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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 program with 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.
Assessment criteria
Criterion 1: Community Involvement (40%)
Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (20%)
Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (30%)
Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)
You will need to provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can learn more about the assessment criteria and lodge your application on the Victorian International Education Awards entry portal.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money up to AUD$3,000 to support their studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
The finalists will 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 an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework-based program with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider as an international student between 1 January 2025 and 1 July 2025; and
- you studied in Victoria as an international student 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 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
- up to two references to support your application - refer to clause 5.1 of the Terms and Conditions.
For more detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.
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.
Assessment criteria
Criterion 1: Community Involvement (20%)
Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (30%)
Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (40%)
Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)
You will need to provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can learn more about the assessment criteria and lodge your application on the Victorian International Education Awards entry portal.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money up to AUD$3,000 to support their studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
The finalists will 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 a higher degree by research program at doctoral or masters (by research) level with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider as an International Student between 1 January 2025 and 1 July 2025; and
- you studied in Victoria as an international student 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 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
- up to two references to support your application - refer to clause 5.1 of the Terms and Conditions.
For more detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.
International Student of the Year – English Language Training
This award will be presented to an international student who is currently undertaking an English language program in Victoria, or who has recently completed an English language program in Victoria and is a role model for others.
This award recognises an international student who has demonstrated excellence throughout their studies in Victoria and has made an outstanding contribution to their community during their time as an international student in Victoria.
Applicants who have recently studied an English language program in Victoria and are now pursuing further study in Victoria to pursue their career goals are encouraged to apply.
Assessment criteria
Assessment criteria
Criterion 1: Community Involvement (40%)
Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (20%)
Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (30%)
Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)
You will need to provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can learn more about the assessment criteria and lodge your application on the Victorian International Education Awards entry portal.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money up to AUD$3,000 to support their studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
The finalists will 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 an English language training program with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider as an international student between 1 January 2024 and 1 July 2025; and
- you studied in Victoria as an international student 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 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
- up to two references to support your application - refer to clause 5.1 of the Terms and Conditions.
For more detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.
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 (VET) program in Victoria and is a role model for others.
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.
Assessment criteria
Criterion 1: Community Involvement (40%)
Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (20%)
Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (30%)
Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)
You will need to provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can learn more about the assessment criteria and lodge your application on the Victorian International Education Awards entry portal.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money up to AUD$3,000 to support their studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
The finalists will 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 a vocational education and training program with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider as an international student between 1 January 2025 and 1 July 2025; and
- you studied in Victoria as an international student 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 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
- up to two references to support your application - refer to clause 5.1 of the Terms and Conditions.
For more detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.
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 Victoria’s regional communities.
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.
Assessment criteria
Criterion 1: Community Involvement (40%)
Criterion 2: Leadership Skills (20%)
Criterion 3: Academic Achievements (30%)
Criterion 4: Career Goals (10%)
You will need to provide evidence to support your application and demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved.
You can learn more about the assessment criteria and lodge your application on the Victorian International Education Awards entry portal.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money up to AUD$3,000 to support their studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
The finalists will 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 a with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider located within regional Victoria* as an international student between 1 January 2025 and 1 July 2025; and
- you studied in Victoria as an international student 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 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
- up to two references to support your application - refer to clause 5.1 of the Terms and Conditions.
For more detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our 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 will be presented to an international student or recent graduate who has achieved exceptional outcomes as an entrepreneur or founder, 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 or not-for-profit organisation and build your profile by sharing your story about how your leadership and entrepreneurial activities have contributed to building a business or startup in Victoria.
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%)
You can learn more about the assessment criteria and lodge your application on the Victorian International Education Awards entry portal.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money up to AUD$3,000 to support their studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
The finalists will receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
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 2020 and 1 July 2025.
To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:
- you were studying a with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider as an international student within the five-year period from 1 June 2020 and 1 July 2025.
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 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 references to support your application - refer to clause 5.1 of the Terms and Conditions.
For more detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
For detailed eligibility criteria including documentation requirements read our Terms and Conditions.
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 has made an outstanding contribution to the community.
Assessment criteria
Criterion 1: Leadership skills (45%)
Criterion 2: Community involvement (35%)
Criterion 3: Career Goals (20%)
You can learn more about the assessment criteria and lodge your application on the Victorian International Education Awards entry portal.
Prizes and recognition
The winner will receive:
- an official certificate and trophy
- prize money up to AUD$3,000 to support their studies or professional development (Terms and Conditions apply)
- acknowledgement and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
The finalists will receive an official certificate and recognition at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Eligibility
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 between 1 June 2020 and 1 July 2025.
To be eligible to enter this category, applicants must meet below criteria:
- you were studying a with a Victorian Post-Secondary Education Provider as an international student within the five-year period from 1 June 2020 and 1 July 2025.
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 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 references to support your application - refer to clause 5.1 of the Terms and Conditions.
For more detailed visa eligibility criteria refer to clause 3.9 of the Terms and Conditions.
For more detailed eligibility criteria read our 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 from the winners of the following student awards:
- International Student of the Year – English Language Training
- 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.
How to apply
Applications for the Victorian International Education Awards 2025 closed on 12 September 2025.
Enquiries
For enquiries, email viea@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au. Please note that support is available Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm AEST. After hours and weekend enquiries will be viewed the next business day.
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