Indian student on top of the world Down Under

Indian student Uttam Kumar has beaten more than 37,000 competitors from around the world to win the Australian Government's prestigious "Win your Future Unlimited" competition.

His prize includes a 12-month-long study at Australia's world class University of New South Wales, return air-flights, 12 months free accommodation, a generous stipend and the opportunity for an exclusive internship following his studies.

Kumar, aged 22, now plans to study for his Masters in materials science at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), recognised as one of the top-100 engineering and technology schools in the world.

Australia's High Commissioner to India, Patrick Suckling, congratulated Uttam on his significant achievement and wished him well for his studies in Australia.

"Uttam is already studying at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and now he's beaten entrants from more than 190 other countries to take out this competition," he said.

"Winning this competition will open up a world of new opportunities for Uttam, and I'm delighted he's got the opportunity to pursue his dreams in Australia. He joins a growing number of Indian students studying in our world class education system, and no doubt Australians studying with him will benefit from the exchange, just as hundreds of thousands do in our education system around Australia every year," he added.

The Australian Government's Win Your Future Unlimited competition, organised by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), challenged students to design a digital postcard explaining how an Australian education could help realise their future dreams (www.winyourfutureunlimited.com.au).

The competition culminated in a special ceremony held in Sydney on 17 December 2013 where Australian Trade Minister Andrew Robb announced Uttam as the overall Major Prize Winner from seven weekly finalists drawn from the USA, the Phillipines, Vietnam, Russia, India, Brazil and Indonesia.

"Each of the other six finalists had an inspiring story and the desire to create a better future by studying in Australia. But Uttam clearly impressed the judges by making his case with clarity, honesty and creative flair," said Mr Suckling.

Kumar is currently completing his undergraduate studies in the field of materials science at IIT Delhi.

At UNSW he will have the opportunity of working with Associate Professor Sri Bandyopadhyay, recently recognized as one of Australia's top-5 innovators.

Uttam's research will be focus on the development of environmentally friendly fibres and reducing petroleum related pollution.