Ormond international student celebrated at Australia’s universities summit
Ormond College
Wednesday 25 February 2026 • 3 minute read
Some arrivals don’t just join a community, they expand it.New Ormond graduate student Nancy has been recognised at the Universities Australia Solutions Summit in Canberra, where her story was shared nationally as a powerful example of what education, partnership and community backing can unlock. Next week, she begins her Master of International Relations at the University of Melbourne.Her visit to the capital came at the invitation of Australia’s Minister for Education, the Hon. Jason Clare, who hosted Nancy at Parliament House and recognised her journey during his keynote address to the sector.Nancy grew up in one of Delhi’s slum communities. Her pathway to Ormond has been shaped by Asha, the organisation founded by Dr Kiran Martin, which delivers health, education and social development programs across Delhi’s informal settlements.Minister Clare first met Nancy in December 2025, during an official visit to India with a University of Melbourne delegation that included Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement) Professor Michael Wesley. The visit connected Australian education leaders with Asha students whose academic achievements had been forged against significant structural barriers.Nancy is now the first recipient of the Melbourne Welcoming Universities Scholarship – Asha. The full residential scholarship, supported by the Ormond community and the University of Melbourne, ensures she can participate fully in College and academic life while undertaking her graduate studies.Reflecting on the opportunity, Nancy is clear about what lies ahead.“I hope to grow both academically and personally,” she says. “I am excited about Australia’s inclusive academic culture, where students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions and learn from different perspectives.”Her transition to Melbourne has been supported closely by Ormond, Asha and the University, with a shared focus on ensuring she can thrive both inside and beyond the classroom.Master of Ormond College, Dr Areti Metuamate, says Nancy’s arrival speaks directly to the kind of community Ormond strives to be.“We are honoured that Nancy has joined the Ormond community, and it is wonderful to see her already make the most of every moment,” she says.For Asha’s founder, Dr Kiran Martin, the milestone is deeply significant.“This is a historic first for Asha and for our slum communities,” she says. “When a leading global institution places this level of trust in our graduates, it reshapes how they see themselves, their worth and their future.”Professor Michael Wesley situates the partnership within the University’s global mission.“Through scholarships like the Melbourne Welcoming Universities Scholarship – Asha, we support bright minds like Nancy and build a community of globally engaged graduates ready to tackle the world’s challenges together,” he says.Nancy’s story is, at its core, about access meeting opportunity and what happens when talent is backed, housed and welcomed in equal measure.Nancy we are honoured to play a small part in your remarkable story.
