian Advisory Group.

Su Mrat attended the Professional Linkages Workshop in Melbourne, 2025.

Su Mrat’s proudest highlight in Australia is her experience mentoring new Australia Awards scholars. “Over the past year I’ve mentored eleven scholars from different countries, including Myanmar, Nepal, Indonesia and Pacific countries. It’s meaningful work – listening, supporting, and guiding others to success.”

“Explore everything that the Australia Awards experience has to offer – the people, the conversations, the challenges. There’s so much opportunity, so try new things!”