I moved to Australia to explore a world of possibilities for cyber safety advocacy and action. I am currently enrolled in the MBA (International) with a major in cyber law at Deakin University, which enables me to combine my business studies with my passion for cyber safety.
Also, I am a certified cybercrime intervention officer registered with the National Security Database and with a team of cyber psychologists, ex-police officers, and ethical hackers, I launched a cyber safety education and intervention company.
I did Year 12 (A levels) from Vikaasa World School, Madurai and BBA WOW (Entrepreneurship) from Jain University, Bengaluru. My study abroad journey began with a captivating cultural exchange programme at high school, igniting a curiosity for life abroad. After extensive research, I fell in love with Australia’s vibrant and safe student culture, the work-life balance and the flexible choice of specialisations to choose from.
Apply to Deakin University
Starting the journey of applying to universities abroad was exciting yet tedious. The admission process is time-consuming, so I began preparations 7-8 months before the intake. This buffer allowed ample time for gathering transcripts, drafting essays, and arranging necessary documents like bank statements.
To navigate the process, I relied on IDP for guidance. They helped me stay on track with deadlines and requirements. Attending education fairs allowed me to interact directly with university representatives, clarifying doubts and gaining deeper insights of what each university and course had to offer, beyond what mere websites and brochures could convey. Crafting a compelling statement of purpose was crucial especially if you’re looking to win scholarships. It’s not something that you can type out in four hours. You have to work through drafts and seek feedback from various people to refine through multiple iterations. Building a brand for yourself through passion, creativity and extracurricular achievements is more important than academic transcripts itself.
Strong character references and recommendations from mentors and colleagues were vital. They added credibility to my application. But make sure they’re ready to pick up the call when the university calls them to check.
Financial readiness is key. I learned this the hard way when I missed my intake due to inadequate funds for the living expenses deposit. Waiting for the next intake taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy bank balance at least six months before the intake.
The IELTS exam may sound easy but tackling all four parts — reading, writing, listening, and speaking — in a single day can be overwhelming. Make sure to take plenty of mock exams to test your score before appearing for the final test.
Overall, meticulous planning, perseverance, and attention to detail were essential in securing my spot at a foreign university.
Scholarship – a competitive process
Scholarships are extremely competitive. I made sure to apply to a variety of meritorious and impact scholarships. Instead of applying to all the scholarships available, choose the ones that fit your profile for focused preparation. I was deeply involved in social impact work, particularly advocating against cybercrime targeted at children. So I applied for a social impact scholarship and made sure to do everything I can to portray my passion, message and highly focused work towards this social issue.
Find out what universities look for in their ideal scholar and present with evidence and action that you have in you what they’re looking for. Be ready to persevere through daunting rounds of written, video and in-person interviews, tests and screenings. Your body might be sweating and shivering but make sure to be confident and communicate your thoughts crisp and clear.
Authenticity was my secret weapon. No fancy facades, just me being me. And guess what? It paid off big time. My genuine experiences and passion caught the eye of scholarship panels, earning me a golden ticket to academic success, the Deakin University’s Vice Chancellor 100% scholarship.
Australia is student and immigrant-friendly
Moving to a new country, especially alone, at such a young age is the bravest step anyone could take. I had little idea about what was waiting around the corner. My first day and week in Australia were a whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and sweet moments of connection.
The country is incredibly student-friendly. It has everything I needed for a smooth transition. However, there were still hurdles to overcome. Accommodation was a big one. I made sure to secure a place for the first 6 months before leaving India, avoiding the nightmare of scrambling for a home upon arrival. I’d heard horror stories of students ending up homeless, a situation I was determined to avoid. The rental market was fiercely competitive, with wait times stretching up to 5-6 weeks.
Traffic rules were another surprise. They are different from India and every student needs to seriously adopt the rules from day 1. I learnt this the hard way with a fine of over $800 for making mistakes in public transport.
Sudden changes in food, weather, and water took a toll on my health in the initial days. Students need to be prepared for this by carrying necessary medicines prescribed by a doctor in India. I spent about $300 on private clinics before discovering the free on-campus clinic at my university. Another costly mistake. But surely a lesson to learn.
Finding out about student entitlements like free groceries and free $150 travel cards from various student programmes felt like winning the jackpot. Right from movie tickets to restaurants, they all have student discounts to make use of.
Loneliness and homesickness were constant companions in those early days. But reaching out for help opened doors to support groups and counselling programs. Mental health services, which were rare back home, became a lifeline in navigating university, work, and personal care. Don’t ever hesitate to reach out to a counsellor.
Culturally, Australia was a whole new world. Work-life balance and mental well-being are of high priority over the relentless pursuit of success and money. Building connections beyond my comfort zone was a challenge, especially with locals. But diving into university events and clubs proved to be the perfect icebreaker. Exploring the city together with my classmates forged bonds that transcended cultural barriers.
Surviving in a foreign land — boon or bane?
Managing the cost of living in Australia can be quite a challenge, given the higher expenses compared to other countries. However, the country’s minimum wage laws ensure that you can afford a basic lifestyle. As a student, it’s all about leading a simple life and making prudent choices, especially when it comes to entertainment expenses.
Securing a part-time job was no walk in the park. It involved applying to numerous casual roles, ranging from hospitality to construction. Companies hire throughout the year, but it often means starting with blue-collar jobs like waitressing or delivery work before progressing to more office-based roles. However, the pay is standardised across different jobs, which is a great aspect of living in Australia.
Finding a job that I enjoyed was key. I was fortunate to land two fantastic casual jobs: one as a medical receptionist and the other as a restaurant waitress. I loved both roles so much that I quickly earned promotions within a few months. Maintaining work integrity was crucial— being punctual, communicating any issues clearly, and being reliable were highly valued traits.
My background in working with the Indian army instilled discipline and professionalism, which helped me shine in Australian workplaces. Prior work experience in India proved invaluable in adapting to the higher standards expected here.
As for pay, I earn $30 per hour on weekdays, $36 per hour on weekends, and a whopping $60 per hour on public holidays. Needless to say, I never miss a shift on public holidays. Overall, managing the cost of living while juggling work and studies in Australia requires diligence, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
One big money-saver for me has been bringing my meals to work and uni. It’s not only cheaper, but it also gives me a sense of control over what I’m eating.
And then there’s after pay. It can be tempting to use it for those impulse purchases, but I’ve learned the hard way that it’s not worth the debt. I’ve had to be disciplined and stick to my budget to avoid getting in over my head.
Overall, managing student finances has been a learning experience, but it’s also taught me to be resourceful and mindful of my spending habits. And hey, every penny saved is a step closer to financial freedom, right?
India vs Australia — how education systems differ
Studying in Australia brought a whole new perspective compared to my experience in India. One significant difference was the emphasis on self-study and research. Unlike the structured approach back home, where lectures and exams dominated, here, I found myself delving deeper into subjects independently.
Expressing complex ideas during debates, seminars, and presentations, as well as crafting professional-grade essays required a significant skill upgrade. My high school and undergraduate college did lay a foundation, but the leap to the foreign university’s standards was huge.
The curriculum was designed to challenge not just my knowledge but also my ability to manage time, exert effort, and engage in critical thinking. It was a steep learning curve, but one that ultimately honed my academic and intellectual capabilities in ways I never imagined.
Attending an international school for my schooling was a stroke of luck that set a solid foundation for my academic journey. From early on, I was encouraged to express my ideas confidently, whether through classroom discussions or presentations. Research projects were not just assignments but opportunities to delve deep into topics of interest, honing my ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information effectively.
Looking back, I realise how fortunate I was to have had such a nurturing educational environment.
(This letter is part of a series by The Indian Express where we bring to you the experiences of students at different foreign universities. From scholarships and loans to food and cultural experiences — students tell us how life is different in those countries and things they are learning other than academics)