International Student of the Year – Higher Education

This award will be presented to an international student who is currently studying an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework-based program at a Victorian education provider.

This award recognises an international student who is a role model for others by displaying exemplary qualities throughout their studies such as leadership, academic achievements and contribution to their community.

Prize

The winner will receive:

  • an official certificate and trophy
  • prize money up to AUD$6,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The finalists will receive:

  • up to AUD$2,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • an official certificate
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

    • The winner and finalists will have the opportunity to apply for the 2025 Study Melbourne Ambassador Program.

Eligibility

To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:

  • not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia; and
  • currently enrolled in studying an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework-based program being offered by a Victorian post-secondary education provider at the time of submitting the application; and
  • provide proof that you are or were studying in Australia as an international student at the time of submitting an application.

For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions

Assessment criteria

Criterion 1: Community Involvement (40%)

Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (20%)

Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (30%)

Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)

International Student of the Year – Research

This award will be presented to an international student who is pursuing a postgraduate research program either at Masters (by Research) or Doctoral level.

From immersing themselves in hands-on experiences in their field to adopting practical and innovative approaches to various industries, the winner of this award will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and will have made an impact in Victoria through their research.

Prize

The winner will receive:

  • an official certificate and trophy
  • prize money up to AUD$6,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The finalists will receive:

  • up to AUD$2,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • an official certificate
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The winner and finalists will have the opportunity to apply for the 2025 Study Melbourne Ambassador Program.

Eligibility

To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:

  • not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia; and
  • currently enrolled in a postgraduate research program either at Masters (by Research) or Doctoral level being offered by a Victorian post-secondary education provider at the time of submitting the application; and
  • provide proof that you are or were studying in Australia as an international student at the time of submitting an application.

For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.

Assessment criteria

Criterion 1: Community Involvement (20%)

Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (30%)

Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (40%)

Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)

International Student of the Year – English Language Training

This award will be presented to an international student who is undertaking an English Language Training program in Victoria and is a role model for others. This award recognises an international student who has demonstrated excellence throughout their English Language studies in Victoria by displaying academic excellence and has made an outstanding contribution to their community during their time as an international student in Victoria.

Prize

The winner will receive:

  • an official certificate and trophy
  • prize money up to AUD$6,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The finalists will receive:

  • up to AUD$2,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • an official certificate
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The winner and finalists will have the opportunity to apply for the 2025 Study Melbourne Ambassador Program.

Eligibility

To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:

  • not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia; and
  • currently enrolled in a full-time course being offered by a Victorian post-secondary education provider at the time of submitting the application; and
  • provide proof that you are or were studying in Australia as an international student at the time of submitting your application.

For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.

Assessment criteria

Criterion 1: Community Involvement (40%)

Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (20%)

Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (30%)

Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)

International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training

This award will be presented to an international student who is undertaking a tertiary-level vocational education and training program in Victoria and is a role model for others. Students who have completed an English Language course and have continued their studies with a Victorian education provider in vocational education and training can apply.

This award recognises an international student who has demonstrated excellence throughout their studies in Victoria by displaying exemplary qualities such as leadership, academic achievement and contribution to their community.

Prize

The winner will receive:

  • an official certificate and trophy
  • prize money up to AUD$6,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The finalists will receive:

  • up to AUD$2,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • an official certificate
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The winner and finalists will have the opportunity to apply for the 2025 Study Melbourne Ambassador Program.

Eligibility

To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:

  • not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia; and
  • currently enrolled in a full-time vocational education course being offered by a Victorian post-secondary education provider at the time of submitting the application; and
  • provide proof that you are or were studying in Australia as an international student at the time of submitting an application.

For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.

Assessment criteria

Criterion 1: Community Involvement (40%)

Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (20%)

Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (30%)

Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)

International Student of the Year – Regional

This award will be presented to an international student who is undertaking a tertiary-level course at a Victorian education provider in regional Victoria. The recipient of this award will have embarked on an educational journey in regional Victoria, immersed themselves in the culture and lifestyle, and ultimately be an advocate for living and studying in the regions.

The award recognises an international student who has demonstrated excellence throughout their studies in regional Victoria by displaying exemplary qualities such as leadership, academic achievement and by making an outstanding contribution to their community.

Prize

The winner will receive:

  • an official certificate and trophy
  • prize money up to AUD$6,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The finalists will receive:

  • up to AUD$2,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • an official certificate
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The winner and finalists will have the opportunity to apply for the 2025 Study Melbourne Ambassador Program.

Eligibility

To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:

  • not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia; and
  • currently enrolled in a full-time course being offered by a Victorian post-secondary education provider in regional Victoria at the time of submitting the application; and
  • provide proof that you are or were studying in Australia as an international student at the time of submitting an application.

For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.

Assessment criteria

Criterion 1: Community Involvement (40%)

Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (20%)

Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (30%)

Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)

International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year

This award will be presented to an international student or recent graduate who has achieved exceptional outcomes as an entrepreneur or founder and has contributed to Victoria’s entrepreneurial/start up ecosystem and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities.

Students and recent graduates who have a business/startup that has delivered impact and growth are encouraged to apply. This is an opportunity to inspire others by showcasing your business and building your profile by sharing your story about how your leadership and entrepreneurial activities have contributed to building a business or startup in Victoria.

Prize

The winner will receive:

  • an official certificate and trophy
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The finalists will receive:

  • an official certificate
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility

To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:

  • must provide either proof that you are or were studying in Australia as an international student at the time of application lodgement; or proof that you studied with a Victorian post-secondary education provider within the Entrepreneurship Award Eligibility Period (up to 5 years before the application lodgement).

For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.

Assessment criteria

Criterion 1: Entrepreneurial achievements and innovation (35%)

Criterion 2: Entrepreneurial community involvement (30%)

Criterion 3: Leadership skills (25%)

Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)

Emerging Leader – International Alumni Award

This award highlights the achievements and contributions of Victoria’s recent alumni. The recipient of this award will be recognised as a role model for other international students and Victorian alumni who has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills, achieved success in their career progression and made an outstanding contribution to the community.

Prize

The winner will receive:

  • an official certificate and trophy
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

The finalists will receive:

  • an official certificate
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility

To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:

  • must demonstrate that you studied as an international student with a Victorian education provider within the Alum Award Eligibility Period (up to 5 years before the application lodgement).

For more detailed eligibility criteria read our Terms and Conditions.

Assessment criteria

Criterion 1: Leadership skills (45%)

Criterion 2: Community involvement (35%)

Criterion 3: Career Goals (20%)

Premier’s Award – International Student of the Year

The winner of the Premier’s Award – International Student of the Year will be selected from the most outstanding student category winners from this year’s awards, with the exception of the “Emerging Leader - International Alumni Award” and the “International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year Award”.

Prize

The winner will receive:

  • an official certificate and trophy
  • prize money up to AUD$10,000 to support studies (Terms and Conditions apply)
  • acknowledgement and recognition at the official Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.

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