(Bandar Seri Begawan, 10th) Four students from Brunei have recently been awarded the prestigious "Australia Awards" scholarship by the Australian government and will be heading to several renowned Australian universities starting in 2026 to pursue postgraduate studies.
This year’s scholarship recipients demonstrate Brunei’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence and alignment with the nation’s key development priorities. The four scholars will further their studies in crucial fields including medicine, environmental management, data science, and biological sciences, with hope to contribute their expertise to national development upon returning home.
The awardees are: Siti Nur Diyana Mohd. Alipah, who will pursue a PhD in Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney; Fatnin Syahirah Pengiran Mohd. Shah, who will undertake a Master’s in Environmental Management and Development at the Australian National University (ANU); Nurnafaizzan Syahmi Nordin, who will study for a Master’s degree in Data Science at RMIT University; and Muhammad Irham bin Awang Roslan, who will pursue a Master’s in Biological Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
The "Australia Awards" is one of the key initiatives by the Australian government in the Indo-Pacific region to foster leadership development, knowledge exchange, and the building of long-term partnerships, reflecting its enduring commitment to the region’s human capital development.
Funded in full by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), scholarship recipients will not only receive world-class higher education, but also professional development opportunities and entry into a global network of Australia Awards alumni.
Since 2019, thirty Bruneian scholars have benefited from this scholarship scheme and have made positive contributions to national development in areas such as health, education, technology, and environmental sustainability. All selected scholars are chosen based on their academic performance, leadership potential, and ability to drive positive change in the country.
The next round of "Australia Awards" applications will open in May 2026. Authorities encourage Bruneian citizens interested in pursuing postgraduate studies in Australia to seize this opportunity, join the rapidly expanding community of international leaders, and work together to shape the future of Brunei and the region.