Wednesday 18 February 2026: When Perth-born 2024 Ramsay Scholar Georgia McKerracher first left Australia to study political science at the esteemed Sciences Po University in France, the experience instilled a deep appreciation for multicultural exchange and intellectual diversity, shaping her ambition to continue studying abroad.

Thanks to her Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship she has achieved that goal. Georgia is undertaking a two-year Master of Arts in International Relations degree at the Bologna Italy campus of the world-renowned US college, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). There, her studies focus on the Asia-Pacific, with her thesis examining the changing dynamics of development aid in the Pacific; research which recently took her to Fiji and Vanuatu for discussions with local experts.

Reflecting on her scholarship, Georgia says she is grateful for the unique experience it has afforded her; an American education within a European context, complete with the opportunity to take part in conversations about the changing transatlantic order in real time. This academic experience has of course been complemented by the wonder of life in Bologna, one of the world’s oldest university towns – from sipping a spritz beneath the city’s UNESCO‑listed porticoes to occasional travel across Europe and long evenings shared over Italian food with classmates from around the world.

Georgia is also grateful to have joined the community of Ramsay Scholars abroad, “wonderful friends across several continents” who she describes as “thoughtful, kind, intelligent and endlessly curious”.

As to what’s next? After helping to organise the annual Australia EU Economic Dialogue at SAIS last year, she’s working as a consultant at the OECD and longer-term hopes to return to Australia to work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

In her own words:

I was first drawn to the Ramsay Scholarship by my strong desire to continue studying abroad. Having spent my undergraduate degree in political science in an international environment, I became very aware of the value of a multicultural education. Students from across the world constantly debated politics, controversies, and their own lived experiences on our campus. Since then, I have held a deep belief in the importance of exchanging different ideas and perspectives. As a result, I am always seeking opportunities to expand my understanding of the world.

These values sit at the core of the Ramsay Centre’s mission. The scholarship offered me the chance not only to continue placing myself in intellectually stimulating environments, but also to do so as a graduate student at a world leading institution.

Studying my Master’s in International Affairs at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) has been an incredible experience. Bologna is a beautiful town, and I would be avoiding a simple truth if I did not admit that the lasagna, gelato, Ryanair travel destinations, and the many friendships made on campus have all been highlights.

That said, being based at SAIS in Bologna has offered something quite unique. It has allowed me to pursue an American education within a European context. The European-American connection of the Bologna campus has always been distinctive, but having the opportunity to take part in conversations about the changing transatlantic order in real time has been fascinating. Sitting in an Italian lecture hall, espresso in hand, while watching American and international students react to the 2025 Presidential election results is a personal and academic moment I will not soon forget.

I am now approaching my May 2026 graduation, with just half a semester remaining in my degree. The remainder of my time will largely be devoted to my thesis, which focuses on the changing dynamics of development aid in the Pacific. In particular, I am examining shifting local perspectives towards both traditional and non-traditional development donors in Fiji and Vanuatu.

The standout moment of my academic journey was my research trip to the Pacific. Having won a grant from the Fred Hood Fund at SAIS Europe, I travelled in January 2026 to Fiji and Vanuatu to discuss the evolving politics of overseas development assistance with local experts. Over the course of ten days, I gathered extensive data for my thesis while meeting a range of truly remarkable people. I am also pleased to report that I managed to find time to visit a few beautiful beaches along the way…

In addition, I had the opportunity to help organise the annual Australia EU Economic Dialogue at SAIS in September 2025. The conference brought together experts from across the OECD, ambassadors from Rome and Brussels, and leading Australian and European academics specialising in trade policy. Together, they discussed the implications of Trump’s second administration for economic relations between Australia and the European Union.

Bologna is an incredibly special city. Over the course of my two years here, I have never stopped having the occasional “pinch me” moment while sipping a spritz beneath the city’s stunning UNESCO-listed porticoes. What makes this even more remarkable is the knowledge that these arches were originally built to expand the capacity of local homes so they could accommodate students like myself centuries ago.

The fact that Bologna has always been, at its heart, dedicated to students from around the world adds a specific magic to being here. It is quite special to realise that I am just one among many generations of intellectually curious pupils drawn to this city.

I am now in my second year working as an English teacher at Lavinia Fontana, a local middle school. I teach two classes each week, where I have the chance to help students practise their English and interact with the local community. It has been a fantastic way to engage with life in Bologna beyond the university.

The students are wonderful and have taught me far more about Italian culture than I might otherwise have learned. I like to think I have returned the favour by sharing a fair share of Australian culture with them; I am proud to say that each pupil has now tried their very own Caramello Koala, and each student knows who ‘INXS’ are.

The Ramsay community has been nothing short of remarkable. I feel incredibly fortunate to have such wonderful friends spread across different continents. My 2025 cohort is made up of people who are thoughtful, kind, intelligent, and endlessly curious. I am confident that these friendships will last for many years. A special shoutout is also due to my fellow scholar, Oscar, who very kindly helped me find a home in Paris during my OECD summer internship (his own), saving me from attempting to navigate the famously challenging Parisian housing market!

While I am currently working as a consultant at the OECD, I am still in the process of deciding what the future may hold. I have been offered an internship with the Australian Embassy in Copenhagen, which would be an exciting opportunity. At the same time, I am applying for graduate positions across the United Kingdom and Australia. In the longer term, I hope to return to Australia and work for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Interested in a Ramsay Postgraduate Scholarship? Our scholarships support young Australian leaders to study at the world’s best overseas universities and are valued at up to AUD$100,000 p.a.

Applications for 2026 are open until 23 March 2026. For more information visit: https://ramsaypostgradscholarship.com/

Media contact: Sarah Switzer 0407 816 098 / sarah.switzer@ramsaycentre.org