Australia Awards South and West Asia

Kabin Maharjan from Nepal is studying a Master of Climate Change at the Crawford School of Public Policy of the Australian National University (ANU) with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship.

Kabin was featured as the ‘face’ of the Australia Awards promotions in Nepal for study commencing in 2026. We recently caught up with him to ask about his Scholarship journey, how it has affected his personal and career growth, and what advice he has for future Scholarship recipients.

Why did you apply for an Australia Awards Scholarship?

My passion for development research to address pressing environmental challenges has taken me to some remote regions and grassroots communities in my country. Nepal’s diverse topography places it among the world’s most hazard-prone countries, ranking 16^th overall and 4^th, 11^th and 30^th for climate change, earthquake and flood vulnerabilities, respectively. Witnessing firsthand how climate and disaster risks trap communities in poverty has fuelled my drive to gain advanced expertise in climate science, policy and practice to address these challenges effectively and urgently.

I applied for the Australia Awards Scholarship because it offers the opportunity to acquire advanced tools, techniques and knowledge to tackle these challenges, as climate change is one of the Australia Awards priority areas. Specifically, Australia’s strong commitment to climate action, evident in its net-zero emissions pledge, leadership in renewable energy and partnerships with Pacific nations, makes it an ideal place to learn from world-leading climate policies and innovations.

Moreover, the Australia Awards Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to connect with a distinguished alumni network of changemakers driving significant global impact. This network inspires collaboration and learning, providing valuable insights from those shaping meaningful solutions worldwide. What also sets this Scholarship apart is its comprehensive support system—from pre-departure preparation to capacity assistance during the Scholarship and reintegration support after returning home—ensuring scholars are fully equipped to excel and contribute to their home countries. Tied with its emphasis on leadership development, the program creates an enabling environment for both personal and professional growth. With each passing day of the Scholarship, I am increasingly convinced that it is more than just an academic opportunity—it is a pathway to drive meaningful change.

Kabin pictured at his university.

How has your Australia Awards Scholarship contributed to your personal and professional growth?

The Australia Awards Scholarship has been a transformative experience, enhancing my expertise, networks and leadership capabilities in ways I could not have imagined. Academically, I have gained advanced knowledge in climate change science, policy and practice, including technology-based analysis and decision-making tools, which are critical for addressing Nepal’s complex environmental challenges.

A significant milestone was having the privilege of co-authoring a policy document with Professor Mark Howden, Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Submitted to the Committee Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, the document (titled Inquiry into Australia’s response to the priorities of Pacific Island countries and the Pacific region) provided recommendations to the Australian Government. This sharpened my ability to align local challenges with regional and global policies, strengthening my research and policy analysis skills.

I was able to become a member of the Institute for Climate, Energy, and Disaster Solutions, which has deepened my exposure to cutting-edge research while expanding my professional network. I also had the opportunity to attend the 29^th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change online as an ANU representative, engaging in meaningful discussions on contemporary climate issues and future global directions. Due to these active engagements, I was invited to contribute perspectives on a workshop as an international student representative on ‘Exploring the implications of climate change for Australia’s universities in 2030, 2060 and 2090’, a sector-wide initiative of Australian universities. I feel privileged to contribute to such far-reaching impacts on Australian academic institutions, an experience that has enhanced my ability to analyse long-term climate risks through a systemic and forward-thinking lens.

Alongside my academic life, I have been actively engaged as a Research Service Administrator in the ANU Central Funding and Development team, which is the university’s key point of contact for external research funding. In this role, I provide pre and post-award administrative assistance for some groundbreaking ongoing research at ANU and coordinate communication between various research offices of top Australian universities and the ANU on this project. This has equipped me with essential skills in research management, funding processes and project facilitation. On the social front, I served as Secretary of the ANU Nepali Students’ Association, which aims to support new students and promote the Nepali community’s visibility within the university’s multicultural environment. This role enabled me to foster community, build connections and enhance cross-cultural exchange.

As someone actively engaged in teaching, the Scholarship has also enriched my pedagogy. Experiencing firsthand the teaching approaches of a world-class university has shown me the importance of creating a participatory, exploratory and critically reflective learning environment.

Without this Scholarship, such transformative opportunities would not have been possible, highlighting the profound impact the Australia Awards Scholarship has had on my personal and professional growth.

Kabin (second from right) featured with other scholars from South Asia.

University aside, what has your life in Australia been like so far?

Life in Australia outside the university environment has been a mix of exciting challenges and enriching experiences. Being in this land of migrants, where most people I have met have either recently travelled here or have roots in other countries, has been incredibly welcoming. Sharing stories with individuals from diverse backgrounds has given me insights into different histories, cultures and priorities, making me feel part of a shared journey. I have also explored some of Australia’s stunning natural landscapes, which have been both a source of inspiration and a reminder of the importance of preserving these ecosystems in the face of climate change.

As a father, I treasure the time I spend with my children, and living with them in Australia has also provided me with opportunities to reflect on and improve my parenting skills, as the country places a strong emphasis on safe, child-centric practices. On the lighter side, I have enjoyed weekend pub visits, walks at Lake Burley Griffin, multicultural events, and exploring new places and cuisines with my family and friends, which has made this journey even more memorable. Overall, life in Australia has been a perfect blend of cultural immersion, personal growth and family bonding, offering new perspectives and experiences that I will cherish forever.

What do you hope to do once you return to your home country?

Upon returning to Nepal, I intend to address the country’s two urgent needs: adapting to climate change impacts and reducing climate risk. My expertise in climate science, policy and practice will enable me to design and implement evidence-based solutions—a critical need in Nepal, where evidence-based decision-making is often limited. Given Nepal’s ranking as one of the most multi-hazard-prone countries, I will focus on disaster risk reduction strategies that integrate climate resilience. I aim to promote climate-smart technologies, locally-led climate finance and nature-based solutions. As someone active in the teaching profession, I plan to lead a dedicated climate course to stir climate discourse and cultivate a climate-sensitive new generation. With the networks, exposure and critical perspective I gain through my Scholarship, I have plans to represent Nepal at global climate forums. Through all these efforts, I aim to bridge the gap between research, policy and action, enabling locally contextualised and impactful solutions.

These are not just aspirations—I am already materialising them. I am actively collaborating with the Institute for Study and Development Worldwide, an Australian-based policy and research firm with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region, including Nepal. As part of the core team, I am stirring discussions and exploring critical questions on the feasibility of locally-led climate finance and its alignment with mechanisms such as the Loss and Damage Fund in Nepal. I am also co-authoring other scientific papers with prominent national and international scholars to generate evidence-based insights that contribute to knowledge and discourse in the climate and disaster spaces. While my list of aspirations is long, I remain fully committed to translating these plans into tangible outcomes that build resilience, foster innovation and empower communities across Nepal and beyond.

Kabin pictured with other Nepali scholars.

What advice would you give to future Scholarship recipients?

My advice to future Scholarship recipients is to fully embrace the transformative opportunities that come with the Australia Awards Scholarship, both academically and beyond. Begin by setting clear goals early on—whether it’s advancing your expertise in a specific field, contributing to global discussions or building skills to drive meaningful change in your home country—as time during the Scholarship moves quickly. Be proactive in stepping outside your comfort zone by participating in workshops, seminars and extracurricular activities that can broaden your horizons and expose you to diverse perspectives. Take full advantage of the rich academic and professional environment to build meaningful networks with peers, professors and experts, as these connections can lead to collaborations and future opportunities.

Beyond your academic studies, focus on building soft skills such as communication, leadership and cross-cultural collaboration, as these are invaluable in any career. Do not forget to utilise the extensive support structures provided by the Scholarship, including academic assistance and reintegration programs, to navigate your journey successfully. Most importantly, stay committed to the purpose of the Scholarship: to give back to your home country. Think about how you can apply your knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact while enjoying this life-changing experience. Lastly, amidst all this crowded advice, do not forget to soak in the beauty of Australia—its culture, landscapes, people, histories and Aboriginal heritage. Make every moment count, and good luck on this transformative journey!