Endeavour is its own reward in South Australia
View(s):When Niranjani Semananda left Adelaide following her graduation from the University of South Australia she hoped she would return again one day.
‘I entered the University in 2008 and completed my Master of Water Resources Management in 2010. I went back to Sri Lanka and hoped to return to complete my PhD studies.’
Niranjani Semananda
The University of South Australia was recommended by a colleague and after conducting her own research Niranjani was suitably impressed.
During her Master’s degree she heard about the Australian government funded Endeavour Postgraduate Awards and with the University’s support she applied for the opportunity to receive funding for further study.
Following a highly competitive selection process Niranjani was successfully awarded an Endeavour Postgraduate Award in 2012.
‘I was fortunate to receive the award and I strongly believe my Masters qualification received from the University helped me.’
The Endeavour Awards showcase Australia as a high quality education provider and leader in research and innovation.These aims are shared by the University with its commitment to cutting-edge research and attracting the best and brightest minds from around the world.
In 2012 the University’s research performance was rated highly. The Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative, which assesses the research quality of Australia’s higher education institutions against Australian and world benchmarks, found that 86 per cent of the University’s assessed research is at or above world-class standard.
The Endeavour Awards also striveto develop understanding and build international networks which are a priority for Niranjani who is keen to share her knowledge of water resource management.
‘My research is related to different fields; water management, irrigation, agriculture and wastewater reuse. This research study is very useful to our country as well as other countries that need to use water effectively in agriculture.’
The University’s leadership on water conservation, reuse and recycling made it an ideal choice for her research studies, given the expertise of the SA Water Centre for Water Management and Reuse.
‘The University of South Australia is located in the driest state in the driest continent. Therefore, preserving scarce water resources is very important in cities like Adelaide. I found good lecturers who are qualified in the same area and who were very keen in related research studies.’
The University is dedicated to providing first class support to students and Niranjani was able to access services to enhance her study experience. ‘The facilities including short courses given by the library staff were very helpful. I found that the University has very large databases and easy approach techniques. It is very helpful as a researcher.’
The University has internationally renowned research supervisors across an impressive range of research interests. Many students, like Niranjani, come to the University to work with specific researchers and learn from their expertise.
‘The lecturers are very friendly and helpful. The comments given are very encouraging and we can discuss and incorporate ideas.’
Before she arrived in Adelaide, Niranjani had heard positive reports about the city and her first impressionswere good.
‘I felt very comfortable when I first visited Adelaide. The people are very friendly and helpful and the living and accommodation cost is very low compared to other cities in Australia. It is very peaceful and safe.’
While she has enjoyed meeting locals and developing friendships with other international students, Niranjani has also enjoyed being part of Adelaide’s Sri Lankan community.
‘Adelaide is a multicultural society and there are Sri Lankan groceries and restaurants available. We enjoy the New Year festival and dinner parties in our own traditional way.’
Niranjani has enjoyed many opportunities during her studies and is keen to encourage other students.
‘The University is well recognised within Australia and internationally. It has lots of opportunities and different courses available to select and study.’
If you would like to find out more about the University of South Australia and the extensive range of coursework and research programs on offer, meet with Jenny Arkun at Edlocate (79/5 Horton Place, Colombo 7) on Thursday 21st February from 2.30 pm to 4.3 0pm.Contact Edlocate for appointments on 011- 5235148 or 4740126
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