NSW Government Study NSW

Important information

Learn more about our eligibility and selection criteria for the NSW International Education Awards.

NSW International Student of the Year Awards

Eligibility criteria

  • The nominee must be an international student (non-permanent resident or citizen of Australia) and be enrolled in a CRICOS registered course at an NSW educational institution. 
  • The student must hold a valid visa for study and currently living in NSW. 
  • The nominations are to be made by the education institution. Self-nominations will not be accepted. 
  • The education institution must have the agreement of the student prior to making the nomination. 
  • The nomination must include details and recommendations of one referee who agrees to be contacted to provide further information on the nomination. 
  • Pairs or groups of international students are not eligible for nomination. 

Selection criteria

The selection for the awards is based on the impact made on the international student, ethnic, and the broader NSW communities by: 

  • Participating in activities, events and programs that contribute to the NSW community 
  • Connecting an ethnic or language community group with the broader NSW community 
  • Displaying leadership in volunteering opportunities. 
  • Recent achievement or contribution to a cause will be viewed favourably. The NSW International Student of the Year

 

Finalists of the 2022 international student of the year smiling

NSW International Education Engagement Awards

Eligibility criteria

Nominations for Education Providers & Business and Community Organisations must: 

  • Be for a program/initiative run by the Education Provider or a Business or Community Organisation from July 2022
  • Be endorsed by the head of the organisation running the program/initiative
  • Self-nominations for the Business or Community organisations category are acceptable (therefore the person nominating, and endorsing cannot be the same). 

Selection criteria

The program/initiative must be recognised for the support it provides to international students in NSW. It must also:  

  • Generate benefits for international education
  • Address an identified need
  • Facilitated meaningful connections and new pathways for community participation and/or employment (for example by offering work experience or mentorship)
  • Enhanced relationships and networks and/or helped to break down barriers
  • Offer Potential to be replicated and/or adapted by others.

Outstanding Contributions to the International Education Sector

Eligibility criteria

Nominations for the Outstanding Contributions to the International Education Sector must: 

  • Be an individual that has made a significant and ongoing contribution to the International Education sector in NSW
  • Be nominated by an organisation in NSW
  • Self-nominations in this category are not accepted. 

Selection criteria

The individual has generated benefits for international education in NSW by:  

  • Making significant contributions to enhancing the overall student experience in the international education sector in NSW
  • Exhibiting exceptional commitment to fostering international education engagement
  • Establishing partnerships with the international education sector.

Frequently asked questions

When do nominations close?

Nominations are open now so complete and submit the online form before Friday 18 August 2023.

I am trying to submit a nomination online but it's not working – what do I do?

Email [email protected] and we will be in contact to resolve your issues.

How long will it take before I hear back about my nomination?

You will hear back in August. After the closing date, all nominations will be assessed by the Awards Panel then Study NSW will conduct reference checks in August. Finalists will be announced in October.

How will references be checked?

Make sure you have advised your reference that they will be contacted and confirm their current contact details.  

When will I know if a nomination is successful?

Study NSW will contact all successful nominees and or nominators by phone and/or email

How many finalists are selected per category?

There are typically 3 finalists per category. However, there could be more or less, depending on the number of nominations and on the decision of the Awards Panel.

What happens if I am a finalist?

Study NSW will ring you to let you know the good news. Then we will send you an email with all information you need to know about next steps. Contact us at any time if you have any questions.

Where will the ceremony be held?

The ceremony details will be confirmed shortly

Can finalists invite guests?

Yes, you can invite guests to join the virtual ceremony. Your referees nominator, and education institution (for the NSW International Student of the Year award) will also be invited.

When will invitations be sent?

Around one month before the ceremony.

Who are the alumni team?

The Alumni Team consists of all winners from the seven (7) award categories. If you win an award, you will automatically be admitted into the Alumni Team. This includes:

  • a ticket to the International Education Awards ceremony for the next year
  • Showcasing your profile as a winner on the Study NSW website.

For international students

How can I be nominated or how can I nominate another international student?

International students in NSW must be nominated by your education institution. If you are an international student who has contributed to the community and would like to be considered for special recognition, approach your education provider to nominate you for one the NSW International Student of the Year Award categories. If you would like to nominate another international student in NSW, contact their education provider.

Who should I approach to nominate a student at my education institution?

Contact your lecturer/teacher or student support staff.

How can I nominate my education provider?

Contact the initiative lead/administrator of the initiative you believe should be nominated. They can self-nominate, and you can provide an endorsement as part of it.

How can I nominate a business or community group?

Contact the business or community organisation. They can self-nominate, and you can provide a recommendation as part of it. tell them to contact us.

How can I nominate an individual?

Contact your NSW organisation who can submit a nomination on their behalf. Please ensure that the nominator has contacted them to let them know they will be nominating them.

For education providers

How can I nominate one of our students?

You can nominate up to 3 students on their behalf per category on study.nsw.gov.au Please note students can not self-nominate.

How can I nominate one of our programs?

Self-nominations are accepted for programs and initiatives. If you ran a program from July 2022 to June 2023, please nominate your program or initiative for the NSW International Education Engagement Award (Education Providers).

How can I nominate the program of a partner business/community organisation?

You can nominate on their behalf if you let them know you are doing so.

How can I nominate an individual?

You can submit a nomination on behalf of your organisation. Please ensure that you have contacted the nominee to let them know.

For business and community organisations

How can I nominate one of our programs?

Please nominate your program or initiative online for the NSW International Education Engagement Award (Business and Community Organisation).

How can I nominate an international student?

All nominations for the NSW International Student of the Year award must be submitted by the student's education institution. Please note the student needs to be informed that they will be nominated.

How can I nominate an individual?

If you know an individual who has made a significant or ongoing contribution to the international education sector in NSW, you can submit a nomination on behalf of your organisation. Please ensure you have contacted them to let them know you will be nominating them.

For professionals

How can I be nominated for this?

A NSW organisation will need to nominate you on your behalf.

How can I nominate a student?

All nominations for the NSW International Student of the Year award must be submitted by the student's education institution. Please note the student needs to be informed that they will be nominated for this award.

How can I nominate a NSW education provider?

Please discuss this with the initiative lead/administrator you believe should be nominated. They can self-nominate, and you can provide an endorsement as part of it.

How can I nominate a business or community group?

Please contact the business or community organisation you would like to nominate. They can self-nominate, and you can provide a recommendation as part of it.

Terms and conditions

  • Nominations must be submitted via the online nomination form.
  • Nominations must be submitted by close of business on Friday 18 August 2023.
  • Education institutions nominating a student for the International Student of the Year Awards can nominate up to 3 students in the relevant category.
  • Nominators must have consent from the nominee before submitting a nomination.
  • Finalists and winners in each category must be selected by a n panel comprising of community, business and international education industry representatives.
  • Nominations may be transferable from one category to another at the discretion of the panel.
  • All nominees must be subject to reference checking.
  • All nominators, referees, beneficiaries, and people endorsing nominations must agree they can be contacted for reference checks.
  • All nominations must be kept in the strictest confidence.
  • The winner in each category must be announced at the ceremony in Sydney (Wednesday 1 November 2023 at the Museum of Contemporary Art).
  • Finalists of all award categories must be individually notified and publicly announced in advance of the ceremony. Finalists must attend the ceremony.
  • Successful finalists may be required to participate in a video production that will be screened at the ceremony and used for promotional purposes.
  • Finalists may be asked to participate in promotional and media opportunities.
  • Study NSW reserves the right not to award a winner in any or all categories.
  • Winner/finalists undertake to not enter any activity that will disrepute the NSW Government.