Myat Myint Zu Aung
Master of Public Health student
She has always been passionate about improving health outcomes beyond individual patient care, says Myat Myint Zu Aung who came to AUT as an international student from Myanmar.
“I was a medical doctor at Yangon General Hospital and a research assistant in the microbiology department at Yangon Children’s Hospital, and since moving to Auckland I’ve wanted to expand my knowledge and skills in public health to address health challenges at a population level.
“I chose AUT’s Master of Public Health because of its practical and community-focused approach, which aligns well with New Zealand’s health priorities. The programme also supports my interest in health equity and public health research. AUT provides excellent opportunities to develop research skills and strengthen my understanding of epidemiology, health promotion and evidence-based practice. I chose AUT because of its strong reputation for student-centred learning and commitment to making a positive impact in communities. I was also impressed by the supportive and inclusive environment at AUT.”
Expecting to complete her studies in 2027, she already has a clear idea of how she sees her future.
“My goal is to combine my clinical and research experience with public health training to contribute to healthier communities and promote equitable health outcomes in New Zealand.”
The right choice
The supportive learning environment is what she is enjoying most about her studies, Myat Myint Zu says.
“The lecturers are approachable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in students’ success. Through my courses, I’ve gained new knowledge, developed critical thinking skills and explored innovative ideas in public health. The programme has also helped me broaden my perspective beyond individual patient care, and understand health from a population and community perspective. The opportunity to learn from experienced academics, participate in research and contribute to improving health outcomes in New Zealand makes AUT the ideal choice for my postgraduate studies. I’ve also enjoyed connecting with students from diverse backgrounds and building valuable professional networks.
“One of my proudest achievements has been receiving an AUT International Scholarship and an AUT Summer Research Award 2026 within the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences. Through the Summer Research Award, I worked on the project ‘Ambulance Use for Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Retrospective Observational Study’ under the supervision of Associate Professor Verity Todd. My role included conducting literature reviews, contributing to manuscript preparation, supporting data interpretation and helping synthesise findings related to emergency service utilisation in palliative care. I also presented the research findings at the AUT Paramedicine Research Day 2026. This experience strengthened my research skills and gave me valuable insight into collaborative health research.”
She loves living and studying in Auckland.
“Auckland has been a wonderful place to live and study with my family. AUT’s campuses provide a welcoming and family-friendly environment, with excellent wellbeing support and study facilities. The city’s beautiful parks, natural landscapes, and multicultural communities have made it easy to balance academic life with family responsibilities. I particularly enjoy exploring Auckland’s diverse cultures and natural beauty.”
Advice for other students
Myat Myint Zu has some great advice for other students.
“My advice to future students is to make the most of the support available at AUT. The university has a welcoming and diverse community, and staff members genuinely want students to succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek help or reach out when you need support, whether it relates to your studies, assignments or personal wellbeing. Stay curious, build connections and take advantage of opportunities beyond the classroom. These experiences can be just as valuable as your academic learning and can help shape your future career.”
There is plenty of support available if you need it, she adds.
“The AUT Student Hub, IT services, the library and the workshops have been incredibly helpful throughout my studies. Whenever I’ve needed assistance, they were responsive, supportive and efficient in helping resolve any issues. Their support has made navigating postgraduate study life much easier and less stressful.”
