These six impressive individuals achieved the top student award in their respective study streams for the Semester 2, 2024/Semester 1, 2025 cohort.
Now, they're taking on exciting new challenges in fields as diverse as Interior Design, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology and Communication. We're excited to celebrate their achievements as they continue on their pathway to success.
Home country: Malaysia
Foundation Studies Stream: Art, Design and Architecture
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Architectural Design, RMIT University.
A passion for structural design and historical monuments and the dream of creating a unique townhouse for her family has inspired Joan to pursue a Bachelor of Architectural Design at RMIT.
"I like the fascinating structural designs that can be built from scratch and the historical monuments that convey a period of stories, remaining undecayed for centuries for future generations to learn from.”
Joan says the Foundation Studies Art, Design and Architecture stream equipped her with knowledge of essential programs and tools and helped establish independent learning skills for university study.
Best of all, she says, the program enabled her to make friends and settle into Melbourne life.
With a solid foundation in place, Joan aims to continue excelling in her studies and to create her own memorable structural designs in the future.
“I hope to own an architecture studio where architects can dream and engineers cry.”
We feel for the future engineers who have to bring Joan’s ground-breaking designs to life!
Home country: Cambodia
Foundation Studies Stream: Communication and Social Context
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry).
Lygech excelled in our Communication and Social Context stream and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) at RMIT, with the goal of becoming an audio engineer.
“I'm fascinated by music being a universal language - it seems magical to me. I also love messing around with musical Digital Audio Workspaces and instruments.
“I would love to work with other music enthusiasts and talented artists around the world.”
Lygech says her time with Foundation Studies taught her how to think outside the box, learn how to structure essays and emails and develop her presentation skills.
She is now enjoying her university studies and the independence that living in Melbourne allows.
“At first, it is a bit difficult to adjust to how the university operates, but as time passes, it seems normal now, and I'm quite enjoying my classes and my free time.”
Home country: Brunei
Foundation Studies Stream: Business
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Business.
Nicole placed first in the Foundation Studies Business Stream and has set her sights on a career in the Blockchain Industry.
She’s studying a Bachelor of Business at RMIT to help those goals come to fruition.
“I chose to study Business because I’m particularly interested in blockchain technology and I also want to explore a variety of other business courses to gain a broad understanding of the field,” she says.
“I’m excited about (blockchain technology), and its potential to transform various sectors, and would love to be part of that innovation.”
Nicole says that Foundation Studies prepared her for university by giving her a solid understanding of fundamental business subjects, which made her transition into the Bachelor of Business program easier.
“Overall, university has been a unique and rewarding experience that’s helping me develop both academically and personally.”
Home country: Bangladesh
Foundation Studies Stream: Health
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry), Federation University.
Suhaila was our top Health stream student and is now studying a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Biochemistry and minor in Microbiology, at Federation University.
Her academic success has earned her a scholarship to continue her tertiary studies and work towards her dream of becoming a medical doctor or researcher in the future.
“I chose to study this (Biochemistry) as it aligns with my future goals and I am highly interested in the subjects, which motivates me to do better.”
Suhaila credits Foundation Studies with giving her a head start at university and helping her establish a close friendship network in Melbourne.
“The course layout is similar and therefore I am not finding it hard to adjust,” she says.
“I've become used to the university system of independent study and the courseload as well.”
“I am also still close friends with the people I met at RMIT UP, which has helped me enjoy my new life in Melbourne.”
Home country: Oman
Foundation Studies Stream: First in Engineering and Science
RMIT UP Pathway: Now studying a Bachelor of Cyber Security (Professional) RMIT.
Home country: Indonesia
Foundation Studies Stream: Information Technology
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Computer Science.
Jovan placed first in Foundation Studies IT stream and now is now studying for his Bachelor of Computer Science at RMIT. He is fascinated by building things and understanding how systems work, and enjoys the process of overcoming challenges, learning, and improving through troubleshooting.
“Computer Science is a field that’s not only about coding but more importantly designing and engineering software or systems that will impact our lives,” he says.
Jovan’s Foundation Studies in Information Technology gave him a solid base in mathematics, statistics, and programming, which are essential for computational thinking and software development. Group projects during his Foundation Studies also helped him develop teamwork and communication skills, preparing him well for university life.
He also highly enjoyed studying with people from many different places. “ It was a refreshing experience to learn and understand each other’s culture while studying with them. The teachers and staffs are very dedicated in their work - they will always try to help the students and push them to do their best.”
At university, Jovan continues to find support and inspiration from both his peers and academic mentors.
It’s been a wonderful experience learning new things, trying to adapt to new environments and meeting new friends. I found it very refreshing to have lecturers and professors who are very dedicated in their field where I can always reach out to them for any advice or help.
Home country: Malaysia
Foundation Studies Stream: Art, Design and Architecture
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours).
Driven by a natural curiosity for how spaces can shape our emotions and experiences, Keira—our top Art, Design and Architecture student—is excited to start the Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours) at RMIT in 2026.
“I have always been intrigued by how spaces can influence emotions and experiences, says Keira. Through interior design, I hope to create spaces that tells a story.”
Reflecting on her Foundation Studies year, Keira says she appreciated the supportive community and creative environment. “It helped me build confidence in expressing and communicating my ideas. It also taught me to mange my time efficiently, think outside the box and how to communicate my ideas visually and conceptually effectively.
In the future, Keira hopes to become an interior designer who inspires and connects people through the spaces she creates.
“One day, I’d love to own my own studio and collaborate with other inspiring creatives”.
Home country: Malaysia
Foundation Studies Stream: Science and Engineering
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours).
E Sha was our top student for Science and Engineering, and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) at RMIT.
Through Foundation Studies, E Sha discovered her interest in engineering and became confident about her academic direction.
“I chose Mechanical because it’s a broad field that opens many different paths and opportunities,” she says.
“I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to do at first, but the subjects I enjoyed in school led to engineering. Since the (Foundation Studies) course was focused on engineering subjects, it made me realise that I’m on the right path.
E Sha says Foundation Studies prepared her well for university life, including group projects, report writing, and presenting confidently. “It gave me an idea of what to expect and helped me understand the workload and expectations, which made the transition to university smoother.
“I’m interested in exploring different areas within mechanical engineering to see what fits me best. I’m keeping an open mind and focusing on gaining more experience as I go.”
Home country: Vietnam
Foundation Studies Stream: Health
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Psychology.
Jenny) excelled in our Health stream and is now studying Bachelor of Psychology at RMIT University.
Drawn to the subject after learning more about it, Jenny found that psychology aligned well with both her personality and interests.
“I love listening to others and sharing stories, and I often give advice to people when they are struggling,” she says.
Jenny says studying Psychology and Statistics with Foundation Studies has helped her feel more confident and prepared for her Psychology degree.
It was really helpful and gave me the basic knowledge I needed, so I felt less confused and nervous when starting university
For Jenny, another highlight of Foundation Studies was the welcoming environment and the support offered by its teachers.
“The courses are engaging and made me excited to come to school every day. Most importantly, Foundation Studies gave me the opportunity to meet amazing people. I formed a wonderful group of friends there, and we are still close now in university.
Looking ahead, Jenny is exploring the diverse and exciting career pathways that psychology offers, with a keen interest in fields including Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology.
Home country: Oman
Foundation Studies Stream: First in Information Technology
RMIT UP Pathway: Now studying a Bachelor of Cyber Security (Professional) RMIT.
Home country: Indonesia
Foundation Studies Stream: Business
RMIT UP Pathway: Now studying a Bachelor of Law at RMIT.
Home country: China
Foundation Studies Stream: Communication and Social Context
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Professional Communication.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
More information
