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As a teenager in Vietnam, Marvin got to experience the hustle and bustle of working in a restaurant. It wasn’t long until that part-time role evolved into a deep passion. “I felt happy whenever customers enjoyed their meal, our service or simply smiled at me,” he reminisces. His joy for serving others eventually fuelled his journey to Australia’s Northern Territory, as did a 30% Scholarship with Charles Darwin University and a Study NT International Student Accommodation Grant through the Northern Territory Government.
“Darwin is known to have many opportunities for international students,” says Marvin. True enough, enrolling in a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management and Diploma in Hospitality Management, delivered by Charles Darwin University, helped hone his skills and open a world of opportunities.
“I am really happy with my decision,” he remarks. “I have learned a lot of valuable knowledge and skills from this course.” Under the guidance of knowledgeable lecturers and surrounded by state-of-the-art facilities, Marvin developed the confidence he needed to face the challenges that lay ahead in the workforce. This prepared him to smoothly move from student to chef at the Mindil Beach Casino Resort.
For international students like Marvin, Australia’s Northern Territory offers ample opportunities for career growth. “The employment opportunities are vast, and I’m sure they will be for many more years to come,” he says, considering the swift job placements experienced by him and many of his peers.
The Northern Territory offers many job opportunities for international students, as graduate Marvin discovered. Source: Study NT
Beyond career prospects, Marvin enjoys the relaxed and warm lifestyle that characterises the Northern Territory. Off duty, he loves watching sunsets at Nightcliff and exploring natural wonders like Wangi Falls and Kakadu National Park. While providing moments of serenity, these sites famously host opportunities for connection with both the land and its people.
Marvin was a 2023 Study NT Student Ambassador and is a committee member for the Vietnamese Student Association. Through these programs and groups, Marvin has made many friends who are equally passionate about exploring, volunteering and giving back to the community.
So, to all international students considering their next steps, rest assured the Northern Territory isn’t just a place to study — it’s a great place to live, grow, and build a future filled with promise and possibility. While Marvin may have just started his life here, Nabiha Nusrat’s journey began nearly seven years ago.
Driven by a desire to study civil engineering, Nabiha was researching to study Civil Engineering, not realising that the opportunity was available in the Northern Territory. After researching further, Nabiha was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s High Achievers Scholarship to study with Charles Darwin University. It was an offer she couldn’t refuse — a chance to pursue her dreams in a place with great potential.
Upon beginning her studies, Nabiha found herself immersed in a vibrant learning environment made up of friendly and expert professors, extensive library resources, spaces for both collaboration and independent study, as well as numerous volunteering and networking opportunities. Overall, it was an enriching experience filled with professional development that anyone would hate to say goodbye to. Fortunately, Nabiha secured a job quickly after completing her studies.
Seven years ago Nabiha Nusrat moved from Bangladesh to the Northern Territory to study engineering. Today, she’s contributing her expertise to the region’s infrastructure development. Source: Study NT
Starting a new job in a new country had its difficulties. With resilience and determination, Nabiha navigated these obstacles with confidence, drawing strength from Darwin’s multicultural and diverse community, her community involvement and support networks. As a student, Nabiha served as CDU Student Ambassador, Study NT Student Ambassador and Resident Leader. “I believe my involvement helped me get accustomed to working with people of various backgrounds,” she shares.
Today, Nabiha works as a Negotiated Connection Design Officer at Power and Water Corporation, contributing her expertise to the Northern Territory’s infrastructure development. There truly is nowhere else she’d rather carry out the role.
To her, Australia’s Northern Territory stands out for its ability to offer both unparalleled prospects for career development and a lifestyle that provides warmth, relaxation, safety and convenience. “What I love most about the region is how close everything is,” says Nabiha. “No matter where you are, you can reach your destination within 15-20 mins.”
But perhaps what truly sets Australia’s Northern Territory apart is its sense of community and inclusivity. “The Northern Territory is so multicultural, you can learn so many different cultural values here,” she shares. “I have even been able to introduce several individuals to my traditions, like Pôhela Boishakh (Bengali New Year), Durga Puja and Falgun. So, I will say it’s a home away from home for any international students looking to start their Australian dream.”
For scholarship opportunities and more information on studying in Australia’s Northern Territory visit www.studynt.nt.gov.au, and follow Study NT on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
