A former New England high schooler has been named as the 2025 NSW Rhodes Scholar, one of only 100 given world-wide.
Presbyterian Ladies’ College (PLC) Armidale is proud to announce that its 2017 Head Prefect and Matriculate Dr. Ragavi Jeyakumar, has been selected as the NSW Rhodes Scholar for 2025.
The prestigious scholarship is awarded to only nine distinguished Australians each year (one per state and territory and one discretionary), enabling the recipient to pursue graduate study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
This outstanding achievement highlights Dr. Jeyakumar’s exceptional academic prowess and commitment to improving healthcare equity in Australia.
Dr. Jeyakumar, who graduated from PLC Armidale in 2017 with an ATAR of 99.75 and scored in the 100th percentile for the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test, has gone on to complete her medical studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2023. She is currently working as a junior doctor at Liverpool Hospital.
PLC Armidale Principal Nicola Taylor expressed her pride in Dr. Jeyakumar’s accomplishment.
“Ragavi’s journey from PLC Armidale to becoming a Rhodes Scholar is truly inspiring. Her dedication to academic excellence and passion for making a difference in healthcare exemplify the values we strive to instil in all our students. We are immensely proud of her achievement and the positive impact she will undoubtedly make in the field of medicine.” said Mrs Taylor.
Striving for a more equitable health system
Dr. Jeyakumar’s Rhodes Scholarship will allow her to pursue a doctorate in Women’s and Reproductive Health at Oxford University. Her research aims to address healthcare disparities, particularly in rural areas of Australia, drawing from her experiences growing up in rural New South Wales.
“I’ve seen community members inflicted with easily preventable conditions and watched my friends struggle to access mental and reproductive health services,” said Dr. Jeyakumar.
“I’m determined to make the most of this opportunity to learn and grow so I can return and advance women’s health in rural Australia.”
Mrs Taylor said Dr. Jeyakumar’s success follows a strong academic foundation laid during her time at the school, where she not only excelled in her studies but also developed a passion for community service and the arts.
“The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and one of the most prestigious international scholarship programs, enabling young people to study at Oxford University.” said A former Rhodes Scholar, Professor Merlin Crossley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Quality at UNSW.
“Ragavi is a brilliant student; I look forward to seeing her continue to excel academically and apply what she has learned to advance health care in rural communities.”
An opportunity to gain new perspectives
Dr Jeyakumar arrived from Sri Lanka when she was six. She grew up in the NSW towns of Wee Waa and Guyra and completed her schooling in Armidale.
She expects the Rhodes scholarship will provide an opportunity for personal and academic growth.
“It will give me the opportunity to live and work with young people from all around the world who will have lived experiences far removed from my own.” said Dr Jeyakumar.
“I am so excited to challenge my own worldviews and learn from the diverse perspectives of the Oxford and Rhodes communities of individuals who are passionate and committed to inspiring positive change in the world. I hope these experiences will make me more fit to serve my communities as I aspire to.”
Outside of medicine, Dr Jeyakumar has many interests including playing the flute and piano, and writing. She has also volunteered with Lifeline Australia and community organisations supporting vulnerable populations in Armidale and Coffs Harbour.
Mrs Taylor said PLC Armidale fostered an environment that encourages students to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to society.
“Dr. Jeyakumar’s achievement serves as an inspiration to current and future students,” said Mrs Taylor.
“Demonstrating the heights that can be reached with dedication, hard work, and a commitment to serving others.”
Something going on in your part of the region you think people should know about? Send us a news tip or email newsdesk@netimes.com.au.