In 2005, the Junior Chamber International named Matthew one of the Ten Most Outstanding Young People of the World for his “contributions to children, world peace and human rights”. Today, he serves on the boards of the Western English Language School—a school for non-English speaking arrivals to Australia—and the Charlie Perkins Scholarship Fund, which has enabled the first indigenous Australian students to study at the University of Oxford and pursue doctorate degrees.

“All of these experiences fed off my initial volunteering experience through the IB Diploma Programme,” Matthew says. “Creativity, action, service demonstrated that healthy study patterns require engagement in diverse, nonacademic pursuits.”

The impact of Matthew’s volunteer work and distinguished career in law and government is well documented. He has published articles on a variety of issues concerning young people, refugees, migration policy and African affairs, and authored chapters on

the Australian identity in two books launched by the Australian prime minister: New Under the Sun and The Future by Us.

“Academically, the IB allowed me to experience the rigours of self-directed research through the extended essay component,” he says. “This helped me greatly when similar tasks were set throughout my university career.” Most recently, Matthew received the highest mark ever awarded for his master’s degree from the University of Oxford, where he graduated with double distinction for his dissertation and exam performance and earned the Charles Green Award for dissertation research.

“Most especially, the IB embedded in me a view that balance and a global viewpoint are critical to surviving and thriving in a diverse world. Its rigour whetted my appetite for further study and gave me the confidence to explore intellectual areas that may otherwise have felt out of reach.”

After receiving his IB diploma in 1998, Matthew earned a bachelor of arts degree in Japanese studies and a bachelor of laws degree at the University of Melbourne, followed by a master of science degree in international law from Jesus College, Oxford University. Matthew’s lifelong dedication to service began in the IB Diploma Programme, when he volunteered at a local school for underprivileged children. Two years later, at the age of 20, he co-founded the Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning (SAIL) Program to support the Sudanese refugee community with free tutoring, home help and other services. Today, SAIL serves more than 1,000 people every week across Australia.

“The IB focused my mind on the expansive possibilities that academic study could lead to. It gave me a global perspective that has influenced the places where I have travelled, studied and worked ever since.”

Matthew Albert1998 IB Diploma Programme graduateWesley CollegeMelbourne, Victoria, Australia

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