Foundation Studies Academic Excellence Award Recipients

We’re thrilled to introduce our Foundation Studies Academic Excellence Award Recipients. These six impressive individuals achieved the top student award in their respective study streams for the Semester 2, 2024/Semester 1, 2025 cohort.

A group of four international students with certificates for academic awards

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.

Jovan Ravael

Home country: Indonesia
Foundation Studies stream: Information Technology
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Computer Science

Jovan placed first in Foundation Studies IT stream and 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,

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 staff 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.

Keira Goh Wan Xun

Home country: Malaysia
Foundation Studies stream: Art, Design and Architecture
RMIT 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.

E Sha Teoh

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 Engineering because it’s a broad field that opens many different paths and opportunities. 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, with skills 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.

Khue (Jenny) Huynh

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

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 everyday. 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.

The following students also placed first in their respective Foundation Studies streams.

Grant Forsey Dannlyson

Home country: Indonesia
Foundation Studies Stream: Business
RMIT UP Pathway: Now studying a Bachelor of Law at RMIT

Jiayue (Aria) Wang

Home country: China
Foundation Studies Stream: Communication and Social Context
RMIT UP Pathway: Bachelor of Professional Communication

Congratulations again to our award recipients as they continue to take their next steps at RMIT. Curious to see where Foundation Studies could take you? Visit RMIT Foundation Studies to explore your pathway options to university success.

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