A Pre‑Departure Briefing (PDB) for Australia Awards Scholarships (AAS) Intake 2026 Awardees, who will commence their studies in Semester‑II, took place on 24 and 25 April at the Australia Awards Mongolia office. Eleven awardees and their dependents, Australia Awards alumni, Australian Volunteers, representatives from Mozzies, and AustCham Mongolia attended the briefing.

In his opening remarks, Mr. U. Byambasuren, PCC Co‑Chair and Vice Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia, congratulated the awardees on earning the highly competitive Australia Awards Scholarship, crediting their perseverance and family support. He highlighted the important role awardees would play in Mongolia’s development by bringing home new knowledge, global perspectives, and professional networks established through their studies in Australia.

Front to back: Mr. U. Byambasuren, PCC Co‑Chair and Vice Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia; Mr. Andrew Berryman, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy in Mongolia; and Ms. Bayarjargal Gonchig, Aid Program Officer, Australian Embassy in Mongolia

Mr. Andrew Berryman, Deputy Head of Mission for Australian Embassy in Mongolia, welcomed the participants and delivered the opening address. He congratulated the awardees on their achievement and acknowledged their families’ support throughout the selection process. He emphasised Australia’s long-standing partnership with Mongolia and highlighted the importance of Awardees acting as ambassadors for Mongolia while in Australia, upholding shared values, and using their academic and cultural experiences to contribute meaningfully to Mongolia’s sustainable development upon their return.

Ms. L. Enkhtuvshin, Country Program Manager for Australia Awards Mongolia, congratulated the awardees on their achievement and led the Pre‑Departure Briefing by delivering comprehensive information on the Australia Awards program. She guided participants through the two‑day agenda, facilitated introductions among awardees and their dependents, and actively engaged with all invited stakeholders to ensure the sessions were informative, well‑coordinated, and interactive.

Awardees and families introducing themselves

The first day of the PDB focused on DFAT’s information package related to living and studying in Australia. Australia Awards alumni shared their experiences on topics including finding accommodation, bringing family members, settling into a new environment, studying and working in Australia, and promoting gender equality and disability inclusion. An additional session on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH) was delivered to raise awareness and support prevention efforts.

The second day was dedicated to cultural orientation and sharing practical life experiences. Awardees were grouped according to their study destinations – Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane – where they gained city‑specific insights and advice from Australia Awards alumni and Australian Volunteers.

An awardee introducing herself

Ms. Altangerel Radnaabazar, Executive Director of Mozzies, shared information on the organisation’s vision, mission, and activities, and discussed how awardees could benefit from maintaining ongoing connections with Australia Awards alumni upon returning to Mongolia. In addition, Ms. Oyuntsetseg Jargalsaikhan, General Manager of Australian Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) provided general information about the organisation, its role and functions, and how the organisation works collaboratively with various stakeholders. The session concluded with well‑wishes to the awardees for success in their studies and an enjoyable and fulfilling time with their families in Australia.