Alumni Stories

Muhammad leaning against the Great Court's sandstone pillar in a long sleeved shirt and jeans.

Making the most of my time at UQ: a testament to the strength in all of us

Published on: 23 August 2021

Indonesian student Muhammad Ammar Hidayatulloh completed a Master of Development Practice at UQ with flying colours. He fully embraced his Australia Awards Scholarship and now feels more confident and resilient than ever.

Douangmala speaking up on stage at the Australia Awards lecturn in a formal setting.

From Laos to Australia: overcoming obstacles and fulfilling my goals

Published on: 23 August 2021

Laotian Master of International Relations student Douangmala Souknilanh found the staff and students at UQ helpful and welcoming. Despite initially struggling to settle in due to COVID-19, Douangmala has adapted to university life in a foreign country. She looks forward to completing her degree at the end of 2021 and sharing her story with her friends back home.

Saka with his wife, Agiimaa Bold, and son, Denzentseren Saruultur, in traditional dress at their wedding.

An engineer's nomadic path: Saka's seeking clean energy for Mongolia

Published on: 5 May 2021

Mongalian Australia Awards Awardee is studying for a Master of Sustainable Energy at UQ in his quest to help Mongolia transition to a sustainable and healthy energy future.

Rattanak Ly on graduation day wearing full gown

Australia Awards offers a wonderful and meaningful life experience

Cambodian Master of Peace and Conflict Studies student, Rattanak Ly, fulfilled his dreams at UQ thanks to an Australia Awards Scholarship. His life at UQ was made rich in friendships with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Rattanak also volunteered with the Cambodian Students Association, becoming its President in 2020.

Nur Fazlini Ismail sitting on the ground in full graduation gown with a teddy bear also wearing a UQ graduation gown. Purple flowers from the Jacaranda tree are strewn around her.

When Jacarandas blooming take you to a special place

Malaysian Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) student, Nur Fazlini Ismail, found calm under UQ's signature Jacaranda trees at exam time. She wouldn't want to rewind her time working hard, but she would rewind time to once again enjoy Brisbane's beaches, nature and animals.

Nur Aneesa in her full graduation gown standing in the Great Court with a sandstone building behind her.

Overcoming homesickness to shine

For Malaysian chemical engineering student, Nur Aneesa, getting to UQ was a lifelong dream. Her welcome by the UQ Malaysian Student Association was just the beginning of a truly positive experience studying at UQ, and enjoying the natural beauty of Queensland's beaches.

Jun Yan Change photographed in formal black shirt in indoor formal setting.

UQ Life by Jun Yan Chang

Completing a PhD at UQ exceeded all of Singapore student Jun Yan Chang's expectations. He found academic and campus life invigorating, and though the beauty of UQ Lakes was like a watercolour painting, the food didn't quite match Singapore's hawker culture.

Hannah wearing a black graduation cloak, holding her testamur.

Arriving as a student and leaving as a leader

Speech Pathology Honours student, Hannah Jia Yin Chung, from Singapore found the new culture of UQ on-campus life both refreshing and deeply rewarding. She loved the course, but also immersed herself in the opportunites UQ had to offer in dance, music and sports. Hannah also made a new family in a loving church community in Brisbane. After three years, Hannah became President of the Campus Christian Movement.

Luluk smiling to camera. She's wearing a blue hijab and standing in front of UQ's sandstone pillars.

How I found my passion for ethical investment

After making the move from Indonesia to Australia, Luluk Widyawati found her passion for sustainability while studying for her PhD at UQ Business School. She believes sustainability is an important issue for Indonesia due to its massive richness in biodiversity, which is increasingly threatened. Luluk is an Australia Awards Scholarship awardee.

The Great Court at dusk with people walking out through one of the columns

The riches of study life at UQ

Thi Lan Chi Nguyen is an Australia Awards Scholarship awardee from Vietnam and Master of Economics alumna. She felt studying at UQ was one of the most enriching experiences of her life.