Until this year, Mumbai IT graduate Sana Hussain Shaikh expected to complete a master’s degree while continuing to work and support her family. 

Now, she will move to Sydney to study a Master of Computer Science after becoming the first scholar selected through the University of Sydney’s partnership with Aseema Charitable Trust. Fully funded by the University of Sydney the scholarship covers tuition and the major costs of studying and living in Australia.

After completing her degree Ms Shaikh intends on returning to India as a software engineer, using her skills to support her family, improve their living circumstances, and develop technology that enhances the safety of women and older people.

Ms Shaikh met members of the University of Sydney and NSW Government delegations at a reception hosted by NSW Premier Chris Minns in Mumbai on Wednesday evening.

Raised in an informal settlement in Mumbai, Ms Shaikh is the eldest of three children, who her father supported by selling vegetables on the streets of Mumbai. She said that watching him show up for that every single day taught her what “quiet determination” looked like.

Ms Shaikh has been part of Aseema Charitable Trust’s education program since primary school and continued to be supported through its alumni program, including access to educational resources during her undergraduate studies. Recognising her potential and journey, Aseema Charitable Trust selected her for the University of Sydney scholarship. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the University of Mumbai while also working part time to contribute towards her college expenses.

“My family genuinely cannot fund a master’s degree abroad on their own, and this scholarship is what turns Sydney from a distant idea into something real for us. 

“My father never imagined I would even travel around India, let alone abroad. Somewhere along the way, without ever saying it outright, he started allowing himself to dream that his daughter could achieve something like this.

“That alone means more to me than I can fully put into words.”

Widening access to higher educatioon

University of Sydney Vice-President (External Engagement) Kirsten Andrews said the University was delighted to welcome Ms Shaikh to campus.

“Sana has worked hard for this opportunity, and we’re proud she is the first scholar selected through our partnership with Aseema.

“The University has a long history of widening access to education. This scholarship is a practical way to make sure financial circumstances do not determine who gets to pursue postgraduate study.

Transformative power of education

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said it was not possible to hear Ms Shaikh's story and not be impressed by her.

“Sana is the first person in her family to pursue postgraduate study, she worked through university to help pay her way, and now she’s heading to Sydney to study computer science.

“Her dad spent years selling vegetables on the streets of Mumbai to give his kids a better life. I can only imagine how proud he must be of her today.

“This is what education can do. It can completely change the trajectory of a young person’s life, and we’re very proud that the next chapter of Sana’s story will happen in NSW.”

Education a valuable link between NSW and India

Treasurer of New South Wales, Daniel Mookhey said education is one of the most valuable links between NSW and India.

“Sana will develop skills in Sydney that she plans to take back to India’s growing technology sector – a practical example of how that relationship can work both ways.”

Aseema Charitable Trust Chairperson, Dilbur Parakh said the Aseema Charitable Trust provides high quality, value-based education to children from communities that have historically had limited access to such opportunities.

“We believe that with the right support, students can build futures beyond what their circumstances may suggest.

“Sana’s journey is a wonderful example of this. Having joined Aseema in primary school, it is particularly special to see her now take this next step at the University of Sydney. We are incredibly proud of how far she has come and deeply grateful to the University for making this opportunity possible. We hope her journey encourages other young people in the Aseema community to pursue opportunities they may not have thought were within their reach.”

Ms Shaikh will commence the University’s Graduate Academic Skills program in December 2026 before beginning her Master of Computer Science in Semester 1, 2027.

The University established the Sydney Scholars India Equity Scholarship with Delhi-based Asha Community Health and Development Society in 2019. Seven scholars selected through Asha have since completed post graduate degrees at Sydney.

The partnership with Aseema Charitable Trust began in February 2026, extending the scholarship program into Mumbai for the first time. 

Photo: Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns, Sana Hussain Shaikh, Treasurer of New South Wales Daniel Mookhey, University of Sydney Vice-President Kirsten Andrews, Chairperson and Founder Aseema Charitable Trust Wilbur Parakh, University of Sydney Associate Vice-President Sydney Future Students Shane Griffin. (Jocelyne Basseal/University of Sydney)