India's Niral Joshi can become the youngest student yet to complete a Masters degree at CQU, when he wraps up work on his postgraduate Management (Marketing) qualification at CQU Brisbane International Campus in October this year.

He's already gained the honour of completing his Bachelor of Business (Marketing) degree via CQU Sydney International Campus at the age of 18, in July last year. He will still be 19 when he is scheduled to complete his Masters degree.

Niral Joshi ... young achiever

Breaking age records is not new to Niral - even before arriving in Australia he was making news in his home province of Gandhinagar in India, after gaining more than 100 youth achievement certificates and awards at various levels, including the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement.

He was honoured by officials at all levels, including the Indian President.

Niral's certificates covered activities as diverse as: drawing, model making, model rocketry, self defence, hobby electronics, ham radio, karate, acting, skating, glass painting, card design, nature study, air rifle shooting, yoga, badminton, table tennis, cricket, magic, I.Q. test, essay, fancy dress, physical fitness, folk dance and industry visits.

The high achiever participated in the National Child Science Fair Competition - 2000, 2001 and 2002 - and reached up to the national level by submitting his environmental research project.

The young Niral prepared a model on earthquake intensity and the cash prizes received were donated for an earthquake relief fund. He also conducted a social welfare public awareness program in the agricultural field.

Niral still found time to travel to the United States in 2000 to peform in folk-dancing, music and games activities.

The sheer bulk of certificates helped Niral's acceptance into the Hartford Institute in Singapore, on scholarship, at the age of 15, to study a Diploma in Business Administration (Joshi was able to complete his Higher Diploma and Advanced Diploma at Hartford by March 2006).

Not only was he ranked in the top 10% for his marks, he also impressed officials by getting involved with the student association and becoming founding editor of the student newsletter.

"After completing my graduation from CQU Sydney, I moved to Brisbane where I started doing part-time work for some direct marketing companies," Niral said.  "Within 6 months I got a reliable job at Ozi Group as Marketing Officer for their Real Estate and Finance Division and have continued this role.

"As short-term goals I want to achieve better jobs and wealth but as a long-term goal I want to serve the system which helps others in achieving their life goals. In achieving goals, I still want to perform my spiritual duties well, which means not harming the environment and the natural elements by any means."

Niral has maintained his spirit of service in Australia, with roles on the CQU Student Association campus student committees.

"I would recommend to students in all campuses to join the Student Association activities," he said.

"These activities would boost up knowledge and give you the confidence in your own field to do well. There is always something that we can learn from other students and the association manager .... their experience will help us in working smarter in studies as well."