NSW International Education Awards

Araf Iaj Khan - Winner

Education institution: Homebush Boys High School

Home country: Bangladesh

Araf is a Senior Prefect at Homebush Boys High School, recognised for leading inclusive events, mentoring peers, and championing multicultural advocacy. With over 160 volunteer hours and multiple awards, he exemplifies resilience, initiative, and commitment to social justice and community engagement in NSW.

Diego Luna Alamilla - Winner

Education institution: Australian Learning Group

Home country: Mexico

Diego is a Diploma of Counselling graduate from the Australian Learning Group, recognised for his compassion and leadership. As a peer mentor and mental health advocate, he supports international students, leads wellbeing initiatives, and volunteers in the NSW community, making a lasting impact on youth wellbeing and inclusion. 

Daisy Ehinomen Eromosele - Highly Commended

Education institution: New Cambridge College

Home country: Nigeria

Daisy Eromosele, a Nigerian student at New Cambridge College Sydney, leads in her dedication to community service and disability support. Passionate about inclusion and cultural awareness, she mentors peers, assists new students, and champions international education, embodying resilience, empathy, and leadership within both her college and the wider NSW community. 

Jiaqi (Ellen) Jiang - Winner

Education institution: UNSW Sydney

Home country: China

Jiaqi (Ellen) Jiang, a UNSW Medicine student, is a leader in health advocacy and student wellbeing. She has contributed to over 200 initiatives, shaped public health campaigns, enhanced clinical education, and led major student associations, creating a safer, more inclusive environment for international students across NSW.

MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard - Winner

Organisation: MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) is a sector-led initiative streamlining international education by standardising student data exchange. Adopted by over 70 institutions, it supports global mobility with a student-first approach to enhance lifelong learning. MCDS sets a global benchmark for trusted, quality education infrastructure, establishing NSW as a leader.

Achieva AI - Highly Commended

Organisation: Aiducation Global

Achieva AI is a Sydney-based platform transforming support for international students in NSW. Using advanced language models, it offers personalised recommendations, multilingual assistance, and real-time application tracking. Representing major education providers, Achieva AI streamlines recruitment, enhances student success, and boosts NSW’s global appeal as a study destination.

2025 Lord Mayor's Welcome for International Students - Winner

Organisation: City of Sydney

The Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students hosted by City of Sydney fosters inclusion and community for international students arriving in Australia. With a focus on cultural connection and celebration, the event brings together Sydney’s vibrant multicultural community and supports students to set themselves up for success with access to support services and student integration.

Hoai Anh (Tracy) Truong

Education provider: St Catherine's School, Sydney

Home country: Vietnam 

Tracy Truong, a Year 11 international student at St Catherine’s School Sydney, excels in leadership, service, and community engagement. She inspires peers through sports, contributes to local initiatives, and promotes intercultural understanding, embodying inclusivity and dedication both within her school and the wider community.

Araf Iaj Khan

Education institution: Homebush Boys High School

Home country: Bangladesh

Araf Khan is a Senior Prefect at Homebush Boys High School, recognised for leading inclusive events, mentoring peers, and championing multicultural advocacy. With over 160 volunteer hours and multiple awards, he exemplifies resilience, initiative, and commitment to social justice and community engagement in NSW.

Ngoc Quynh Le Hoang

Education institution: Canley Vale High School

Home country: Vietnam

Ngoc Quynh Le Hoang, School Captain at Canley Vale High School, is a dedicated international student leader. She champions inclusivity, leads charitable initiatives, and stands out for her advocacy, earning major awards. Overcoming language barriers, Le inspires unity and positive change within her school and the broader NSW community.

Norisa Nuth

Education institution: Sarah Redfern High School

Home country: Cambodia

Norisa Nuth, a dedicated student at Sarah Redfern High School, exceeding in leadership and community service. Active in the Student Representative Council and Interact Club, she leads outreach initiatives, promotes inclusion, and represents her school at major events, inspiring others through her commitment, compassion, and advocacy for diversity.

Fernanda Arsuffi Marcon

Education institution: NVR Education Australia

Home country: Brazil

Fernanda Arsuffi Marcon, a Brazilian student at NVR Education Australia, accomplished in painting and decorating. As a mentor and site leader, she champions diversity and supports women, revitalises community spaces, and inspires positive change through her leadership, resilience, and commitment to equity in a male-dominated industry.

Daisy Ehinomen Eromosele

Education institution: New Cambridge College, Sydney

Home country: Nigeria

Daisy Eromosele, a Nigerian student at New Cambridge College Sydney, leads in her dedication to community service and disability support. Passionate about inclusion and cultural awareness, she mentors peers, assists new students, and champions international education, embodying resilience, empathy, and leadership within both her college and the wider NSW community.

Ananda Galeti

Education institution: NVR Education Australia 

Home country: Brazil

Ananda Galeti, a Brazilian painting and decorating student at NVR Education Australia, distinguished as a Peer Mentor and mural business owner. She champions gender equality, fosters community, and uses public art to drive social change, challenge stereotypes, and advocate for the preservation of culture and wellbeing in NSW. 

Diego Luna Alamilla

Education institution: Australian Learning Group

Home country: Mexico

Diego Luna Alamilla, a recent Diploma of Counselling graduate from the Australian Learning Group, is recognised for his compassion and leadership. As a peer mentor and mental health advocate, he supports international students, leads wellbeing initiatives, and volunteers in the NSW community, making a lasting impact on youth wellbeing and inclusion.

Chun Yin (Kenneth) Lau

Education institution: The University of Sydney

Home country: Hong Kong SAR 

Kenneth Lau, an international student leader at the University of Sydney, advocates for community participation, employability, and wellbeing. He leads student initiatives, serves on diversity committees, empowers peers through Toastmasters, and volunteers as a City of Sydney ambassador, making a positive impact for international students across NSW. 

Sunil Rai

Education institution: Central Queensland University, Sydney Campus  

Home country: Nepal

Sunil Rai, an international student leader at CQUniversity, is recognised for advocacy, innovation, and community wellbeing. He has developed a paid internship program at his university, champions student voices at policy forums, founded a Nepalese student society, and leads diverse initiatives that enrich campus life and foster inclusion for international students.

Jiaqi (Ellen) Jiang

Education institution: The University of New South Wales (UNSW)

Home country: China

Jiaqi (Ellen) Jiang, a UNSW Medicine student, is a leader in health advocacy and student wellbeing. She has contributed to over 200 initiatives, shaped public health campaigns, enhanced clinical education, and led major student associations, creating a safer, more inclusive environment for international students across NSW.

Yuka Maruyama

Education institution: University of Technology Sydney  

Home country: Japan

Yuka Maruyama is a deaf international student from Japan at UTS, who advocates for inclusive education and gender equity in STEM. Through mentoring, volunteering, and developing AR tools for language learning, she empowers peers and communities. Her leadership and resilience has been recognised with the UTS SOUL Badge and the opportunity to lead mentoring projects with the Australian Museum. 

Achieva AI

Organisation: Aiducation Global

Achieva AI is a Sydney-based platform transforming support for international students in NSW. Using advanced language models, it offers personalised recommendations, multilingual assistance, and real-time application tracking. Representing major education providers, Achieva AI streamlines recruitment, enhances student success, and boosts NSW’s global appeal as a study destination.

Language Embedding Initiative at UTS College Diploma Program

Organisation: UTS College Sydney 

UTS College has recently redesigned their Diploma programs to be embedded with Language Learning Outcomes ensuring language is a core, assessable component of every program. This student-centred approach promotes autonomy, equity, and real-world English proficiency, ensuring international students achieve success through flexible resources, peer teaching, and consistent professional development.

MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard

Organisation: MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard

The MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard (MCDS) is a sector-led initiative streamlining international education by standardising student data exchange. Adopted by over 70 institutions, it supports global mobility with a student-first approach to enhance lifelong learning. MCDS sets a global benchmark for trusted, quality education infrastructure, establishing NSW as a leader.

Chef's Table: Empowering International Students through Innovation, Technology, and Industry Connection

Organisation: Quality College of Australia

Chef’s Table at Quality College of Australia gives international cookery students real industry experience by designing and serving degustation menus. Blending tradition and technology, the program offers hands-on practice, live feedback, and networking, producing work-ready graduates and enhancing the global reputation of NSW’s culinary education. 

2025 Lord Mayor's Welcome for International Students

Organisation: City of Sydney

The Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students hosted by City of Sydney fosters inclusion and community for international students arriving in Australia. With a focus on cultural connection and celebration, the event brings together Sydney’s vibrant multicultural community and supports students to set themselves up for success with access to support services and student integration.

We Are Australia – Supporting International Student Victims of Crime

Organisation: We Are Australia

We Are Australia is a national charity supporting international students in Australia who have experienced crime or exploitation. It provides free, trauma-informed legal, emotional, and emergency support, advocates for policy reform, and empowers survivors through research and culturally responsive programs, transforming support for international students nationwide.

All Culture's Weave

Organisation: University of Newcastle

The All Cultures Weave project at the University of Newcastle welcomes international students to NSW through a collaborative art project involving students, artists, and community members. Each student contributes to a woven installation symbolising unity in diversity. The initiative fosters belonging, intercultural understanding, leadership, and social connection, highlighting Newcastle’s inclusive and welcoming spirit.

The Koala News: Impacting International Education Policy and Advocacy

Organisation: The Koala News

The Koala News is a leading voice in Australia’s international education sector, bridging stakeholders and policymakers. Through balanced reporting and advocacy, it influences policy, spotlights student experiences, and fosters sector unity. Its editorials and forums promote mental health, safety, and evidence-based solutions for international students.