Eligibility and selection criteria

NSW International Student of the Year Awards

Students have to be nominated by their education institution in the following categories:

  • Higher Education
  • Vocational Education and Training (VET)
  • English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS)
  • Schools

Students enrolled in foundation studies, bridging or enabling courses are eligible for the Higher Education category.

The winner of the 2022 NSW International Student of the Year Award in each category will:

  • Receive an official certificate of achievement
  • Become part of the Study NSW Awards Alumni team
Eligibility criteria
  • The nominee must be an international student (non-resident of Australia) and be enrolled in a tertiary course at a NSW educational institution.
  • The student must hold a valid visa for study in Australia.
  • 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 two referees who agree to be contacted to provide further information on the nomination.
  • Pairs or groups of international students are not eligible for nomination.
Selection criteria
  • The nominee should be an inspirational role model and can demonstrate an achievement or contribution that adds value to the community through:
    • Touching the lives of others
    • Participating in the community
    • Connecting an ethnic or language community group with the broader NSW community
    • Volunteering

Recent achievement or contribution to a cause will be viewed favourably.

The NSW International Student Awards are not related to academic achievements.

The criteria for the awards relate to the impact on the community. This includes the international student community, ethnic community and the broader NSW community.

Institutions nominating a student for the NSW International Student of the Year Awards can nominate up to two students in the relevant category.

NSW International Student Community Engagement Awards

The Awards will be presented in two categories:

  • Education Providers
  • Business and Community

The winner of the NSW International Student Community Engagement Awards in each category will:

  • Receive an official certificate of achievement
  • Become part of the Study NSW Awards Alumni team
Eligibility criteria

Nominations must:

  • Be for a program/initiative run by the Education Provider and Business and Community from June 2021.
  • Include statements from at least two international students who are beneficiaries of the program/initiative indicating support for the claims made by the nomination. Additional written statements from other program partners may also be provided if relevant.
  • Be endorsed by the Head of, or Principal administrator of the organisation running the program/initiative.
Selection criteria
  • The program/initiative has generated benefits for the students, the community and/or business
  • The program/initiative has addressed an identified need
  • The program/initiative has facilitated meaningful connections and new pathways for community participation and/or employment (for example by offering work experience or mentorship)
  • The program/initiative has enhanced relationships and networks and/or helped to break down barriers
  • The program/initiative has potential for replication and/or adaptation by others
  • Self-nominations are acceptable (therefore the person nominating and endorsing can be the same).

Nominators are encouraged to provide additional supporting material and evidence that addresses the selection criteria if available.

Terms and conditions

  • Nominations are to be submitted via the online nomination form.
  • Nominations must be submitted by close of business on Friday 15 July 2022.
  • Institutions nominating a student for the International Student of the Year Awards can nominate up to two students in the relevant category.
  • Nominators need to have consent from the nominee before submitting a nomination.
  • A selection panel comprising community, business and international education industry representatives will assess nominations to determine finalists and a winner in each category.
  • Nominations may be transferable from one category to another at the discretion of the panel.
  • All nominees may be subject to reference checking.
  • All nominators, referees, beneficiaries and people endorsing nominations agree they can be contacted for reference checks.
  • Nominators can provide up to two attachments of supporting documentation. Nominations for the NSW International Student Community Engagement Awards must submit testimonials of both beneficiaries of the nominated program/initiative.
  • All nominations and supporting documentation are kept in the strictest confidence.
  • The winner in each category will be announced a ceremony to be held in Sydney (details to follow soon).  Finalists will be individually notified and will be publicly announced in advance of the ceremony. Finalists need to be able to 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.

Frequently asked questions

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you don't find the answer to your question please email study.nsw@investment.nsw.gov.au and a member of the team will be in contact with you shortly.

Previous finalists

View finalists from the 2021 NSW International Student Awards.