Enquire to study in the UK 
World-class universities. High standards of living. Vibrant cities. Work opportunities post-graduation. These are just some of the hallmarks that make Australia an unbeatable study abroad destination and part of what sparked Sri Anantha Valli Anpalagan’s decision to study law in the Land Down Under.
Sri is keen on becoming a human rights lawyer; the University of Sydney — a world top 40 university, according to the QS World University Rankings 2021 — houses Sydney Law School, one of the best law schools in the world. The School was ranked 13th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020: Law and Legal Studies.
“I want to specialise in international law, human rights and criminal law — that’s what I’m immensely interested about,” says the Malaysian. A major hurdle for any international student aspiring to study abroad is funding. Sri, however, is the recipient of the Sydney International Student Award which gives her a contribution towards her fees, a welcome respite for both her and her family.
A successful transition to the University of Sydney
Like any other international student, Sri had some trepidation about going to Australia. Understandably, it’s a bold decision for anyone to go abroad, chart into unfamiliar territory and adapt to an education system that might be vastly different from what they’re used to.
Source: Taylors College
Non-native English speakers may worry about how they’ll ease into an elite Australian education system, while affordability is also another cause for concern. With the right emotional and financial support, however, aspiring international students can realise everything that Sri is currently experiencing and more.
Sri enjoyed a smooth academic and social transition into the University of Sydney by enrolling with Taylors College Sydney in the University of Sydney Foundation Program (USFP), which she completed in December 2020. Today, she’s pursuing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Sydney, majoring in criminology with a minor in international relations.
An Award to turn dreams into reality
As a Sydney International Student Award recipient, Sri receives a 20% contribution towards her fees. She’s also a recipient of the Sue Harlen Merit Scholarship that is valued at 16,000 Australian dollars.
The Sydney International Student Award helps students finance their University of Sydney programs that commence from 2021 or 2022. It’s open to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students from selected countries and regions.
International students who hold citizenship of one of these countries or regions are eligible for this award: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, countries within Africa, countries within Central Asia and countries within South and Central America (including Mexico and the Caribbean).
Eligible students include those enrolled in Taylors College Sydney’s USFP and the High Achievers Preparation Program (HAPP). Taylors College Sydney is part of Study Group Australia, a global leader in providing programs that prepare international students to transition to some of the best universities in the world.
Sri is “immensely grateful” for the award as it reduces her family’s financial burden and is a testament of her hard work in an immensely challenging year. “Receiving this award also motivates me to put more effort into my studies so that I can achieve better things in the future,” she says. “My mum is definitely proud of me and my achievements.”
Your future is waiting. Let’s take your first step now
Taylors College Sydney prepares international students with an arsenal of tools for them to thrive academically and socially within an Australian academic environment. This includes training in skills such as presenting, essay writing and communicating in English.
Source: Taylors College
Outside the classroom, Taylors College Sydney is supporting students from the time they enrol through to completion, with programs including Study Ready and a range of free online and face-to-face social activities. Teachers are also always on hand to provide guidance and support to every student.
Pioneers dare to take that first step. Will you join them?
With the University of Sydney ranking first in Australia and fourth in the world for graduate employability, international students like Sri can be assured that they’re in good hands. “To students out there who are thinking about coming to Australia to study, especially during these uncertain times, I believe it’s important to be resilient, strong and courageous by taking that step to enrol yourself and study abroad,” she says.
“The teachers who have taught me have been really supportive throughout the pandemic while all the resources that I’ve needed were available online so I did not have to worry about that at all. It’s a wonderful experience studying in Australia, and I definitely recommend you to do so.”
To apply or to find out more about the Sydney International Student Award to study at the University of Sydney, click here.
Follow Taylors College Sydney on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
