Our Alumni
After graduating from MIC UK department in June 2024, Sun Qiyue embarked on her study abroad journey in Australia with a passion for architecture and a heart full of dreams. Thanks to her outstanding academic performance, she was awarded the Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarships at the University of Sydney, with a prize of 40,000 AUD (approximately 190,000 RMB). This honor not only recognized her professional capabilities but also became a powerful motivator in her overseas academic journey.
Unlike many other international students, Sun Qiyue experienced a six-month "gap period" before officially starting her studies—Australian universities begin their academic year in February. Rather than idling away this time, she chose to intern in the architecture industry, learning professional software like CAD and participating in full-project-cycle practices. "This experience allowed me to get a firsthand feel for the industry’s pulse and helped me adapt more quickly to the intense workload after enrollment," she recalled.
However, the real challenge began the moment she stepped onto the University of Sydney’s campus. Despite her excellent language scores and scholarship, cultural differences and the high-pressure environment of the architecture program initially overwhelmed her. "During group discussions, my classmates’ accents and communication styles made me too nervous to speak." But she quickly adjusted by actively engaging in conversations and participating in local events, finding her rhythm within a month. "Adaptation is a mandatory course in studying abroad, and courage is the best teacher."
When asked about the 40,000 AUD scholarship, Sun Qiyue admitted it was "a pleasant surprise but not entirely unexpected." During her application process, the University of Melbourne had also extended an offer, but she ultimately chose the University of Sydney for its stronger alignment with her career goals. "This scholarship feels more like a form of 'recognition,' giving me the freedom to pursue my academic ideals." She used part of the funds to upgrade her equipment, investing in a high-performance computer tailored for architectural modeling and rendering, significantly improving her design efficiency. "It taught me that perseverance in what you love will eventually be rewarded."
As for the key to her success, she attributed it to "a combination of comprehensive qualities": solid academic performance, a meticulously crafted portfolio, and the "authenticity" and "sense of purpose" reflected in her application materials. "Admissions officers look not just for skills but also for your unique perspective on the field and your vision for the future." She specifically mentioned the guidance from MIC's college counseling team, "They helped me articulate my passion for architecture in my personal statement, and this early preparation gave me an edge in the application process."
The intensity of the architecture program at the University of Sydney exceeded Sun Qiyue’s expectations. "Design Studio is the core course, where we constantly revise and reconstruct our ideas every week. Pulling all-nighters to meet deadlines is the norm." Yet she also embraced the challenge, "It pushes me to break through creative boundaries, integrating theory, construction, and digital modeling to develop my own design language."
The interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum also impressed her. Knowledge from architectural history and structural systems often merged into Studio projects, fostering a systematic design mindset. "Architecture isn’t just about drawing—it’s a conversation about space, culture, and the future."
For students planning to apply to top overseas universities, Sun Qiyue emphasized "early preparation" and "individual expression": "Your portfolio and personal statement shouldn’t aim for a 'perfect template' but should showcase your unique perspective and academic ambition." Drawing from her own experience, she added, "My portfolio conveyed my thoughts on sustainable architecture, which might have been what resonated with the judges."
She also reminded aspiring architects that the program demands strong resilience and time-management skills. "Learning to stay independent while collaborating and holding onto your passion amid pressure is key to going far."
From MIC to Sydney, Sun Qiyue’s scholarship marks the beginning of a journey where passion defies the test of time. Her story is not only a testament to the competitiveness of MIC students abroad but also a vivid lesson in perseverance, adaptation, and growth. As she puts it, "Passion never expires, and every solid step you take will eventually bring your dreams to life."
