SAMAN BAKHTAWAR
President
I’m Saman Bakhtawar, honoured to serve as President of the Victoria University Postgraduate Association (VUPA) in 2026. I have pursued my academic journey across several leading institutions, including Victoria University, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the University of Balochistan, along with completing three professional courses at LUMS, one of Pakistan’s top universities. I hold two bachelor’s and four master’s degrees, including a Master of Development Studies from the University of Melbourne as an Australia Awards Scholar, and a Master of Education from Victoria University, where I consistently achieved High Distinctions. I was also awarded a Gold Medal by the Governor of Balochistan for ranking top in a master’s in international relations. A proud member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, recognising the top 15% of students worldwide, I was also honoured with the 2025 VU Postgraduate Spirit Award for contributions to the postgraduate community. My academic journey continues in 2026 with a PhD at Victoria University, focusing on frameworks for girls’ education in Pakistan.
Personal Connection to VUPA’s Mission:
As President of VUPA, I want to enhance the postgraduate experience by fostering community, amplifying student voices, and creating opportunities for international and domestic students alike. We advocate for equitable supervision, academic support, tailored wellbeing resources, and professional development, while promoting engagement, leadership, cultural expression, belonging, and visibility across the diverse VU postgraduate community. Moving forward, I aim to strengthen collaborations with industry, alumni, and global networks to expand pathways for research, career growth, and innovation. By empowering students to actively participate in shaping their postgraduate journey, we aim to create a thriving and inclusive community for all.
President
I’m Saman Bakhtawar, honoured to serve as President of the Victoria University Postgraduate Association (VUPA) in 2026. I have pursued my academic journey across several leading institutions, including Victoria University, the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, and the University of Balochistan, along with completing three professional courses at LUMS, one of Pakistan’s top universities. I hold two bachelor’s and four master’s degrees, including a Master of Development Studies from the University of Melbourne as an Australia Awards Scholar, and a Master of Education from Victoria University, where I consistently achieved High Distinctions. I was also awarded a Gold Medal by the Governor of Balochistan for ranking top in a master’s in international relations. A proud member of the Golden Key International Honour Society, recognising the top 15% of students worldwide, I was also honoured with the 2025 VU Postgraduate Spirit Award for contributions to the postgraduate community. My academic journey continues in 2026 with a PhD at Victoria University, focusing on frameworks for girls’ education in Pakistan.
Personal Connection to VUPA’s Mission:
As President of VUPA, I want to enhance the postgraduate experience by fostering community, amplifying student voices, and creating opportunities for international and domestic students alike. We advocate for equitable supervision, academic support, tailored wellbeing resources, and professional development, while promoting engagement, leadership, cultural expression, belonging, and visibility across the diverse VU postgraduate community. Moving forward, I aim to strengthen collaborations with industry, alumni, and global networks to expand pathways for research, career growth, and innovation. By empowering students to actively participate in shaping their postgraduate journey, we aim to create a thriving and inclusive community for all.
