Study Melbourne Ambassadors help create a rich and supportive community for current and prospective international students. They help to organise student events, programs and initiatives as well as contribute to our social channels, represent Study Melbourne at official functions.

The 2024 Study Melbourne Ambassador Team consists of 11 student ambassadors from 8 different countries and studying at 6 different institutions in Victoria. Each ambassador represents a voice of the community we serve across our programs and initiatives.

Get to know our ambassadors by reading their profiles below or come along to one of Study Melbourne's events, programs or initiatives and hear about their experience, knowledge and insights.

Ayushi Daga (She/Her), Monash University, India

Ayushi Daga is pursuing her Master of Public Health at Monash University. Inspired by Felix Baumgartner's quote:

The only limit in life is the one you set yourself

Ayushi redirected her career focus from individual patient care to public health. This shift was fuelled by her dedication towards health promotion and health equity.

Since she arrived in Melbourne as an international student, Ayushi has actively engaged with the Australian community, contributing to organisations such as Red Cross Australia and the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation. Through her involvement with the Iceberg Foundation, she advocates for mental health within the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent communities.

Ayushi strongly believes that every good deed is a catalyst for change. Her journey showcases Melbourne's diverse opportunities and inclusive atmosphere for international students, and she aims to enrich this experience for others.

Bhavya Bagaria (He/Him), Deakin University, India

Bhavya, originally from Mumbai, India, is currently studying a Bachelor of Business Analytics and Commerce with a major in Finance at Deakin University. Multiculturalism and natural beauty drew him to Melbourne.

His passion lies in nurturing the growth and development of international students like him. As a Peer Mentor Team Leader at Deakin University, he has had the privilege of guiding fellow students through their academic journeys and helping them navigate the intricacies of life in a new country.

What drives him is the opportunity to foster meaningful connections within the international student community. Bhavya firmly believes that by building solid relationships and networks, we can all thrive academically and personally.

In his free time, he prefers to stay physically active by hitting the gym or playing basketball. He is also passionate about continuously learning and exploring new interests and skills.

Hani Nadhirah Azman (She/Her), University of Melbourne, Malaysia

Hani is from Malaysia and is currently studying a Master of Marketing Communications at the University of Melbourne. As an international student travelling to over 15 countries, she seeks new experiences with diverse people where seemingly opposite cultures can coexist harmoniously. With ardent interests in genuine connections, academia, and well-being, Hani is eager to holistically enrich the lives of international students so everyone can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

As an Ambassador, she is excited to share tips and tricks to make the most of international students’ time here in Melbourne. She also wishes to promote inclusivity so international students feel physically and emotionally safe in Melbourne.

During her leisure time, Hani enjoys cooking/baking, going to Pilates classes and attending community events in the city. She is also an avid matcha drinker and you might find her sipping matcha with the ‘Melb Matcha Girlies’.

Yijia (Jessica) Ji (She/Her), Monash University, China

Yijia Ji, also known as Jessica, is originally from Shanghai, China. Currently pursuing an Honours Degree in Pharmaceutical Science at Monash University, her dedicated research centres on malaria drug target identification.

Her passion lies in positively impacting lives and embracing diversity through her pharmaceutical expertise and enriching international student experiences. Beyond academia, she actively advocates for international students' well-being within and outside the university community.

Jess’s motto is simple:

Believe you can and you're halfway there!

Maria Noriega (She/Her), University of Melbourne, Colombia

Maria is pursuing a Master of Urban Planning at the University of Melbourne. Originally from Colombia, Maria's passion for urban planning began during her undergraduate studies in architecture, where she became interested in the design of sustainable and liveable urban developments. She is committed to using her knowledge and skills to impact her field and beyond positively.

Since arriving in Melbourne, Maria has immersed herself in the city's vibrant culture and community, exploring its diverse neighbourhoods, events, museums, and parks. When possible, she enjoys walking to places, observing life at its fullest or unwinding after a busy day. Recently, she started running and joined her local Parkrun.

This year, she hopes to be intentional in everything she does and to promote respectful and caring relationships within the international student community in Melbourne, celebrating our unique stories and journeys.

Moulishri Shukla (She/Her), Deakin University, India

Moulishri Shukla is an international student from India studying a Double Bachelor degree in Law and Arts at Deakin University. She is currently also working with Dusa (Deakin University Student Association and her role focuses on inclusion, diversity, and student advocacy at Deakin). Mouli is passionate about advocacy and her vision is to bring justice through her voice.

Through learning the fundamentals of law and arts, she one day hopes to contribute to her society in a way that helps everyone find their inner voice and potential and use that to become the leaders of the next generation and bring knowledge, love, and individuality into the world.

Nischal Niroula (He/Him), CQUniversity (Melbourne Campus), Nepal

Originating from the beautiful landscapes of Nepal, Nischal is pursuing a Master's degree in IT and Project Management. His professional experience in IT spans from start-ups to international corporations. Fuelled by his passion for technology and commitment to community welfare, Nischal is constantly motivated to contribute to the community's improvement.

With inspirations like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs guiding his path, Nischal embraces their ethos of relentless innovation and determination. He is inspired by the idea that if they can change the world, then so can he.

Beyond Technology, Nischal actively promotes mental health and personal growth, discussing these topics on different platforms and his podcast. His hobbies include running, reading, playing guitar, writing, gaming online and occasionally knitting.

His guiding mantra is Steve Job's:

Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish

Sydney Nhema (He/Him), Federation University (Mt Helen), Zimbabwe

Sydney Nhema is studying a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Honours) at Federation University (Mt Helen campus) in Ballarat, Victoria.

Sydney loves exploring how things work, especially in physics and mathematics. When he is not diving into research, you’ll find him making new connections and supporting friends. One quote that inspires him is from Albert Einstein:

The leader is one who, out of the clutter, brings simplicity... out of discord, harmony... and out of difficulty, opportunity.

He wants to make a difference and be remembered for helping others. His goal is to positively change the world and be known for impacting people’s lives.

Vicky Nguyen (She/Her), University of Melbourne, Vietnam

Vicky Nguyen is from Vietnam and is pursuing a Master of Information Systems at The University of Melbourne. Outside academia, Vicky enjoys jogging in the park and exploring Melbourne's streets for the perfect cup of coffee.

She is deeply inspired by Michelle Obama's words:

People who are truly strong lift others up. People who are truly powerful bring others together.

Her passion lies in sharing knowledge and experiences to uplift others, especially international students. She is excited to be a Study Melbourne Ambassador, dedicated to enhancing international students' educational journey in Melbourne.

Zhiqi (Michael) Tang (He/Him), University of Melbourne, China

Michael hails from China and is pursuing a Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne. Michael is a friendly, creative, and diligent person who loves to challenge himself and meet new people from diverse backgrounds.

As an ambassador, he strongly believes in the transformative power of sharing experiences. He aims to assist in cultivating a vibrant international student community in Melbourne. Inspired by the quote:

Sharing is the way to multiply happiness

he seeks to foster connections and understanding among peers and is dedicated to contributing to personal, academic, and professional growth.

His passion for law extends beyond academia; he aspires to become an international lawyer facilitating cross-border commercial activities and advocating for social justice and human rights.

Zuzanna Kaczynska (She/Her), Swinburne University of Technology, Poland

Zuzanna Kaczynska, who prefers to be called Zuzie, is originally from Poland. She was born and raised in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland.

When she was 16, her family moved to Bali, Indonesia. That's where she found her passion for scuba diving. She tried it once and never looked back. After finishing high school, she decided she wanted to further her studies and decided Australia would be the perfect spot for her.

Zuzie is studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Ethics and Technology and co-majoring in Computer Science at Swinburne University of Technology. She is in her third and last year of university and has loved her Melbourne experience.

Terms and Conditions

For more information on the eligibility criteria view our Terms and Conditions.