The choice of degree was a relatively easy one for Ulrika. She adored her science subjects in high school. Growing up in Beechworth in north-eastern Victoria, Ulrika attended Wangaratta High School as it was bigger than the local secondary school and had more subject options.

Warm, articulate and humble, she’s also a talented woman. Apart from being a science whizz, she is bilingual and speaks fluent German. Her Dad moved to Australia from Germany when he was 12 and later married her mum, who is Australian. Conversations with her Dad at home are always in German, so she gets plenty of practice!

Ulrika applied to ANU in Year 12, although it wasn’t initially an option she’d considered.

“Most of my friends at school were applying to smaller universities or ones in Melbourne. I was also exploring other options but never thought I’d end up in Canberra. I hadn’t been here since my Year 5 school camp! But I was doing a Google deep dive one day and came across ANU. I loved that it had so many great facilities, a wide range of courses, including Advanced German courses, and that the pathways to careers are flexible.

“What was also really important to me was that I wanted to take the time to enjoy university life because there’s so much to enjoy about it! So I chose an undergrad degree, a Bachelor of Medical Science. In the future, I’ll probably apply for the Doctor of Medicine degree, but who knows? That’s another thing I love about ANU. Along with learning, I can explore and discover where my interests lie and allow them to lead me in a career direction that I’m passionate about. In the meantime, I’m just soaking up all the wonderful experiences here.”

So, how did you find out about the Tuckwell Scholarship Program?

“When I was on the ANU website, I noticed a button about applying for the Tuckwell Scholarship Program. I wasn’t sure whether I’d apply at first, as I didn’t want to get my hopes up; the application would take time and I only had two days before it would close. But then I thought, why not? To my surprise, I was asked to go to the next stage. I then reached the next stage and the next, and before I knew it, I was a Tuckwell scholar. It is so amazing."

In terms of benefits, Ulrika says she is predominately grateful for the financial support. University scholarships in Australia like the Tuckwell are rare and hugely beneficial.

“Coming from a regional area and moving to a big city uni does have its challenges. ANU has made the transition so much easier. Financially, the scholarship helps me with a lot of my living expenses which eases some of the stress. Uni can be stressful enough!

“The scholarship has also enabled me to go on an exchange program to Germany in Semester 2. I’m super excited! I’ll be going to The University of the Albert-Ludwigs Universität Freiburg. I’ve always wanted to study overseas and ANU partners with several international unis. For me, it’s not just about experiencing other cultures, but an important part of my learning experience. I could never have afforded to go without the Tuckwell Scholarship, so I’m incredibly thankful.”

Did we mention that Ulrika was a talented young woman? Yes, but she is also an award winner. She won the 2022 Swiss Prize from the Embassy of Switzerland in the German category. The prize requires students to write an essay in language, and Ulrika won for her essay on Italians and the Gotthard Railway. The Ambassador of Switzerland to Australia, Mr Pedro Zwahlen, describes the awards as the “flagship of the partnership between the embassy and ANU”.

“When studying my advanced German electives, I started reading about Italian workers travelling to Germany to build the Gotthard Railway network. Construction started in 1872, and today it forms a major part of an important international railway connection between northern and southern Europe. Once I started exploring it further, I just had to write about it. Winning was an honour, plus I received some lovely gifts, including Swiss chocolates and even a Swiss army knife!”

When she’s not exploring European history and visiting a country that holds a very special place in her heart, Ulrika is settling in well and loving university life.

“I live in Fenner Hall. I have my own room and share bathroom and kitchen facilities. The Tuckwell Scholarship lets me do this without worrying so much about finances. I love this uni. It really suits me and the people are lovely. I’ve made so many friends and the facilities are amazing.

“The campus itself is also beautiful. We’re surrounded by nature and I love that it’s not too big and overwhelming. It’s a really warm and welcoming place. I am very aware of how lucky and privileged I am. I have the luxury of studying as much as I want and for the pure love of learning. And I love the opportunity I was given with the Tuckwell Scholarship. It’s not about what high school you went to or where you grew up, but your willingness to explore a brighter future for yourself. I hope one day I can pay this gift forward.”