Like many students applying abroad, my journey did not begin with Australia. It began with countless spreadsheets comparing universities, late-night research sessions, and applications spread across multiple countries. For a long time, I was convinced the UK was where I would end up. I even spent months preparing specifically for UK admissions. But somewhere along the way, I realized that choosing a university isn't just about rankings or reputation. It's about finding a place that aligns with the future you want to build.
I'll be going to the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) to study Quantum Engineering, a course that perfectly combines my interests in physics, engineering, and quantum computing. The school offered me the level of specialization I knew I wanted, which not a lot of other colleges could offer in terms of course diversity.
Building an Academic Foundation
I completed Grades 8 through 12 at NPS, following the CBSE (the national curriculum) for my final two years of school. During Grades 11 and 12, I studied Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, and English, while also preparing for standardized tests alongside school.
Academics became the strongest part of my application. My highest SAT score was 1580, and over the course of Grade 11, I completed 7 AP examinations: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Calculus BC, Physics 1, Physics C: Mechanics, Chemistry, and Statistics. I earned a score of 5 on every AP exam except Calculus BC.
In CBSE, I scored around 94–95% in Grade 10, and after re-evaluation, I finished Grade 12 with an aggregate of 90%.
Although my eventual destination was Australia, these qualifications were initially built with UK and even US universities in mind. By the time I decided to pivot towards Australia, I already had a strong academic profile that translated well across multiple admissions systems.
Discovering My Interest in Quantum Engineering
Long before I knew where I wanted to study, I knew what fascinated me.
Physics had always been my favourite subject, but over time that curiosity narrowed into something much more specific: quantum physics. The deeper I explored the field, the more I wanted to understand how quantum mechanics could move beyond theory and become real technology.
That curiosity shaped nearly every major extracurricular I pursued during high school.
One of the most significant experiences was conducting research through the Cambridge Centre for International Research (CCIR). The program connects students with professors actively working in fields they are passionate about, but the selection process is rigorous (comparable to college admissions). Applicants submit essays, grades, and recommendations, and are matched with professors based on mutual research interests.
After being accepted, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Tianzhao, a Yale professor specializing in quantum chemistry.
Initially, students assist professors with ongoing research while learning from their skills and building their scientific understanding. Once professors are confident in a student's ability, we are trusted to carry out independent research projects using university laboratory facilities.
My research focused on spectroscopy in relation to quantum circuits. While the technical details become highly specialized very quickly, the experience gave me something far more valuable than a research project for my résumé. It showed me what working in cutting-edge science actually looks like and confirmed that this was the field I wanted to pursue professionally.
Although CCIR is a paid research program, scholarships significantly reduce the cost for many participants, making opportunities like these more accessible to students who demonstrate strong academic potential.
Learning to Work with Quantum Computers
Research wasn't the only way I explored the field.
I also completed Qubit by Qubit, a quantum computing program sponsored by IBM in Bangalore.
The course introduced me to Python programming before gradually moving into the foundations of quantum mechanics. Eventually, we learned to use Qiskit, IBM's software platform that allows students to write programs for real quantum computers.
For many students, quantum computing remains something they've only read about in articles or textbooks. Through this opportunity, I was able to interact with the software ecosystem that researchers and engineers actually use.
That experience transformed quantum computing from an abstract idea into something tangible.
Instead of simply asking, "How does quantum computing work?", I began asking, "How can I contribute to building it?"
Learning Beyond the Classroom
My interest in physics also led me closer to home.
In Bangalore, I became involved with programs at the Raman Research Institute, participating in both a mathematics circle and a physics program focused on electronics and circuit design.
One of the highlights of this experience was designing a printed circuit board (PCB) alongside professors at the institute. Working with two other students from my school, we helped develop a board that ultimately moved into large-scale production.
Unlike classroom laboratory exercises, this project involved creating something with practical applications outside school. It also gave me valuable exposure to collaborative engineering, where designing, testing, revising, and working alongside researchers mattered just as much as understanding the underlying theory.
These opportunities were available through my school, which nominated interested students whose academic profiles aligned with the institute's research work. Looking back, it reinforced an important lesson: sometimes opportunities don't come from searching endlessly online—they come from asking questions, staying curious, and making the most of the resources already around you.
Looking back, every major activity I pursued shared one thing in common. Whether it was research at Yale, programming quantum computers through IBM, or designing electronics at Raman Research Institute, they all stemmed from a genuine interest in the same subject.
I wasn't trying to collect extracurriculars.
I was simply following my curiosity.
That consistency ultimately became one of the strongest parts of my university application.
I also mentioned my extracurricular activities, including my state-level shooting achievements. In Australia, it's generally best to prioritize extracurriculars that are relevant to your intended major. However, if you have earned significant recognition in sports, community service, or other unrelated activities, those are also worth mentioning. This is something my counsellor advised me to do. Unlike the U.S. Common App, where you are expected to list up to 10 extracurriculars, Australian universities only learn about your extracurricular involvement through your essays, so there is no minimum or maximum number of activities you need to include.
Choosing Australia Over the UK
For most of high school, I assumed I would study in the United Kingdom.
I had built my academic profile around UK admissions, spending months researching universities and preparing applications. Australia wasn't even on my radar until much later in the process. It was only after speaking to family, researching different education systems, and looking more closely at career opportunities that I began to reconsider where I wanted to spend the next four years.
The biggest factor was flexibility.
Unlike many universities in the UK, Australian institutions encourage students to explore a broader range of subjects alongside their major. That appealed to me because, although I knew I wanted to pursue quantum engineering, I also wanted the freedom to study topics beyond my core degree and develop a wider academic perspective.
Australia also stood out for its emphasis on research, industry collaboration, and graduate employability. The more I compared universities across countries, the more I felt that Australia's education system aligned with the kind of engineer I hoped to become.
Once I began exploring Australian universities seriously, UNSW quickly emerged as my first choice as an institution.
Navigating the Australian Admissions Process
One aspect of the Australian application process that surprised me was its straightforward nature.
Unlike the United States, where applications often require multiple essays, extracurricular profiles, recommendation letters, and holistic review, most Australian universities focus primarily on academic achievement. Strong grades are the foundation of the application, and in many cases, there are no personal essays at all. They also help when it comes to being considered for scholarships. However, this does not discount that letters of recommendation, extracurriculars, and essays do play a role in filtering your admissions.
I submitted my applications through an education agent, a route that international students have to choose because universities in Australia generally compensate agents directly. That meant I received guidance throughout the application process without paying additional consultancy fees.
The process itself was remarkably efficient. Once my academic documents and supporting materials were submitted, I simply had to wait for universities to assess my eligibility.
For students accustomed to the lengthy admissions cycles of other countries, the simplicity of Australia's system can be refreshing. Good academic performance carries significant weight, making the process transparent and relatively predictable.
Receiving My University Offers
As decisions began arriving, I realized I had far more options than I initially expected.
Within Australia, I received offers from every university I applied to, which were UNSW Sydney and the University of Melbourne.
When it came to other university applications, I cast a fairly wide net across several countries. In Singapore, I applied to the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) for Physics. I was rejected by NUS but received an offer from NTU. I also submitted an application to Bocconi University in Italy for Economics—largely on a whim—and was pleasantly surprised to be admitted. In the Netherlands, I applied to TU Delft but was unsuccessful.
For the UK, I applied to King's College London, University College London (UCL), the University of Edinburgh, Durham University, and the University of Warwick. I was rejected by UCL but received offers from the other four. My applications there were for Natural Sciences, a programme that closely resembles India's pure sciences pathway, allowing students to study a broad range of subjects—including physics, chemistry, and applied mathematics—before specialising in their second year. My intention was always to major in theoretical physics.
I also applied to Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin in Ireland, where I applied directly for Theoretical Physics and received offers from both universities. Looking back, my application portfolio reflected both a clear passion for theoretical physics and a willingness to explore different academic pathways where they aligned with my interests.
Having multiple offers was exciting, but it also made the final decision more difficult. Rankings, course structures, research opportunities, scholarships, costs, and long-term career prospects all became part of the equation.
After comparing every option, I kept coming back to UNSW.
Its Quantum Engineering program was one of the few undergraduate degrees specifically designed for students interested in quantum technologies rather than traditional engineering disciplines. Combined with the university's research strengths and industry partnerships, it felt like the best place to begin my journey into quantum computing.
Scholarships That Made a Difference
Studying abroad is a significant financial commitment, so scholarships became an important part of my application strategy. I received 2 scholarships: firstly, a 20% tuition scholarship that students get if they meet the grade cut-off for their curriculum, and the UNSW International Scientia Scholarship.
UNSW offers a range of scholarships for international students, many of which are awarded automatically based on academic performance. Because my SAT score and school grades met the eligibility requirements, I was considered without submitting separate scholarship essays.
One piece of advice I would give future applicants is to pay close attention to scholarship criteria well before applying.
For students submitting SAT scores, mathematics performance can be particularly important. A strong overall score is valuable, but certain scholarships place specific emphasis on quantitative achievement. Understanding those requirements early allows students to prepare strategically rather than discovering them after applications have already been submitted.
Strong school grades also remain essential. Scholarships are often awarded to students who demonstrate consistent academic excellence over several years rather than relying on one outstanding examination performance. Although every university structures financial aid differently, taking the time to research scholarship opportunities early can significantly reduce the overall cost of studying abroad.
Understanding the Costs
Finances are naturally one of the biggest concerns for students considering Australia.
Beyond tuition fees, there are hidden expenses: living expenses, accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, and day-to-day costs to consider. Sydney, in particular, has a reputation for being one of Australia's more expensive cities.
However, careful planning makes these costs much more manageable.
Universities provide estimated annual budgets to help students prepare, and scholarships can substantially offset tuition expenses. Many international students also choose on-campus employment or part-time work where visa regulations permit, allowing them to contribute towards living expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
For me, understanding the financial picture wasn't about finding the cheapest option—it was about determining which university offered the strongest overall value in terms of education, research opportunities, and future career prospects.
The Student Visa Process
Compared with university applications, the visa process felt much more administrative than academic.
One of the key components was completing the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which asks applicants to explain why they have chosen Australia, why they selected a particular university, and how the degree fits into their future goals.
Rather than treating it as another essay, I approached it honestly.
I explained my interest in quantum engineering, why UNSW's program matched my academic interests, and how studying in Australia would help me pursue a career in quantum technologies.
Alongside the GS requirement, I submitted the necessary financial documentation, health insurance details, and identification documents before receiving my student visa.
While visa procedures may seem intimidating at first, staying organized and following university guidance makes the process much smoother than many students expect.
Advice for Future Applicants
Looking back, one lesson stands out above everything else: there is no single "perfect" path to studying abroad.
My own journey changed dramatically. I spent years believing I would attend university in the UK before eventually committing to Australia. Had I decided earlier that Australia was my destination, my application strategy might have looked completely different.
That's why I encourage students to begin researching universities as early as possible.
Don't limit yourself to one country simply because it's the most familiar choice. Compare degree structures, teaching styles, research opportunities, scholarship options, and career outcomes. Speak to current students whenever you can. Those conversations often reveal details that rankings never capture.
Most importantly, pursue opportunities because they genuinely interest you—not because you think they'll look impressive on an application.
When I reflect on the experiences that shaped my university applications, I don't see disconnected extracurricular activities. I see a continuous story driven by curiosity: conducting research in quantum chemistry, programming quantum computers, building electronic circuits, and constantly asking deeper questions about the science that fascinated me.
Universities noticed that consistency.
More importantly, it helped me discover exactly where I wanted to go next.
As I prepare to begin studying Quantum Engineering at UNSW Sydney, I know the journey is only just beginning. The applications, examinations, and admissions decisions brought me to this point, but they're not the destination. They're simply the first step toward contributing to a field that has captivated me since high school, and one that I hope to help shape in the years ahead.
