The Transformative, Life-Changing Scholarship Journey of Alum Victorino Nhabanga

Alum Victorino Nhabanga describes his Australia Awards Scholarship as “a transformative and life-changing experience” that positively impacted him on every level – socially, professionally, and financially. As a career diplomat for the Republic of Mozambique, Victorino faced ongoing challenges in his work environment prior to receiving the scholarship, largely due to limited English proficiency.

In 2018, Victorino was awarded an Australia Awards Scholarship, contingent upon completing a six-month English language training program before beginning his master’s degree. He undertook this training from June to November 2019. His subsequent masters degree in international relations and National Security proved instrumental in enabling him to produce high-quality advisory documents on peace and security in Africa during Mozambique’s tenure on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Nowadays, he serves at the Mozambican Embassy in Addis Ababa as part of the Permanent Mission to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

Before the scholarship

Before departing for Australia, Victorino served as Third Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Mozambique, within the Directorate for Europe and the Americas. He managed high-level country portfolios, including the United States, all Latin American nations, and several European countries such as Germany and Turkey.

Between 2010 and 2018, Victorino struggled with the limitations imposed by his English proficiency. “My level of English inhibited my ability to confidently perform a wide variety of tasks,” he recalls. These tasks included preparing briefing documents for top decision-makers, attending bilateral and multilateral meetings, accompanying delegations, and participating in diplomatic conferences. Although he took internal courses to improve his skills, he still felt the need for more comprehensive language training.

However, after just six months of English training in Australia, Victorino was able to successfully meet the academic demands of his master’s program at Curtin University of Technology.

Building connections in Australia

During his time in Australia, Victorino formed lasting relationships, including with his former homestay landlord. This connection later enabled him to assist two new Mozambican scholars in finding accommodation and settling in Perth. He also built valuable professional relationships with Australians interested in foreign affairs and national security.

One particularly meaningful connection was with a classmate who is now pursuing a PhD and teaching International Relations and National Security at Curtin University. “We have since been exchanging information on recent developments and studies in international security, particularly in the current international security environment, characterised by the return of conflicts across the globe,” Victorino shares.

Success upon return

Upon returning to Mozambique, Victorino was quickly reintegrated into his former directorate and promoted to Second Secretary, with further promotions soon following. In 2022, he served as Head of Division for North America. He was later selected to join the headquarters team supporting Mozambique’s participation in the UNSC during 2023 and 2024.

Following Mozambique’s successful election to the UNSC, Victorino was posted to the Mozambican Embassy in Addis Ababa as part of the Permanent Mission to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

“I had a transformative and changing experience in Australia,” Victorino reflects. “Throughout the English course, I also learned academic skills, such as academic writing at university level. As a result of the English training, I successfully integrated into my master’s course and navigated the highly demanding academic environment while also interacting with my fellow students, lecturers, and attending academic and social activities, such as conferences and cultural events.”

He adds, “During Mozambique’s participation in the UNSC, I was part of the taskforce dealing with sensitive peace and security issues in Africa, and thanks to skills I acquired in Australia, I had the privilege to contribute to decision-making processes.”

Victorino’s academic achievements soon translated into professional success. He became a role model in his directorate for producing high-quality documents with strong analysis, critical thinking, and actionable recommendations. His influence has inspired colleagues to pursue master’s and PhD programs to enhance their own capabilities.

Looking ahead

For Victorino, this is only the beginning. He is optimistic about the future, both professionally and personally. “By keeping connected with my former classmates and my landlord, I wish to continue supporting those going to Curtin University and stay up to date with developments in international relations and national security. My journey to Australia and back was transformative and life-changing in all aspects – socially, professionally, and financially – and I hope to continue this trajectory,” he concludes.

“Given my personal interest in deepening my studies in peace and security issues, particularly those related with Africa, and taking advantage of my time in Addis Ababa as the ‘Capital of African Diplomacy’, I remain confident that when my time here ends in 2027, I’ll renew my connections and explore new opportunities for knowledge sharing and exchanges,” he says.