By Shruti Menon Seeboo
As global education continues to evolve, opportunities for students to study abroad are more accessible than ever. Monash University, one of Australia’s leading institutions, is set to showcase its diverse range of programs at the Annual Study Fair, taking place on November 23 and 24 at the Hennessy Hotel in Ebene. Organised by Campus Abroad Mauritius, this event brings together various universities from Australia, allowing prospective students to explore their options and gain insights into international education.
In an interview with Larnce Paulser, Recruitment Manager at Monash University, we delve into the unique offerings and advantages of studying at Monash. With a commitment to excellence in research and education, Monash University provides students with a global perspective, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in an increasingly interconnected world. As students in Mauritius seek to expand their horizons, this fair presents an invaluable opportunity to learn about the academic and cultural experiences that await them in Australia. Excerpts:
- What sets Monash University apart from other Australian institutions in terms of research opportunities and global rankings?
Monash is a member of the Group of 8, an alliance of leading Australian universities recognised for their excellence in teaching and research. Group of Eight universities produce graduates who find full-time employment sooner, begin on higher salaries, and are more likely to move onto postgraduate studies than graduates from other Australian universities.
We are currently ranked 37th in the World according to QS World University Rankings. We are ranked 1st in Australia according to the Times Higher Education in Engineering, Computer Science and Pharmacy (2nd in the World). Our Business School is triple crown accredited (less than 100 schools in the world): The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in the United States, the Association of MBAs in the United Kingdom, and EFMD Quality Improvement System in Belgium.
- How does Monash cater to the needs of international students, particularly those from Mauritius?
Melbourne city has the largest Mauritian diaspora in Australia. Hence, Monash is a top choice for most Mauritian students. We have an International Student
Engagement Team dedicated to providing tailored support to international students, including Mauritian students. They can help you to settle in Australia, find accommodation, and help connect you connect with academic support. The student academic success team help provide study support, including 1-on-1 sessions with academic advisors. They also conduct workshops on academic writing, referencing, and study techniques.
We also have the Monash mentoring programme which helps connect new students with a peer mentor who will guide and support them through their first year at Monash. This mentoring programme continues with alumni in your final year of study to help prepare you for industry. Students can join Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS) to learn from students who excelled in challenging units.
- Can you highlight any groundbreaking research or innovation projects currently happening at Monash?
From the world’s first successful IVF to breakthroughs in green energy technology, ground breaking Monash University has been transforming lives for over 60 years. Monash surgeons conducted the first robotic heart operations in the Southern hemisphere. Monash immunology research led to development of the first commercial lupus medication.
Monash also partnered with the Victorian Government to build biggest dedicated heart hospital in the Southern Hemisphere on Monash campus; The Victoria Heart Hospital. The Woodside Building for Technology and Design is one of the most efficient and innovative teaching facilities of its type in the world which enables students to learn from the services, performance and physical design of the building. The state of the art, Green Chemical Futures is a collaborative teaching and research facility for academic and industrial research within the chemicals and plastics sector in Australia.
- What are the scholarship opportunities available for Mauritian students pursuing postgraduate studies at Monash?
Monash offers a wide range of scholarships; both undergraduate and postgraduate students are eligible. International students from all countries who have received an offer from Monash will automatically be considered for the Monash International Leadership Scholarship. As a scholarship recipient you will receive a 100% tuition sponsorship for the duration of your degree, and the opportunity to develop learning and leadership skills as an ambassador for Monash University.
International students from all countries who have received an offer from Monash will automatically be considered for the Monash International Merit Scholarship. As a scholarship recipient, you will receive $10,000 per annum for the duration of your degree. Applicants will need to have a full offer from Monash University to be considered for these scholarships. Scholarships are assessed on academic merit and awardees will need to maintain a weighted mark average of 70% per semester.
- How is Monash University contributing to global challenges such as climate change and sustainable development?
Responding to climate change, building thriving communities and achieving geopolitical security are major challenges that are global in their scale and implications. Our Strategic Plan, Impact 2030, charts the path for how Monash will actively contribute to addressing these global challenges through our research and education, in partnership with government, industry, philanthropists and community.Whether you’re a student, researcher, alumni, donor or partner your contribution matters as meaningful change can only be achieved together through collaboration.
Monash was the first Australian university to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2030 and our Net Zero initiative was awarded a United Nations Momentum Award for its climate action leadership. We empower climate action through our education and research so that others can follow.
Through projects like Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE), Citarum Action Research Program (CARP) and Fire to Flourish, we’re developing novel approaches to strengthen community resilience against natural disasters in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Monash research has already made significant breakthroughs in new and emerging low emission technologies to support global emission targets. We are applying our research and innovation excellence to create sustainable sources of green energy through spinouts such as Jupiter Ionics while also exploring the integration of renewable technologies with AI and IT to decarbonise energy systems.
- Could you share more about the university’s global footprint and its campuses outside of Australia?
With a presence on three continents, international partnerships and study abroad programs around the globe, we are Australia’s largest university. We have 4 campuses in Melbourne; Clayton, Peninsula, Caulfield, Parkville, Docklands and Monash Law Chambers.
Monash University Malaysia is located in Bandar Sunway, Kuala Lumpur has an enrolment of approximately 7,000 undergraduates, postgraduate and higher degree by research students across seven schools. Monash University’s Indonesia campus is an official legal entity in Indonesia and has been granted a licence to operate by the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture, a significant milestone in establishing the country’s first-ever international, foreign-owned university.
Monash University has partnered with Southeast University (SEU) to create a Joint Graduate School and a Joint Research Institute in Suzhou, China. We have also partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) to create a Research Academy in north-eastern Mumbai. The Prato Centre in Italy hosts short courses, workshops, seminars and conferences. Existing Monash students may be able to study here as part of their degree. We also have strategic partner universities in Canada, The United Kingdom and the United States of America.
- How does Monash University support student entrepreneurship and innovation through its academic programs?
We are Monash Innovation, dedicated to creating pathways for University research and talent to make a meaningful impact on our global society. We collaborate across our Commercialisation, New Ventures, and Entrepreneurship teams, fostering a thriving ecosystem that guides the innovation journey of researchers, staff, students, and alumni towards impactful solutions.
The ability to create and launch new ideas is a highly valuable skill, whether it’s to create your own business, have a positive impact on the world, or stand out to future employers. At Monash, we offer a range of engaging activities, programs, and units of study that help you develop your enterprising skills and entrepreneurial mind set. Whether it’s coming up with new and innovative ideas, understanding the steps to launching an idea, or even scaling your own venture, Monash University can help you. Leap into Leadership is an online course; a series of 12 free, practical, and fun modules that develop your employability and leadership skills.
