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International Student of the Year – Higher Education
This award celebrates an outstanding undergraduate or postgraduate coursework student who has enriched Victoria through significant connection and contribution to the community, demonstrated inspiring leadership, and achieved academic excellence.
This award recognises students who have made a positive impact, who lead with purpose, and who excel in their studies while contributing to vibrant Victorian and global communities.
Assessment criteria
- Criterion 1: Community involvement (score weighting = 40%)
- Demonstrate how you have made a significant connection and contribution to the Victorian and/or global community while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 2: Leadership skills (score weighting = 20%)
- Provide examples of your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved for your community or in your field of study while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 3: Academic achievements (score weighting = 30%)
- Outline how you have achieved academic excellence while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 4: Career goals (score weighting = 10%)
- Outline how your studies and extra activities have helped shape your pathway to success. Briefly outline your study or career plans in Victoria or beyond for the next 12 months.
Provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can find more information about what to include and submit your application through the Victorian International Education Awards - Application portal. You can save your application in draft within the application portal until you are ready to submit.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money of AUD$3,000 to support your studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Finalists will also receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the International Student of the Year – Higher Education award you must demonstrate that:
- you were studying an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework-based program with a Victorian post-secondary education provider within Victoria as an international student between 1 January 2026 and 31 May 2026; and
- you were not an Australian citizen or permanent resident during your studies.
You will need to provide the following evidence to support your application:
- a short video (up to 90 seconds) introducing yourself, why you chose to study in Victoria, and the growth you have experienced during your studies in Victoria
- documents to support your application and provide evidence of your achievements including your most current academic transcript
- up to two referees to support your application – refer to clause 4.1 of these Terms and Conditions
- a copy of your Australian Student Visa or an Australian visa that provides you with study rights for the period of study relevant to your application
- a Confirmation of Enrolment document in your name with a Victorian post-secondary education provider for the period of study relevant to your application.
For detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
International Student of the Year – Research
This award recognises a postgraduate international research student who has delivered exceptional research outcomes with clear academic, industry, or social impact, and who has made a significant contribution to the Victorian community through impactful leadership and engagement.
Assessment criteria
- Criterion 1: Community involvement (score weighting = 20%)
- Demonstrate how you have made a significant connection and contribution to the Victorian and/or global community while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 2: Leadership skills (score weighting = 30%)
- Provide examples of your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved for the Victorian community or in your field of research while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 3: Academic achievements (score weighting = 40%)
- Outline how you have achieved academic excellence while studying as an international student in Victoria and the potential impact (e.g. academic/industry/social) of your research
- Criterion 4: Career goals (score weighting = 10%)
- Outline how your studies and extra activities have helped shape your pathway to success. Briefly outline your study or career plans in Victoria or beyond for the next 12 months.
Provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can find more information about what to include and submit your application through the Victorian International Education Awards - Application portal. You can save your application in draft within the application portal until you are ready to submit.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money of AUD$3,000 to support your studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Finalists will also receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the International Student of the Year – Research award you must demonstrate that:
- you were studying a higher degree by research program at doctoral or masters (by research) level with a Victorian post-secondary education provider within Victoria as an International Student between 1 January 2026 and 31 May 2026; and
- you were not an Australian citizen or permanent resident during your studies.
You will need to provide the following evidence to support your application:
- a short video (up to 90 seconds) introducing yourself, why you chose to study in Victoria, and the growth you have experienced during your studies in Victoria
- documents to support your application and provide evidence of your achievements including your most current academic transcript
- up to two referees to support your application – refer to clause 4.1 of these Terms and Conditions
- a copy of your Australian Student Visa or an Australian visa that provides you with study rights for the period of study relevant to your application
- a Confirmation of Enrolment document in your name with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider for the period of study relevant to your application.
For detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training
This award celebrates an exceptional international student who is studying vocational education and training (VET) and has enriched Victoria through strong community connection, inspiring leadership and academic excellence.
Assessment criteria
- Criterion 1: Community involvement (score weighting = 40%)
- Demonstrate how you have made a significant connection and contribution to the Victorian and/or global community while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 2: Leadership skills (score weighting = 20%)
- Provide examples of your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved for the Victorian community or in your field of study while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 3: Academic achievements (score weighting = 30%)
- Outline how you have achieved academic excellence while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 4: Career goals (score weighting = 10%)
- Outline how your studies and extra activities have helped shape your pathway to success. Briefly outline your study or career plans in Victoria or beyond for the next 12 months.
Provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can find more information about what to include and submit your application through the Victorian International Education Awards - Application portal. You can save your application in draft within the application portal until you are ready to submit.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money of AUD$3,000 to support your studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Finalists will also receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training award you must demonstrate that:
- you were studying a vocational education and training program with a Victorian post-secondary education provider within Victoria as an international student between 1 January 2026 and 31 May 2026; and
- you were not an Australian citizen or permanent resident during your studies.
You will need to provide the following evidence to support your application:
- a short video (up to 90 seconds) introducing yourself, why you chose to study in Victoria, and the growth you have experienced during your studies in Victoria
- documents to support your application and provide evidence of your achievements including your most current academic transcript
- up to two referees to support your application – refer to clause 4.1 of these Terms and Conditions
- a copy of your Australian Student Visa or an Australian visa that provides you with study rights for the period of study relevant to your application
- a Confirmation of Enrolment document in your name with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider for the period of study relevant to your application.
For detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
International Student of the Year – English Language
This award recognises an international student undertaking or who has recently completed an English language program in Victoria. It celebrates students who show strong academic achievement, leadership impact and significant community connection and contribution. Applicants who have recently completed an English language program and progressed to further study in Victoria are also encouraged to apply.
Assessment criteria
- Criterion 1: Community involvement (score weighting = 40%)
- Demonstrate how you have made a significant connection and contribution to the Victorian and/or global community while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 2: Leadership skills (score weighting = 20%)
- Provide examples of your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved for the Victorian community or in your field of study while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 3: Academic achievements (score weighting = 30%)
- Outline how you have achieved academic excellence within your studies while studying as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 4: Career goals (score weighting = 10%)
- Outline how your English language studies and extra activities have helped to shape your pathway to success. Briefly outline your study or career plans in Victoria or beyond for the next 12 months.
Provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can find more information about what to include and submit your application through the Victorian International Education Awards - Application portal. You can save your application in draft within the application portal until you are ready to submit.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money of AUD$3,000 to support your studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Finalists will also receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the International Student of the Year – English Language award you must demonstrate that:
- you were studying an English language training program with a Victorian post-secondary education provider within Victoria as an international student between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026; and
- you were not an Australian citizen or permanent resident during your studies.
You will need to provide the following evidence to support your application:
- a short video (up to 90 seconds) introducing yourself, why you chose to study in Victoria, and the growth you have experienced during your studies in Victoria
- documents to support your application and provide evidence of your achievements including your most current academic transcript
- up to two referees to support your application – refer to clause 4.1 of these Terms and Conditions
- a copy of your Australian Student Visa or an Australian visa that provides you with study rights for the period of study relevant to your application
- a Confirmation of Enrolment document in your name with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider for the period of study relevant to your application.
For detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
International Student of the Year – Regional
This award celebrates a tertiary-level international student who is studying in regional Victoria and has made a real difference through their community connections and leadership. It recognises someone who leads by example through strong academic achievement, active involvement in the local community, and displays leadership that positively impacts the people around them.
Assessment criteria
- Criterion 1: Community involvement (score weighting = 45%)
- Significant connection and contribution to the local, Victorian and/or global community while studying as an international student in regional Victoria.
- Criterion 2: Leadership skills (score weighting = 25%)
- Provide examples of your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved for the local and/or broader Victorian community or in your field of study while studying as an international student in regional Victoria.
- Criterion 3: Academic achievements (score weighting = 20%)
- Outline how you have achieved academic excellence while studying as an international student in regional Victoria.
- Criterion 4: Career goals (score weighting = 10%)
- Outline how your studies and extra activities have helped shape your pathway to success. Briefly outline your study or career plans in Victoria or beyond for the next 12 months.
Provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can find more information about what to include and submit your application through the Victorian International Education Awards - Application portal. You can save your application in draft within the application portal until you are ready to submit.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money of AUD$3,000 to support your studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Finalists will also receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the International Student of the Year – Regional award you must demonstrate that:
- you were studying with a Victorian post-secondary education provider located within regional Victoria* as an international student between 1 January 2026 and 31 May 2026; and
- you were not an Australian citizen or permanent resident during your studies.
You will need to provide the following evidence to support your application:
- a short video (up to 90 seconds) introducing yourself, why you chose to study in Victoria, and the growth you have experienced during your studies in Victoria
- documents to support your application and provide evidence of your achievements including your most current academic transcript
- up to two referees to support your application – refer to clause 4.1 of these Terms and Conditions
- a copy of your Australian Student Visa or an Australian visa that provides you with study rights for the period of study relevant to your application
- a Confirmation of Enrolment document in your name with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider for the period of study relevant to your application.
For detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
*Regional Victoria locations are defined as outside metropolitan Melbourne and include the following regions:
- Barwon South West (includes Geelong and Warrnambool),
- Grampians (includes Ballarat)
- Loddon Mallee (includes Bendigo and Mildura),
- Hume (includes Shepparton),
- Gippsland (includes Churchill).
You can check if your education provider is located in regional Victoria on the Regional Development Victoria website. Applicants who are studying with an eligible Victorian education provider may be living outside regional Victoria during their studies.
International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year
This award celebrates an exceptional international student or recent graduate who has excelled as an entrepreneur or founder. It recognises outstanding enterprise, impactful leadership, and contribution to Victoria’s entrepreneurial and start-up community.
Assessment criteria
- Criterion 1: Entrepreneurial achievements and innovation (score weighting = 35%)
- Describe your venture plan and progress: what you’re building, your key milestones, what stage you’re at, and how you’ve tested product–market fit e.g. customer interviews, pilots, prototypes/MVP.
- Criterion 2: Entrepreneurial community involvement (score weighting = 30%)
- Explain how you’ve engaged with and contributed to Victoria’s startup ecosystem and entrepreneurship community (e.g., mentoring, events, programs, partnerships) and how this has helped develop your entrepreneurial capabilities.
- Criterion 3: Leadership skills (score weighting = 25%)
- Provide examples of your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved for the Victorian community or in your field of business or study.
- Criterion 4: Career goals (score weighting = 10%)
- Outline how your studies and extra activities will assist you as an entrepreneur or founder in achieving your career goals. Briefly outline your study or career plans in Victoria or beyond for the next 12 months.
Provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can find more information, including what to include in your response for each criterion and what evidence to provide, and submit your application through the Victorian International Education Awards - Application portal. You can save your application in draft within the application portal until you are ready to submit.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money of AUD$3,000 to support your studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Finalists will also receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:
- you were studying with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider as an international student within the five-year period from 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2026.
Students and graduates who are now permanent residents or citizens are eligible to apply for this award provided they can demonstrate that they were enrolled as an international student during the five-year period from 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2026.*
*students and graduates who are now permanent residents or citizens are eligible to apply for this award provided they can demonstrate that they were enrolled as an international student during the five-year period from 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2026.
You will need to provide the following evidence to support your application:
- a copy of your Australian Student Visa or an Australian visa that provided you with study rights for the period of study relevant to your application
- a Confirmation of Enrolment document in your name with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider for the period of study relevant to your application OR a valid Letter of Completion issued by your education provider OR evidence of study completed in Victoria to the satisfaction of the Department for the period of study relevant to your application
- up to two referees to support your application - refer to clause 5.1 of the Terms and Conditions.
- documents to support your application and provide evidence of your achievements including your most current academic transcript
- a short video (up to 90 seconds) introducing yourself, why you chose to study in Victoria, and the growth you have experienced during your studies in Victoria.
For detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
Emerging Leader – International Alumni Award
This award honours a recent international student alumnus of a Victorian tertiary education provider who is an outstanding role model. It celebrates exemplary leadership, career achievement, and meaningful contribution to community. This award recognises the positive impact you have made since studying in Victoria, your ongoing connections to the state of Victoria, and your role as an advocate for international education in Victoria.
Assessment criteria
- Criterion 1: Leadership skills (score weighting =45%)
- Provide examples of your leadership skills and the outcomes you have achieved for the Victorian community or in your field of study since graduating.
- Criterion 2: Community involvement (score weighting =35%)
- Demonstrate that you have made a significant connection and contribution to the Victorian and/or global community since you graduated from your studies as an international student in Victoria.
- Criterion 3: Career and industry achievements (score weighting =20%)
- Outline how your career has progressed since you graduated from your studies as an international student in Victoria.
Provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can find more information about what to include and submit your application through the Victorian International Education Awards - Application portal. You can save your application in draft within the application portal until you are ready to submit.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money of AUD$3,000 to support your studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Finalists will also receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for the Emerging Leader – International Alumni Award you must demonstrate that:
- you were studying with a Victorian post-secondary education provider as an international student within the five-year period from 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2026* and completed your course.
*Students and graduates who are now permanent residents or citizens are eligible to apply for this award provided they can demonstrate that they were enrolled as an international student during the five-year period from 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2026.
You will need to provide the following evidence to support your application:
- a short video (up to 90 seconds) introducing yourself, why you chose to study in Victoria, and the growth you experienced during and after your studies in Victoria
- documents to support your application and provide evidence of your achievements including your final academic transcript
- up to two referees to support your application – refer to clause 4.1 of these Terms and Conditions
- a copy of your Australian Student Visa or an Australian visa that provided you with study rights for the period of study relevant to your application
- a Confirmation of Enrolment document in your name with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider for the period of study relevant to your application
- a valid Letter of Completion issued by your education provider OR evidence of study completed in Victoria to the satisfaction of the Department for the period of study relevant to your application.
For detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
Premier’s Award – International Student of the Year
The Premier’s Award will be awarded to the most outstanding student award winner across all assessment criteria and will be selected by a judging panel from the winners of the following student awards:
- International Student of the Year – English Language Pathways
- International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training
- International Student of the Year – Higher Education
- International Student of the Year – Research
- International Student of the Year – Regional.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money up to AUD$5,000 to support their studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
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