Australia Awards South and West Asia

In 2025, Aishath Dheena Shareef from Maldives completed a Master of Business Analytics at Macquarie University with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship.

Dheena was featured as the ‘face’ of the Australia Awards promotions in Maldives for study commencing in 2027. We recently caught up with her to ask about her Scholarship journey, how it has affected her personal and career growth, and what advice she has for prospective applicants.

Why did you apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship?

Having led multiple national-level research and survey initiatives, I had been meaning to upskill, especially with the rapid changes and advancements in data and business analytics. However, it was challenging to learn new skills while managing a full-time job.

Australia Awards provides access to world-class leading education, and through the Scholarship I had the opportunity to study a Master of Business Analytics at Macquarie University—ranked #2 in Australia in the QS Business Master’s Rankings 2026.

What drew me to the Australia Awards Scholarship was the message that this was not just a one-off opportunity, and not purely about academics or the financial support. It is a program that invests in people—offering meaningful personal and professional development during the study period and continuing well beyond graduation. The chance to be part of a diverse network of scholars from different countries and backgrounds was also a major motivation.

I had met many Australia Awards alumni in Maldives, across different institutions, and in some cases I’ve seen them go on to lead policy work and contribute directly to national development. I also have friends who were previous scholars, and hearing about their journeys in Australia and the support they received was genuinely inspiring. That combination of practical support and long-term impact is what motivated me to apply.

Dheena (second from left) pictured with other scholars from South Asia and Mongolia in front of the Sydney Opera House.

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

Personally, living in Sydney for two years immersed me in a truly multicultural environment. Being surrounded by people from different countries, cultures and viewpoints helped me become more open-minded, adaptable and confident in unfamiliar settings. Through the Scholarship, I also had access to Indigenous engagement opportunities, which gave me a deeper understanding of Country, culture, and the connection between people and the environment. That experience strengthened my respect for heritage and sustainability, and it influenced how I think about leadership—being more reflective, respectful and conscious of long-term impact.

Professionally, the Scholarship created opportunities I may not have been able to access otherwise. I was able to take up professional membership that opened doors to training, industry events and valuable networking. I also completed an internship with an Australian company, alongside technical training aligned with my field of study, which strengthened my practical skills. A highlight was moderating a panel discussion during the Australia Awards Scholars Symposium in Sydney in 2025—an experience that further strengthened my confidence in professional communication and facilitating diverse discussions.

Dheena (right) facilitating a panel discussion at the 2025 Scholars Symposium in Sydney.

University aside, what was your life in Australia like?

I explored Sydney through food and weekend adventures, trying a new place almost every weekend. Because I love the outdoors, I spent a lot of time on bush walks, coastal walks, hikes and runs—and I even completed my first official half marathon in Sydney, alongside friends. I also got to try rowing through the university’s rowing club, which was completely new to me and something I ended up really enjoying.

I also took surfing lessons at Bondi—because how can you leave Australia without trying it at least once Beyond Sydney, I travelled within Australia, and some of my core memories include snorkelling and scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef, and a challenging hike in the Daintree Rainforest in search of a waterfall.

Looking back, these moments outside the university environment gave me balance and helped me make the most of my time in Australia. They pushed me to try new things, appreciate nature more deeply and build long-lasting friendships.

Dheena throws a boomerang during a visit to Bundeena Royal National Park, as Indigenous guide Richard Campbell (right) looks on.

Having now returned to Maldives after graduating, how are you contributing to your home country’s development?

I work as Director, Consulting at a leading private consulting firm in Maldives, where I manage nation-wide surveys and research studies. I am now able to apply what I learnt during my master’s degree by using advanced analytics to strengthen our research approach—improving how we analyse data, generate insights and support evidence-based decision-making.

I am currently engaged in the 20-year National Development Plan for Maldives, as a research specialist. As part of this work, I have helped manage a large-scale national consultation process that engaged over 10,000 voices from across the country through a mix of community and stakeholder engagement activities and research methods. I was very fortunate to contribute to the project remotely from Australia since its inception, and to continue supporting it now that I have returned to Maldives.

Dheena (second from right) pictured with other Maldivians at the Australia Awards 2024 End of Year event in Sydney.

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

If you’re thinking of applying, go for it— and once you’re there, make the most of it in every way you can. Australia Awards is transformative, not only academically, but also personally and professionally. It pushes you to learn, reflect and lead, while surrounding you with people who challenge and inspire you.

My advice is to use all the resources available through the Scholarship and the university, not just the academic side. Attend events, take up professional development opportunities, say yes to leadership experiences, and keep building your skills beyond the classroom. Just as importantly, immerse yourself in life outside the university environment—explore, meet people, and step outside your comfort zone. And don’t underestimate the value of the network: the friendships and professional connections you build through Australia Awards can stay with you long after the degree, opening doors to collaboration, learning and impact for years to come.