From Fiji to Rockhampton – how the Australia Awards Scholarship changed my life

Updated July 2021

Hi, my name is Shivaali Vanshika. I was born and brought up in Rakiraki, Fiji. In 2018 I was awarded the prestigious Australia Awards Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Podiatry Practice (Honours) at CQUniversity.

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Elizabet’s life on stage and making dreams a reality

Hello, my name is Elizabet and I am studying in Mackay. I was born in Hungary, Central Europe and have lived there my whole life. Hungary is small and not a really rich country, but I am proud of my Hungarian heritage.

I was living in a beautiful middle-sized city with gorgeous buildings and bubbly city life. It was just like those cosy little European cities that you can see in the movies. All my family lived in the same town and we had a great connection.

My schooling and education have always been centered around English language and the arts. I have studied lots of subjects in English and also tried out several artistic and creative activities – from all the existing dance genres through to visual arts and drama. I loved all of it. The world of arts was my little hideaway from the world.

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Annie’s 4 tips on how to succeed with studies

Hello, my name is Annie and I recently graduated from the Master of Professional Accounting at CQUni’s Melbourne campus.

9am to 7pm, or if I’m lucky I can leave at 6pm. That’s how my life used to be working as a Finance Manager in my home country of the Philippines for almost 5 years.

It was stressful but I loved every bit of it because it was very rewarding and I was able to train staff who were just starting with their careers.

My days were packed with meetings, reports, deadlines, process improvements and a few human resource and admin related tasks. I believe that was the peak of my career as a certified accountant.

I loved the drive, adrenaline, unending learning and teaching all at the same time and I especially loved that I got to work with people I liked and have become friends with over the years.

But then life happened and there are choices in life that are just too difficult to make and moving to Melbourne was one of them.

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Eager to learn – my unforgettable experience

CQUniversity Shane D'Silva

Hello, my name is Shane D’Silva and I am in my final term of the Master of Information Technology at CQUniversity Melbourne campus.

The past two years has truly been a fast-paced, mind-blowing experience. By blood, I hail from India. However, I have lived in Kuwait for almost 18 years.

I spent two years in Dubai as well as another couple of years in Qatar. I am truly grateful for my father who continues to work so hard to have provided our family with the opportunity to experience life in those countries.

When I was younger, I had always wanted to study abroad in America, Canada, UK or Australia. However, I was presented an opportunity to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science & Engineering at one of India’s most prestigious private university, Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

I completed my studies and then set my sights on being able to start my life abroad. I went through days after days, agents after agents conducting tedious research into universities all over the world to pursue my master’s degree.

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My internship during COVID-19

Hello, my name is Orville D’Silva, but most people call me Shane. Ever since I was introduced to coding back in my high school days, I always had a keen interest in web and mobile programming. Thus, I chose to pursue a degree in the Master of Information Technology majoring in Mobile Application Development.

The course contains a lot of essential units you would need as a future web / mobile app developer. Some of these are Responsive Web Design, Database Design, Information Systems, Project Management, Mobile App Development and many more interesting units.

If web dev or mobile app dev isn’t your forte, you have the choice to specialise in Software Design and Development or Network and Information Security and choose electives from a long list of cool units.

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CQUEnglish rises to the challenge of online learning and teaching

Online delivery isn’t the norm for English language teaching with onshore CQUEnglish language students usually studying 20 hours per week in a face-to-face environment. However, CQUEnglish has risen to the challenge of transitioning courses online after 3 weeks of intensive preparation.

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6 Pro tips for exam preparation

Exams are never passed by accident. Effective preparation takes time, effort and to a large extent, understanding what works best for you.

Do you need help preparing for an upcoming exam? Here are our top tips, thanks to the team at the Academic Learning Centre…


1. Do your homework

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Stress less about referencing with these tips from the ALC

Are you dreading assessment submissions? Feeling anxious any time you think about Turnitin? You’re not alone! Referencing Related Stress (RRS) is a common condition among university students. It’s piling on unnecessary pressure and we need it to stop.

Lucky for all of us, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) has the perfect remedy - a concoction of tips to help you cure RRS and stress less about referencing.

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“I’ve accepted my offer… where is my COE?” Plus other questions answered.

CQUniversity Australia Brisbane campus

Note: The global COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent Australian travel ban, has meant some changes to international student applications and admissions. We are still accepting July (term 2) intake applications, so head to our coronavirus advice page for information on what this means for you” https://www.cqu.edu.au/cquninews/coronavirus-advice/information-for-international-students

So you have found the perfect course at CQUniversity and are ready to apply!

Where to start? We have put together a list of FAQs to assist you.

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The importance of being connected

“Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.” Philip Stanhope

I am a very passionate person who lives by this quote and believes in leading by example. As a member of my generation, it is my responsibility to become active in changing the world for the better. As an international student, I continue to abide by this philosophy and strive to be involved in my community both locally and globally.

Hello, my name is Chiamaka Ibeme and I am studying the Master of Information Technology at CQUniversity Melbourne campus, with the ambition to become a software architect. I am also a Change Champion where I promote and contribute to social innovation, which I am very passionate about.

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