University of Melbourne student receives Queen Mary Scholarship to study in Copenhagen

Bachelor of Science student Charlotte "Lottie" Ostrowski has been one of just two Australian exchange students selected for the 2026 Queen Mary Scholarship to study at the University of Copenhagen.

The award recognises academic excellence, engagement in university life and contributions to strengthening educational and cultural ties between Australia and Denmark. Recipients were honoured at a ceremony at the University of Copenhagen, where Queen Mary personally greeted the scholarship recipients and their guests.

“Meeting Her Majesty was surreal and incredibly humbling - a moment I’ll never forget. It still feels like a fever dream,” Lottie, a fourth-year student majoring in Pharmacology and completing a Diploma in Computing said.

For Lottie, receiving the scholarship was a meaningful acknowledgement of both her academic achievements and the passions she pursues beyond the classroom.

"I was so elated," she said.

“I think what meant the most to me is that this recognition is one of the greatest validations. It’s the sort of acknowledgement that the things I do outside of my study, the part of who I am, also mattered.”

In her application essay, Lottie explored Denmark’s artistic history alongside her own creative interests, offering a personal reflection on the experiences and perspectives she was eager to gain during her time abroad.

Professor Michael Wesley, University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), welcomed the award as an example of exceptional student talent and commitment to global learning.

"We are extremely proud of Lottie and her accomplishments," Professor Wesley said.

"She embraced the opportunity to study abroad and demonstrated originality, critical thinking and genuine curiosity about Denmark through her scholarship application.

"That combination of intellectual rigour and openness to new experiences is exactly what international study encourages, and it is wonderful to see her recognised on a global stage."

While in Copenhagen, Lottie combined a compulsory computing subject for her diploma with electives that reflected her broader interests, including a Norse mythology course that included excursions to regional cultural sites.

She said the experience exceeded her expectations, helping her develop confidence, independence and a broader perspective on the world.

"Studying abroad gave me confidence, new friends and a global mindset," she said.

"It showed me I could handle real challenges and pushed me beyond my comfort zone.

"If you're thinking about studying overseas, absolutely go for it. You won't always feel ready, but the people you meet and the experiences you have make it worth it."

Established by the University of Copenhagen in 2004 as a wedding gift to then Crown Prince Frederik and Tasmania-born Crown Princess Mary, now King and Queen of Denmark, the Queen Mary Scholarship highlights the enduring relationship between Australia and Denmark and the Danish Royal House’s interest in supporting educational and cultural exchange.