1. Don’t leave your application until the last minute

Things happen, we understand. But if you want to give yourself the best chance of success, don’t leave it until the last minute.  Applications close at 11:59 PM AEST on Friday 26 June 2026 and will not be accepted after this time.

Get started early and give yourself enough time to understand the application criteria, gather your evidence, and review the additional guidance in the portal before you submit your application.

2. Familiarise yourself with the eligibility and assessment criteria before you start your application

Make sure you understand the eligibility criteria and are applying under the most suitable awards category for your circumstances. You can apply in two or more categories, but you will need to lodge a separate application for each category.

You can email us on viea@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au if you are not sure about your eligibility. Please note that support is available Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm AEST.

3. Keep your application succinct and provide strong evidence to support your application

You can submit a short statement that is up to 400 words per assessment criterion. Take your time to review the criterion description and the additional guidance provided within the Application portal before you start your application.

Take care to describe your role in the examples you are including in your application and include evidence to support your claim. Avoid duplicating information across the different criteria and explain the depth, reach and impact of actions you have taken in the examples you provide.

Include all of the supporting documentation requested and provide evidence of your achievements.

4. Provide examples of your involvement with the community beyond academic and course-related requirements

Provide evidence that shows your community involvement and the outcomes you have achieved to support your application.

Go beyond activities you’ve undertaken as part of your studies and explain the impact of your contribution, who benefited, the depth and reach of your community involvement.

Describe how you connect with and make a positive contribution in the community. Provide examples that show how you made a real difference to the experiences of others.

Examples of evidence:

• fliers, articles or social media posts about community activities and outcomes
• photos, letters, participation records to show your involvement
• testimonials from community groups or peers
• letters of recommendation from people you have worked with
• certificates of participation.
  .

You can find detailed guidance about what to include in your response to this criterion within the Application portal.

5. Provide examples of your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved

Provide examples that show your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved. Explain the impact of your contribution, who benefited, the depth and reach of your community involvement.

The judging panel will take into consideration any examples of leadership you have undertaken while you were studying as an international student in Victoria. This could be as part of your studies and extra-curricular activities in industry or the workplace, or in the community.

For each example, state your role and scope (organisation, duration, team/partners), the challenge/opportunity, the key actions you led (decisions, initiatives, influencing), and the outcomes you achieved. Provide evidence of your leadership impact.

Examples of evidence:

• description of leadership roles (formal or informal)
• evidence of outcomes (programs led, events organised, initiatives started)
• referee statements confirming leadership impact
• documentation showing influence or change created.

You can find detailed guidance about what to include in your response to this criterion within the Application portal.

6. Provide evidence of academic achievements

Your academic transcript, grade point average, and evidence of any awards, scholarships or recognition can be used to support your application and demonstrate your academic achievements.

Examples of evidence:

• academic transcripts or summaries
• research outputs (publications, posters, theses, conference presentations)
• awards, grants, scholarships
• evidence that qualifies the nature and scope of any research collaborations or supervisory endorsements
• documentation showing research impact or recognition.

7. Provide evidence of career goals

This criterion considers how you are working towards your career goals, including any career achievements, actions you have taken (or plan to take) to work towards your career goals.

Examples of evidence:

• short career statement (12‑month plan)
• alignment between activities and career goals
• supporting letters, enrolment evidence, or training plans
• description of how studying in Victoria supports your career trajectory.