Proud Papua New Guinean and father of four, Benson Hahambu made the move to Perth in 2016 to progress his career.

"I was working in the development sector in PNG before resigning to take up the Australia Awards Scholarship.

"I attended the Australia Education Road Show where I met a Murdoch University professor who guided me through my choices, which led me to putting Murdoch as my first preference in the Australia Awards Scholarship application process."

After carefully considering a range of course options, Benson eventually settled on a Master of Development Studies.

"After looking closely at the various units offered in the program, both core and electives, as well as studying the profiles of the course unit coordinators, I was convinced that the course was for me.

"In particular, I was impressed by the flexibility in choosing electives that contribute to professional growth and development post studies."

Making the move to Perth

"The International Student Services team at Murdoch University is very supportive and the orientation program really assisted. There was also continuous academic and social support offered throughout my two years of studies.

"I love that Perth isn't as busy and more friendly than other Australian cities. The loving atmosphere is everywhere."

Benson excelled in his studies and made the most of every opportunity, including interning at WA Parliament House and being the recipient of the prestigious Student Partnership for Impact Award.

Benson and his Australian study partner, Stephanie Matulin, teamed-up to develop the project called Papua New Guinea Education Network for Disaster Risk Reduction. One of only five pairs from across Australia to be short-listed for consideration at the 2017 Research for Development Impact Network Conference, Benson and Stephanie received a $10,000 grant to help implement their idea in rural regions of Papua New Guinea.

Achieving beyond the campus

Since graduating from Murdoch University in 2018, Benson's career has gone from strength to strength, and is currently Deputy Directory of Callan Services National Unit (CSNU), a national coordinating and capacity building agency.

Made up of 21 institutions, Callan Services work in collaboration with churches, non-government organisations and development partners to strengthen the work of inclusive education and community-based rehabilitation services in Papua New Guinea.

"The university and career advisors assisted me a lot in shaping my career pathway. I would recommend Murdoch University to other international students because of the friendly academic environment and assistance offered by both academic and ancillary staff members."

You can follow Benson's footsteps and explore your brighter future with a course and community that cares.

Find out more about becoming an international student at Murdoch.