The students are nominated for categories that cover their sector of study (International Student of the Year for English language, vocational, higher ed and research).

This year, a new category – Victorian Student of the Year – Internationalisation – will also five recognise domestic students completing an accredited course at a Victorian education provider, who have built international relationships through their academic endeavours.

The awards celebrate Victoria’s largest services export

An overall winner will scoop the Premier’s International Student of the Year winner; there is also a range of awards for 19 shortlisted education providers.

“The Victorian International Education Awards are about recognising the achievements of the international education industry and cementing Victoria’s standing as an international education destination,” commented Minister for Training and Skills, Steve Herbert.

Nominees include students who have embraced local community interaction or advocated for international students.

This includes Fang Xuan Koay, who is an advocate for international students’ rights and founded the careers arm for the Malaysian Students’ Council of Australia and the Malaysian Summit of Australia. She is also the National Secretary of the Council of International Students Australia (CISA).

Local student Joslyn Ma is among the Australian students up for an award this year. She founded the ACYA VIC Bilingual Language Competition, allowing bilingual students the opportunity to showcase their cross-cultural understanding and language proficiency.

First held in 2013, the awards celebrate Victoria’s largest services export. International winners will receive a scholarship of AUS$10,000 to contribute to their studies in the state, while the recipient of the Premier’s Award will receive an additional $10,000 towards their studies.