Connor Haddad’s Experience at University College London

Connor Haddad is a proud Anaiwan man currently undertaking his Master of Public Administration at University College London (UCL), thanks to the support of a combined Aurora and UCL Scholarship. He is passionate about using public policy as a mechanism to ensure that the interests and views of First Nations people and communities are represented and respected during government decision making processes.

When Connor was awarded his scholarship, he told us: “I was genuinely surprised. Prior to receiving the call from Aurora I was sure that I wasn’t going to receive the scholarship and that I would need to let go of my dream to study overseas. It sounds cliché, but I was honestly speechless because it didn’t seem real. I simply could not have done that without the scholarship from Aurora and UCL. I know it has changed the kinds of opportunities I will have to give back to my community and create important outcomes through policymaking back home.”

With its distinctive course offering and positioning as an innovative institution built on academic rigour and a global focus, the decision for Connor to study at UCL was an easy one. “I have wanted to study the MPA at the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose  since I first heard about it years ago. It is so unique and well-aligned to my own philosophies about policymaking and public administration. UCL itself is a world-class university in one of the most central cities on the planet – the opportunities that this combination offers are too great to pass up.”

Adding to Connor’s decision to study at UCL was its commitment to student diversity and access. UCL provides an opportunity for students to create strong, diverse networks with people from all over the world, and learn from a wide range of perspectives. This has made all the difference for Connor’s experience overseas. “My experience at UCL has been incredible. The sense of global community I have found through the university and my course has been the highlight. I have learnt just as much from the diversity of my peers as I have from the course itself (which is saying something!).”

“The opportunity of UCL is that it has a reputation for academic excellence while not being bogged down in archaic tradition. There is a sense of diversity and openness to ideas that is extremely valuable.”

Connor with his fellow 2023 Chevening Scholars, Teresa Cochrane and Naarah Barnes.

Pursuing overseas study is a life-changing decision. After Connor had decided he wanted to study at UCL and in the UK, it all came down to when the best time to apply would be for him. To students interested in taking a similar path, he says: “Anticipate, but don’t rush. Make sure you’re ready to apply when the time is right, but be discerning for that right moment. While I had plenty of self-doubt during the application process, I knew it was time for me to do it – that is what kept me motivated. I did the work, built myself up, and I was ready. When you’re truly ready, everyone else will know it (maybe even before you do).”

Further to this, when applying for international scholarships, Connor recommends: “Seek out the advice of many people throughout the process. If you can yarn to someone who has already done the course(s) you are interested in, this is hugely valuable. But make sure to use the advice to reflect and be honest with yourself about what you really want. Listen carefully to others – that doesn’t mean you allow them to project their ideas of success onto you.”

Scholarships like the Roberta Sykes and Charlie Perkins Scholarships are often the deciding factor for scholars like Connor to actualise their dreams of studying overseas. In Connor’s words, “Scholarships provide access to opportunities that go beyond education. These types of programs are where success grows through networks of like-minded people. These networks create generations of success – success begets success. The result is more representative decision-making power for our people in a country which, for hundreds of years, has supressed such power.”

Thank you to UCL for helping Connor make his dream a reality. Learn more about UCL and their program offering here.