A range of initiatives were recognised including advocating for and representing other international students, working with refugees, teaching children to sing, helping young people at risk, mentoring students, and volunteering and fundraising for charities.

“NSW’s global links are strengthened by the presence of international students in the State and we appreciate their contributions”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner and Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Regional Development, John Barilaro presented the awards.

“NSW’s global links are strengthened by the presence of international students in the State and we appreciate their contributions to their schools, colleges and universities and the wider community,” said Stoner.

“We want to enhance the international student experience while they are here so they can become our unofficial ambassadors when they return home,” he added. “Through Study NSW the NSW Government is working with the international education sector to ensure its long-term growth.”

Sydney’s Opera House hosted the 2014 NSW International Student Awards ceremony

This year, the awards also included a new category, the International Student Community Engagement Awards, which recognise the efforts of organisations, community groups and education providers in helping international students connect with the community.

Kenya, the Philippines, China, India, Belgium, Vietnam, Ecaudor, Saudi Arabia and Italy were among the countries represented by the finalists and reflect the 177 different nationalities of students in NSW.

The awards are a NSW Government initiative and were supported by StudyNSW in partnership with the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.

In 2013 over 128,000 international students studied at NSW-based tertiary education institutions, making it the most popular Australian state for international students, hosting around 35% of total international students enrolled at higher education institutions in the country.

Winners of the 2014 NSW International Student Awards:

Vocational Education and Training: Mr Immanuel Njoroge, Kenya, TAFE South Western Sydney Institute – Granville College
Schools: Miss Yanrong Chen, China, Kambala
Elicos: Mr Ahmad Aljazeeri Saudi Arabia, TAFE Northern Sydney Institute
Higher Education: Mrs Saba Nabi, India, Charles Sturt University (CSU)
Community Engagement (Education provider): Illawarra Committee for International Students (ICIS), University of Wollongong
Community Engagement (Organisation/community) Joint winners: International Student Leadership and Ambassador program, Council of the City of Sydney. International Students Legal Advice Service, Redfern Legal Centre