Australia Awards South and West Asia

Adeel Shareef from Maldives completed a double Master of Global Health / Master of Health Leadership and Management (Population Health) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship.

Adeel was featured as the ‘face’ of the Australia Awards promotions in Maldives for study commencing in 2026. We recently caught up with him to ask about his Scholarship journey, how it has affected his personal and career growth, and what advice he has for future Scholarship recipients.

Why did you apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship?

In addition to being a practicing medical doctor, I was fortunate to be exposed to other aspects of healthcare, such as consulting for the World Health Organization, engaging in advocacy, and implementing migrant health interventions through my non-profit organisation. These experiences led me to realise the need for further training in global health, leadership development and healthcare management to better understand the health landscape and the complex systems influencing healthcare outcomes.

I was fortunate to find a course that addressed my needs at UNSW. The dual Master of Global Health and Master of Health Leadership and Management equipped me with the knowledge and skills to analyse macro and micro factors affecting global health, while preparing me for leadership roles in healthcare. While the financial support provided by the Australia Awards Scholarship was a significant factor, the stories of Scholarship alumni and their personal and professional growth also motivated me to apply for this Scholarship.

An Australia Awards Scholarship not only facilitates access to some of the world’s best educational institutions, but also offers membership of a community of scholars from diverse countries and backgrounds, fostering both personal and professional development. Additionally, the Scholarship provides guidance and support throughout the program, acting like a mentor to assist at every step of the journey.

Adeel delivers opening remarks at the 2024 Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia Scholar Symposium in Sydney, a professional development opportunity for scholars.

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

The Scholarship gave me the opportunity to be part of a diverse and culturally-rich community in Sydney. This experience deepened my understanding of multiculturalism, inclusivity and community, which are valuable for scholars, especially from my part of the world. Adjusting to full-time study after several years of professional work was challenging, but it helped me build resilience and gain deeper self-awareness.

Professionally, the Scholarship enabled me to transition from a clinician to a practitioner with a broader understanding of health determinants and systems. I am now confident in my ability to contribute to transforming health systems for better outcomes for patients and communities. The Scholarship also provided development opportunities, which allowed me to attend conferences and obtain professional memberships. These experiences expanded my professional network and ensured that I remained updated on the latest trends and developments in global health and health management. The connections I made have translated into collaborative partnerships that I continue to leverage in my work.

What was your life in Australia like outside of the university environment?

Life outside the classroom was dynamic and enriching. University-initiated programs like ‘Learn to Swim’ and ‘Beach Ocean Safety’ introduced me to Sydney’s beach culture and ocean safety, essential in a city with numerous beaches. Volunteering as a Health and Wellness Ambassador at the UNSW Health Promotions Unit was fulfilling, as I was involved in promoting student health through year-round campaigns. Additionally, paid casual work as a workshop facilitator at the unit allowed me to run workshops on sexual and mental health, and engage further with staff and students across faculties and disciplines.

My time was also well-spent exploring Sydney’s vibrant culinary scene and engaging in coastal hikes during the weekends. Living in the heart of the city provided me with access to the best of what Sydney had to offer. Staying informed about local events ensured that I never missed out on cultural and social opportunities around me. I definitely tried my best to make the most of my time there.

Finally, one of my most memorable experiences was participating in the Australian Top100 Future Leaders Awards competition, and being named a Top100 Future Leader for 2024 in the Australian Financial Review magazine. This recognition also led me to a mentorship opportunity with Ernst & Young in Sydney, giving me invaluable insights into healthcare consulting.

Adeel recognised as a Top 100 Future Leader by the Australian Financial Review.

Having returned to Maldives following the Scholarship, how are you contributing to its development?

Back in Maldives, I am now working as the Director of Strategy and Innovation at one of the country’s largest tertiary hospitals. In this role, I focus on identifying areas for improvement across teams and departments, utilising collaborative approaches to drive sustainable, long-lasting changes. My goal is to provide the safest and highest quality care to patients while optimising hospital efficiency. Understanding that healthcare systems are complex, adaptive systems, I emphasise the importance of partnerships and research-driven solutions.

Additionally, I continue to lead Mission for Migrant Workers Maldives as Vice President for Migrant Health. Leveraging the professional networks I developed during my Scholarship, I am working on new strategies to enhance the health of migrant communities in Maldives. One of our ongoing projects involves research into the health profiles and vulnerabilities of migrant workers. Collaborating with partners established in Australia and receiving guidance from international organisations, we aim to implement effective advocacy strategies and impactful programs.

What advice would you give to future Scholarship recipients?

First, I encourage future recipients to be kind to themselves and celebrate their success in securing this prestigious Scholarship. Many scholars, including me, experience imposter syndrome at some point. Remember what inspired you to begin this journey and stay focused on achieving those goals.

Next, be prepared to step out of your comfort zone to fully immerse yourself in the academic and cultural aspects of life in Australia. I also highly recommend taking full advantage of the resources provided by the Scholarship to enhance your overall experience.

Finally, embrace this period as an opportunity to reflect on your personal and professional journey. For many scholars (myself included), the Scholarship period serves as a career break, offering a unique chance for introspection and renewal.