nternational Office (IO) Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) successfully hosted an Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS) Information Session at the Arsyad Rasyid Lecture Theatre on Thursday, 26 February 2026. The event aimed to provide students and young professionals with comprehensive information about the prestigious scholarship program and guidance on preparing a strong application.
The session featured Todd Dias from the Australian Consulate-General in Makassar, who presented “Understanding Australia Awards Scholarship (AAS).” In his session, he introduced participants to the overall structure of the scholarship, including its benefits, coverage, and eligibility requirements. He also highlighted the expectations and responsibilities of scholarship recipients, as well as the academic environment and study culture in Australia.
Participants also gained valuable insights from two AAS recipients who shared their experiences and practical tips for successfully applying to the program. Zulung Zach Walyandra, currently pursuing a Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne, provided an overview of the AAS application process, explaining the key stages and timeline. He also shared strategies for writing compelling scholarship essays and offered advice on preparing for the scholarship interview. Drawing from his personal journey, he discussed the challenges he faced during the application process and how perseverance and careful preparation helped him achieve success.
Another speaker, Muhammad Arham, who is studying Master of Social Policy at the University of Melbourne, discussed how applicants can choose the right course and university aligned with the scholarship’s priority fields and their long-term contribution plans. He also explained the English language requirements, including IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, and shared practical preparation strategies. In addition, he emphasized the importance of key supporting documents such as referee reports, curriculum vitae, and academic transcripts.
The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants actively engaged with the speakers and asked questions about the application process, study preparation, and scholarship opportunities in Australia. The event is expected to increase awareness and understanding of the AAS among students and young professionals, while also helping prospective applicants improve their readiness for the competitive selection process. Moreover, the activity reflects UNHAS’s ongoing commitment to expanding international academic opportunities and strengthening Indonesia–Australia educational collaboration.