Australia Awards South and West Asia

Dristi Chakma, a member of Bangladesh’s Chakma indigenous group, began studying a Master of Architecture at the University of Melbourne in 2023 with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship.

Dristi was featured as ‘the face’ of the Australia Awards promotions in Bangladesh for study commencing in 2025. We recently caught up with her to ask about her Scholarship journey, how it has affected her professional and personal growth, and what advice she has for prospective applicants.

Why did you apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship?

The Australia Awards Scholarship is a lifechanging opportunity that I was motivated to pursue due to the exceptional opportunities it offers. First, it is fully funded by the Australian Government, which not only provides financial support but promises a global experience and access to high-quality education within a well-organised system. Beyond financial support, it stood out as a pathway to academic excellence and professional development. Australia is home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, making it a great destination for advancement in technology.

This Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity for me to pursue my career in architecture and academia, while immersing myself in an innovative learning culture and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds. The holistic support provided by Australia Awards, both academically and personally, aligns perfectly with my aspirations for continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

The aspect of this Scholarship I appreciated the most is the opportunity to become an expert in my field and make a significant impact on my country’s development. This Scholarship emphasises development, and promotes inclusivity and diversity, regardless of gender and ethnicity.

Dristi with other scholars from South Asia in Melbourne.

How has your Australia Awards Scholarship contributed to your personal and professional growth?

Before coming here, I was sceptical about my ability, always afraid of making mistakes and worried about the consequences. Now I am a completely different person who is courageous and spontaneous, is never afraid to embrace errors, and never thinks about the outcome but rather enjoys the process. I have learnt to think critically, imagine outside the box and question anything. This made me more open-minded to accept anything new, anything odd and any challenges.

As an architect and more as an academic, the Scholarship has equipped me to understand the educational system thoroughly. It has broadened my perspective on teaching methodologies—for example, delivering both lectures and tutorials for a particular course, the breakdown of assignments and rubrics, emphasising the effective use of technology in education like the Learning Module System, and hands-on activities in the advanced lab facility. I was even privileged to take part in classes conducted by renowned practising architects from Melbourne and establish professional linkages through interactions with industry experts.

How have you found your life in Australia so far outside of the university environment?

Living in Australia has been a joy—a beautiful country with a strong emphasis on safety, stunning nature, delicious food and incredibly friendly people. I’ve had the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom, immersing myself in the vibrant city of Melbourne. Exploring the rich history of Aboriginal people through museum visits and events has been enlightening. The cosmopolitan lifestyle, the bistro and coffee culture, the multicuisine cafes, the busking in the streets, the arts and festivals, riding in trams and trains, meeting new friends, window shopping in malls, going to parks and beaches, even doing weekly laundry and groceries—everything is a source of joy and happiness that never makes me sombre but rather keeps me always refreshed and recharged.

Dristi with fellow scholars in Melbourne.

What do you hope to do once you return to your home country?

As a woman and a member of an ethnic minority, being a changemaker and, more so, being a leader in the architectural field has always been a challenging goal in Bangladesh’s conservative and male-dominated society. With the help of a broadened perspective and an inclusive environment here in Australia where everyone has an equal impact and contribution to their respective field, I have become more inspired and determined to be an expert in my field and play a vital role in my country’s development.

Upon returning, I am eager to reintegrate into the teaching profession at the university, where I aspire to share the new design thinking, teaching methodologies and emerging technologies learnt during my Scholarship. I envision our universities becoming hubs for knowledge production through design research, prototyping, simulation and innovative fabrications to keep pace with global advancement. At the same time, I intend to collaborate with architectural firms, professional institutions and industries to introduce computational methodologies and emerging technologies. By facilitating collaborative work, design research, seminars and workshops, I aim to bridge academia and practice. I believe this will not only offer new job opportunities but also ensure Bangladesh stays relevant in the face of disruptive digital technologies in the construction industry.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of applying for an Australia Awards Scholarship?

To potential applicants, I emphasise the importance of looking beyond university rankings. Consider the city where the university is located—understand its lifestyle, transportation system and weather conditions, as they have a significant impact on your overall experience. Choosing a city aligned with your preferences is just as crucial as selecting a reputable university.

In essence, the Australia Awards Scholarship is a comprehensive opportunity that goes beyond academics. Embrace the journey, immerse yourself in the culture and use this chance to not only advance your education but also evolve as a global citizen with a well-rounded skill set.