What It’s Like to Study a Master of Sustainable Development at Murdoch University

For Victo, an international student from Uganda, studying a Master of Sustainable Development at Murdoch University has been about much more than earning a qualification. It has been a chance to grow, explore new sides of herself, and connect with a supportive university community in Australia.

“I like the environment. I like the teaching style, the engagement in classes,” Victo says. “But then also I like the community.”

Before coming to Murdoch, Victo had already founded a charity called Tunaweza Foundation, which she explains means “yes, we can”. Through her charity, she supports people with disabilities, young people, women and children to discover their potential. “Someone who feels like, oh, because I can’t walk, so I won’t be able to do A, B, C, D,” she says. “We do support youth, women, children to identify those kind of potentials.”

Student Life at Murdoch University for International Students

At Murdoch University, Victo discovered a love for basketball and ice hockey.

Student life at Murdoch University has given Victo the chance to try things she never imagined doing before. Since arriving in Australia, she has joined community clubs, played basketball, tried ice hockey and become involved in belly dancing.

“For example, playing ice hockey, I’ve never been on the ice before,” she says. “Playing basketball, which I never thought I could play basketball.”

This sense of discovery has been one of the most meaningful parts of her experience. For Victo, the activities available at Murdoch have helped her see herself differently and recognise that her abilities are greater than she once imagined.

“Coming here, it has helped me to discover more than what I thought I could,” she says.

Support for International Students at Murdoch University

Although Victo loves studying, adjusting to a new academic system came with challenges. She describes herself as someone who enjoys practical work, events and projects, so becoming more independent in her learning was an adjustment.

“Here, you have to do most of the work by yourself,” she explains. “So if you’re not that proactive, you get challenged.”

At first, this was difficult, but over time it became easier. Victo says the support available at Murdoch helped her feel that she was in the right place. She mentions academic support, peer support and other resources that help students improve and feel more confident in their studies.

“There are a lot of supporting systems,” she says. “That’s what made me feel like, oh, okay, I’m in the right space.”

Australian Scholarships for African Students

Murdoch’s Boola Katitjin is among the Southern Hemisphere’s largest timber buildings.

Victo came to Australia after receiving an Australian Awards scholarship, a highly competitive opportunity that supports students with key costs such as tuition and accommodation.

“It really helped us,” she says. “You don’t worry about school fees, where to sleep and all that. So you’re basically learning a lot and benefiting a lot.”

For Victo, the scholarship has allowed her to focus on her studies and make the most of her experience at Murdoch University.

Living in Australia as a Student from Uganda

Murdoch University is located on the outskirts of Perth.

Moving from Uganda to Australia came with a few surprises, especially the weather. Victo says she was not expecting winter to feel so cold.

“When it came to winter, it was very cold,” she says. “I never thought it was going to be that cold.”

She quickly realised that proper winter clothing was necessary, not just a light jacket. But despite the colder weather, she has loved the lifestyle and the feeling of safety around campus.

“I like the evening walks,” she says. “This place is amazing. You just put on your music and you’re just moving and enjoying because it’s safe.”

These everyday experiences have contributed significantly to her positive impression of student life in Australia.

Career Plans After a Master of Sustainable Development

After completing her Master of Sustainable Development at Murdoch University, Victo plans to return home to Uganda and apply what she has learned.

“When I’m done here, I’m looking forward to going back home to see how to implement some of the things I’ve really learned from here,” she says.

She hopes to continue working on her charity, while also collaborating with different companies and organisations. Her goal is to use her knowledge to support communities and contribute to more sustainable systems.