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The Victorian International Education Awards celebrate our most exceptional international students and recent graduates.
Student award categories
Student award categories recognise the impact and contribution of our international student community in Victoria and beyond.
The student awards for 2026 are:
- International Student of the Year – Higher Education
- International Student of the Year – Research
- International Student of the Year – English Language
- International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training
- International Student of the Year – Regional
- International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year
- Emerging Leader – International Alumni Award
The most outstanding student winner will receive the Premier’s Award – International Student of the Year for 2026.
Learn more about the assessment criteria and eligibility for the 2026 student award categories.
Who can apply?
Current international students who are studying, or recently studied, with a Victorian post-secondary education provider and meet the relevant eligibility requirements can apply for the student category awards.
Recent graduates who completed their studies within the last 5 years can apply for the alumni and entrepreneur award categories if they meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
Check the Terms and Conditions for detailed eligibility criteria.
Why should you apply?
These prestigious awards celebrate Victoria’s most exceptional international students, graduates and alumni who are making a real difference through their community involvement, leadership and academic achievements.
Students apply for the awards for recognition of their achievements, to elevate their success and to inspire others.
Winners and finalists will be recognised at the awards ceremony in September and across Study Melbourne channels.
Award winners will receive an official trophy and $3,000 to support their study and professional development.
The most outstanding student winner will receive the Premier’s Award – International Student of the Year, plus an additional $5,000.
How to apply
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Choose your award category
Look at the student award categories and decide which category best suits your application. You can enter more than one category.
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Check the assessment criteria and eligibility
Read the assessment criteria and eligibility information carefully to make sure you meet the requirements before applying.
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Review the terms and conditions
Read the Terms and Conditions for detailed eligibility requirements and other important information about the application process.
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Prepare your documents and supporting evidence
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Apply through the official awards portal
Visit the Application portal to start your application and work through each section, making sure you include the information requested for each criterion.
You can save your application as a draft and log back in to continue.
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Review and submit before the deadline
Check that your application is complete and finalised before submitting.
Applications for the Victorian International Education Awards close at 11:59 pm AEST on Friday 26 June 2026. Applications will not be accepted after this time.
Judging process
Applications will be assessed by a judging panel of senior industry and government leaders. Refer to the Assessment criteria and eligibility page for more information about how each award is assessed.
Finalists will be notified in late August 2026. Winners will be announced at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony in late September 2026.
Help and support
You can email us for enquiries. Please note that support is available Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm AEST.
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