Australia Awards South and West Asia

Karma Dorji from Bhutan completed a Master of Education Studies at the University of Canberra with the support of an Australia Awards Scholarship. Karma has now returned to his role as Deputy Chief Program Officer at the Department of Workforce Planning and Skills Development in Bhutan’s Ministry of Education and Skills Development.

Karma was featured as the ‘face’ of the Australia Awards promotions in Bhutan 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?

The Australia Awards Scholarship, a prestigious and highly sought-after opportunity, is a goal cherished by many Bhutanese professionals like me. From the very beginning of my civil service career, it has been my aspiration to pursue higher studies in Australia. Studying in Australia through the Scholarship not only allowed me to pursue my dreams and career goals but also provided the unique opportunity to bring my family along, enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations as well.

Working in Bhutan’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, I have developed a strong sense of passion and commitment to contributing to its advancement. This sector plays a crucial role in supporting children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by promoting inclusive education and addressing inequities through the provision of employable skills that enhance their job opportunities. A brief visit and interaction with TAFE Australia in 2019 deepened my admiration for its exemplary TVET practices and education system, which inspired me to further explore Australia’s education system. This experience solidified my resolve to study in Australia and leverage this knowledge to drive meaningful transformation in Bhutan’s TVET sector.

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

The Australia Awards Scholarship provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills that are critical for driving the ongoing transformation of Bhutan’s TVET sector. I viewed the Scholarship as a vital step in my journey to becoming a catalyst for change, ensuring that Bhutan’s TVET system evolves into one that empowers individuals and supports the nation’s sustainable development goals.

The Scholarship has been transformative for both my personal and professional growth. On a personal level, it broadened my perspectives by immersing me in a multicultural environment, enhancing my adaptability, resilience and interpersonal skills. It also enriched my understanding of global best practices in education and innovative solutions, fostering a mindset committed to lifelong learning. Both my university and Australia Awards have been instrumental in providing me with numerous platforms to engage in professional development opportunities beyond the academic setting.

The most enriching and enduring learning experience of this Scholarship was the honing of my academic writing and research skills, which I had to build from the ground up. I will remain deeply indebted and forever grateful to all my professors at the University of Canberra for their unwavering passion and dedication in sharing their research expertise with me.

Karma (second from left) participates in the Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia 2024 Scholars Symposia in Canberra, a professional development workshop.

What was your life in Australia like outside of the university environment?

Life in Australia outside the university environment was an incredibly enriching and transformative experience. Immersing myself in a multicultural society has broadened my perspectives, deepened my understanding of diversity, and enhanced my sensitivity to gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles. These experiences have not only shaped my worldview but also reinforced the importance of inclusivity in all aspects of life and work.

Also, Australia Awards and the Student Contact Officer at my university were exceptionally supportive, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience during my stay. Their efforts in organising workshops, seminars and networking events significantly expanded my professional connections and learning opportunities.

I was also fortunate to gain valuable work experience in various sectors, including the Vocational Education and Training sector in Australia. These experiences provided practical insights into industry practices and reinforced my commitment to contributing to the transformation of Bhutan’s TVET sector.

Additionally, participating in regular community engagement activities and cultural programs further enhanced my exposure and sense of belonging. This holistic experience in Australia has been instrumental in my personal and professional development, leaving a lasting impact on my journey.

What do you hope to do now that you have returned to your home country?

Upon my return to Bhutan, I find myself at a pivotal moment in the country’s history, where significant transformations are taking place in civil services and the TVET sector. Bhutan is currently implementing the TVET Reform Plan, envisioned under His Majesty the King’s guidance to transform the system into a robust, resilient and dynamic platform capable of delivering world-class facilities and programs. Concurrently, there is an acute shortage of skilled TVET professionals to drive these reforms forward.

In my current role, I am responsible for curriculum design and capacity development within the TVET sector. The Australia Awards Scholarship has equipped me with critical knowledge and skills in educational research, leadership and curriculum development, enabling me to directly contribute to the reform objectives. The academic expertise I gained, particularly in modern instructional methodologies, educational theories and digital learning solutions, positions me to address the challenges of revamping and modernising TVET curricula to meet 21st-century skills and job requirements.

The role of TVET trainers is central to any reform initiative, as they are responsible for translating reform plans into impactful outcomes. By strengthening the professionalisation of TVET faculties, enhancing instructional practices and aligning curricula with industry needs, I aim to ensure that Bhutan’s workforce is well-prepared for the dynamic labour market.

Additionally, the leadership and research skills honed during my Scholarship will enable me to contribute to evidence-based policymaking, an area where Bhutan’s TVET sector currently lacks sufficient data and studies. My aspiration is to establish a regional TVET Innovation and Resource Centre in Bhutan, which will serve as a hub for research, capacity building and innovation in the sector.

By aligning my efforts with the strategic priorities of the TVET Reform Plan—Product, Place, People and Process transformation—I am committed to advancing the sector and fulfilling the vision of an inclusive and sustainable TVET system for Bhutan.

Karma (front row, third from left, with His Excellency Ambassador Philip Green OAM, other representatives of the Australian High Commission in New Delhi, senior officials from the Royal Government of Bhutan, and other new alumni, at a Reintegration Workshop in October 2024.

What advice would you give to future Scholarship recipients?

My advice to future Scholarship recipients is to seize every opportunity and platform provided by your university and Australia Awards. Engage actively in workshops, seminars and networking events to connect with professional bodies and industry experts. Leverage these experiences to enhance your academic skills, professional growth and cultural understanding. Utilise the Scholarship to build a strong foundation in your field of study, while fostering relationships that can lead to collaborative opportunities. Embrace challenges as learning experiences and remain committed to using the knowledge and skills gained to make meaningful contributions to your home country. If possible, take your family along to experience Australia’s world-class education systems and inclusive atmosphere, which adds to the richness of the journey.