Australia Awards Africa scholars prepare for their studies in Australia

Forty scholars (of 45 scholars in total) from the 2026 Masters intake of Australia Awards Africa gathered in Harare, Zimbabwe, for their Pre-departure Briefing (PDB) held from 4 to 6 November 2025. This event marks a significant milestone as scholars prepare to embark on two years of postgraduate study in Australia.

Welcoming the 2026 cohort, H.E. Ms Minoli Perera, Australian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, shared: “Australia Awards Africa is a critical component of the Australian Government’s development program on the continent…think of yourselves as ambassadors – you carry with you the hopes of your countries and the promise of the ‘Africa We Want’.” Ms Perera congratulated the scholars and emphasised that the Australia Awards is more than an academic opportunity – it is a transformative journey that will shape their futures, communities, and countries.

The PDB equips scholars with essential insights into the objectives of Australia Awards Africa, strategies to maximise their academic and personal experiences in Australia, and guidance on developing Reintegration Action Plans (RAPs) – a key tool for alumni to contribute to development upon their return home.

During an evening reception on the second day, Ambassador Perera presented two scholars with the Graeme Wilson Leadership Prize and the Sandra Vegting Leadership Prize. These awards recognise exceptional leadership among scholars from countries accredited to the Australian High Commissions in Pretoria, South Africa, and Port Louis, Mauritius.

Graeme Wilson Leadership Prize honours the legacy of HE Graeme Wilson, Australia’s High Commissioner to South Africa (2012–2014). This year’s recipient is Ms Ludo Mazongo from Botswana, a Principal District Disability Officer in the Ministry for the State President. She will pursue a Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University.
Sandra Vegting Leadership Prize commemorates HE Sandra Vegting, Australia’s High Commissioner to Mauritius (2011–2014). This year’s recipient is Ms Hafsah Ramjane from Mauritius, a Research Assistant at the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council. She will study for a Master of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne.

Recipients are identified during selection interviews based on their leadership qualities and commitment to promoting growth and development in their home countries.

Ambassador Perera had a special message for the new 2026 scholars: “You are to embark on a life-changing experience. As someone who studied in Australian myself, I can tell you: it’s a place that will challenge you, inspire you and welcome you. You’ll gain world-class education, but you will also build friendships, networks, and memories that will last a lifetime.”

As these scholars prepare to begin their academic journey, Australia Awards Africa extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes for their success. We are proud of these future leaders of change and wish them every success as they embark on this life-changing journey!