2 Mauritian Leaders Win Elite 2026 Scholarships from 12,500+ African Applicants

Against a staggering tide of 12,500 applications submitted across the African continent, two Mauritian trailblazers have defied the 0.3 per cent odds to claim the prestigious “Australia Awards.” Vishal Luchoomun and Hafsah Ramjanee were celebrated on Friday, 9 January, at a reception hosted by the Australian High Commissioner, Kate Chamley, at her residence in Floréal.

Strategic Leadership

High Commissioner Kate Chamley praised the recipients for their academic and professional excellence, identifying them as future catalysts for the nation’s growth.

“Vishal and Hafsah, we consider you leaders in your respective fields,” Ms Chamley stated. “We place great confidence in your ability to transform this opportunity into a lasting impact for Mauritius.”

The two scholars will soon join 43 other African awardees to begin their studies at world-leading institutions:

• Vishal Luchoomun, First Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will read for a Master of Diplomacy at the Australian National University.
• Hafsah Ramjanee, a Research Assistant at the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council, will undertake a Master of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne.

Diplomacy and Food Security

Mr Luchoomun highlighted the strategic importance of the scholarship for his career in an evolving geopolitical landscape, noting that the programme offers modern tools for public policy and foreign policy analysis.

Meanwhile, Ms Ramjanee, who was also named the winner of the Sandra Vegting Leadership Prize 2026 for exemplary leadership, underscored the vital role of agriculture in the Mauritian economy. She intends to adapt Australian agricultural innovations to meet local priorities and needs.

A Lasting Partnership

The Australia Awards programme has supported over 200 Mauritian professionals since 2011. The initiative aims to equip leaders with international expertise and networks to benefit their home countries upon their return.

Ms Chamley credited the ongoing success of the programme to the support of the Mauritian government, the Ministry of Public Service, Administrative and Institutional Reforms, and local employers.

Source: l’Express