Across the Pacific, prestigious American universities like UCLA, Harvard, UPenn, NYU, Berkeley, Stanford, and MIT have long attracted talented students from around the world. Australia and New Zealand are no exception, boasting a strong contingent of alumni who have gone on to achieve remarkable things. Let’s meet a few of these exceptional individuals:
Business and Tech:
- Lucy Turnbull (Harvard Business School): The former wife of Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Lucy carved her own path as a successful businesswoman. After graduating from Harvard, she became the first female chair of investment bank Goldman Sachs Australia.
- Rod Eddington (Stanford MBA): A key figure in Australian transportation, Eddington served as CEO of Qantas Airways and National Australia Bank. He leveraged his Stanford education to become a leading voice in infrastructure and economic development.
- Sir Stephen Tindall (Stanford MBA): The founder of New Zealand’s retail giant The Warehouse, Tindall is a prominent figure in Kiwi business. After Stanford, he revolutionised retail in New Zealand with his innovative approach.
Science and Innovation Leaders:
- Michelle Simmons (PhD, MIT): A world-renowned physicist from Australia, Simmons is a pioneer in quantum computing. Her research at MIT paved the way for significant advancements in this revolutionary field.
- Alan Troubridge (PhD, NYU): An Australian marine biologist and filmmaker, Troubridge’s breathtaking underwater cinematography has captivated audiences worldwide. His NYU education helped him combine his scientific expertise with a powerful visual storytelling voice.
- Michelle Garne (MD, UCLA): A leading Australian cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Garne’s pioneering work in minimally invasive heart surgery has saved countless lives. Her UCLA education provided her with the foundation for her groundbreaking techniques.
Law & Politics:
- Alexander Downer (Oxford & Harvard Law School): A prominent figure in Australian foreign policy, Downer served as Foreign Minister for over a decade. Though he attended Oxford for his undergraduate degree, his Harvard Law education further bolstered his diplomatic expertise.
- Tracey Martin (Harvard Law School): A highly respected Maori lawyer from New Zealand, Martin is a champion for indigenous rights. Her Harvard Law degree equipped her to be a powerful advocate for social justice.
- Attonet Oko (Stanford Graduate School of Business): A social entrepreneur from New Zealand, Oko founded Ākina, an organisation dedicated to tackling youth unemployment. Her Stanford education equipped her with the skills and network to make a significant impact on her community.
Tuition Loans to Study Abroad
Australian and New Zealand students who want to study abroad in prestigious universities like Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge and more, can apply for a student loan with Spark Finance today. Find out more about your eligibility and application process on our FAQs page.
