Have you considered an Honours degree?

For many international students, pursuing further education often means opting for a Coursework Postgraduate Degree. However, having completed a Bachelor of Computer Science (Games Development) at Federation University through an online course, I was eager to delve deeper into my studies and explore more, hoping to fulfill my dream of studying in Australia. My father urged me to enter the workforce as soon as possible and pursue a one-year coursework postgraduate program. However, my interests and passions lie in fields such as gaming, animation, and film, which typically require a two-year postgraduate degree. I was unwilling to compromise on a field unrelated to my interests, so I quietly organized myself and redirected my focus towards finding employment in the games industry, with the intention of saving up enough money for tuition fees through my hard work and pursuing further studies in Australia in the future.

There is an old Chinese poem that goes, "After endless mountains and rivers that leave doubt whether there is a path out, suddenly one encounters the shade of a willow, bright flowers, and a lovely village."

An email from Federation University completely changed my mood and fate. It was an invitation letter to consider completing a one-year Honours degree. An honours degree? What on earth is that I wondered to myself? I felt confused but also curious. I carefully confided in my mum about receiving the email, and her reaction was surprisingly excited and supportive. She knew that studying in Australia had always been my dream, and an Honours degree could be the best way to achieve it. I will never forget the day when, throughout the afternoon, she kept searching for information about the Honours degree and seeking advice from her friends. She said to me, "It sounds really appealing, won't you be tempted? If Dad doesn't agree, I'll help pay for your tuition." My mum's encouragement lit a fire within me and strengthened my determination to pursue my dream.

Hence, I embarked on a journey to Australia. It was one of the most precious and amazing times of my life, and it changed the trajectory of my life. In a strange country, I made friends from all over the world. During the day, Ballarat was peaceful, with a vast blue sky and the sound of birds chirping, so a girl from the east learned to be alone and focused on research papers. Before deadlines, she would sit in the office with her supervisor, eating instant noodles and revising her paper until midnight. On nights when she could see the sky full of stars, she and her friends played music, laughed, and jumped into the rubbish bin full of hot water one by one.

When I first came to Australia to study, I did have a hard time adjusting and often missed my home and family. But the serenity of Ballarat gradually healed me. The vast sky and fresh wind seemed to soothe everything, so I gradually adapted and fell in love with this place.

Initially, I thought I would return home immediately after graduation, but now I tell others that Ballarat is my second home.

Eventually, I completed my Honours degree with FIRST CLASS grades. After graduation, I focused on expanding my research during my BSc Honours studies, attending numerous seminars and presentations to encourage more international students to bravely pursue their dreams, and also obtained my Victorian driver's license. Six months later, I was working part-time in a restaurant while also working as a tutor at Federation University. I owned my first second-hand car, moved from one place to another, and was able to support myself through my efforts. After a year I prepared to publish my thesis and apply for a scholarship to pursue a PhD degree, and continue the research project I had dreamed of, envisioning products that would impact the world and improve people's lives.

The Honours Degree may be a pathway you haven't considered, but it could be a significant turning point in your future. It's not just a simple continuation of study, but a journey of challenge and growth. This year of study will be deeper and more specialized, allowing you to delve deeper into the field you love. During your studies, you'll have the opportunity to learn from professors who share your passion and have a wealth of academic experience in their specialties, as well as from industry seniors with extensive real-world experience. Excitingly, an Honours degree also opens the door to a research master's or doctoral degree. I encourage you to bravely explore this path, not be deterred by difficulties or hesitation, and believe in your abilities and choices. As I have personally experienced, take this step with courage and believe that the future will be brighter because of your efforts.