NSW International Education Awards

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.

Minh Thiem (Evelyn) Lieu - Winner

Education institution: Canley Vale High School  

Home country: Vietnam 

Evelyn’s commitment to community service has profoundly impacted Canley Vale High School and the broader community through her leadership and dedication to inclusivity. As a key member of the Student Representative Council, Evelyn has mentored peers, advocated for international students and championed multiculturalism, despite initial language barriers. Her contributions extend to fundraising for school events, volunteering with the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation and supporting Vietnamese newcomers through Student Life Care.  

Jack (Qixiu) Li - Highly Commended

Education institution: Epping Boys High School 

Home country: China 

Jack is a dedicated community member who has been recognised for his outstanding achievements in leadership, academics and sport. Jack entered into the school’s honour book for his significant contributions, including leading the Interact Program since 2022 and helping new students from overseas overcome language and cultural barriers. As a Student Mentor and key organiser of numerous school events, including the 2024 World’s Greatest Shave campaign, he has demonstrated exceptional commitment to raising awareness and funds for important causes. He has also dedicated more than 200 hours of service to NSW communities, including volunteering at the Rhodes Lunar New Year Festival and participating in major fundraising runs.  

Cristina Gabriela Tacuri Garcia - Winner

Education institution: Greenwich College 

Home country: Ecuador 

Since arriving in Sydney, Cristina has enriched her academic journey while fostering a vibrant community spirit. As a dedicated volunteer with SALSA NSW, Cristina teaches dance to the elderly and supports the organisation with many different tasks. Her performance at the STARS gala for the Cancer Council showcases her proactive approach to societal issues. Cristina’s initiative to offer free salsa sessions at Greenwich College promotes cultural exchange and inclusivity. Her second place Judges Choice award at the STARS competition further emphasises her impact and dedication.

FenZhi Wen - Highly Commended

Education institution: University of Newcastle 

Home country: China  

As a student in the Advanced English for Academic Purposes program at the University of Newcastle, FenZhi contributes to campus life through the Badminton Club and the Australia-China Youth Association. FenZhi recently won a badminton championship and helped more than 10 new members to improve their skills. FenZhi also plays a key role in cultural exchange events, fostering collaboration between Chinese and Australian students. Beyond academics, FenZhi has supported more than 15 of her peers to find housing and integrate into the local community, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment. 

Aradhana Grover - Winner

Education institution: University of Newcastle 

Home country: India 

As a third-year Bachelor of Nursing student at the University of Newcastle, Aradhana exemplifies outstanding leadership and community engagement. She provides compassionate care as an Assistant in Nursing for NSW Health and has dedicated 2 years to working in a nursing home. Her commitment extends to mentoring international students through the Australian Mateship Program and leading the Student Nurses and Midwives Society as a podcast convenor. Aradhana also contributes to health education and community wellbeing through volunteering, enhancing both the university experience and the broader NSW community. 

Aashish Neupane - Highly Commended

Education institution: Western Sydney University 

Home country: Nepal 

Aashish is the International Student Representative on the Western Sydney University Student Representative Council and President of the International Student Association. He has championed critical initiatives and advocates for the rights and wellbeing of international students. His leadership in organising forums, weekly catchups and Culture Corner events has fostered a strong sense of community among international students. Aashish's commitment extends to mental health, mentoring and cross-campus collaborations, significantly enhancing the student experience and advocating for meaningful change.

UNSW Water Safety Program - Winner

Organisation: UNSW Sydney 

The UNSW Water Safety Program has evolved from a pilot learn-to-swim initiative to a comprehensive water safety education model that includes a beach safety walk, beach safety program and a grant scheme. Since its inception in 2018, more than 1,700 students from over 50 countries have participated, with 1,100 joining the program from July 2023 to July 2024 alone. The program’s collaborative approach with local surf clubs and community organisations fosters inclusivity, enhances students' wellbeing and empowers them through crucial water safety skills and employment opportunities. 

Redfern Legal Centre’s International Student Legal Service (ISLS) - Winner

Organisation: Redfern Legal Centre 

Redfern Legal Centre’s ISLS is the only independent legal service dedicated to the 269,000 international students in NSW. Providing free, confidential legal advice and advocacy, ISLS addresses complex socio-legal issues, enhancing students’ health and education outcomes. ISLS’s culturally tailored resources and proactive legal education empower students to make informed decisions. Their impactful collaborations include the Play Safe Program and Study NSW Jobs Connect Internship. ISLS also advocate for systemic change, such as world-first visa protections, which help to showcase ISLS’s commitment to improving international students' well-being and legal safety in NSW.