Are you an international student or alumni with outstanding academic achievements and experience? Have you spent your time in Australia building your leadership skills and giving back to your community? Apply now for the Victorian International Education Awards (VIEAs) and you could be one of this year’s winners!
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the VIEAs and how you can apply.
The VIEAs: What you can win
The VIEAs consist of multiple award categories for students, including:
- International Student of the Year – English Language Training
- International Student of the Year – Higher Education
- International Student of the Year – Research
- International Student of the Year – Regional
- International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- International Student of the Year – Internationalisation
- International Alumnus of the Year
- Premier’s Award – International Student of the Year
Prizes of $6,000 are available in each of the award categories, except the Alumnus of the Year award. The recipient of the Premier’s Award will receive an additional $10,000 to help fund their studies. In each category, up to two runners-up will be awarded a prize of $2,000.
In addition to these cash prizes, every recipient will also receive a certificate of recognition.
The monetary prizes on offer are undeniably life-changing – but if you win, you’ll be getting so much more than just money. Receiving an award of this prestige is an incredible achievement to add to your resume and stand out to employers, whether you’re seeking student jobs or launching your career. Not to mention, the personal fulfilment you’ll feel from such recognition is priceless. You’ll also have the opportunity to celebrate at the award ceremony and network with other international students!
Words of wisdom from a past winner
In 2021-22, Divyangana (Divya) Sharma – a Bachelor of Nursing student at Holmesglen TAFE – was the recipient of the Premier’s Award. Selfless, professional and engaged, Divya is the embodiment of what it means to be an exceptional international student.
Divya first arrived in Australia in February 2020. Soon after, the COVID-19 global pandemic swept the world – and Divya played an integral role in Melbourne’s healthcare service. In addition to her studies, Divya worked on the frontlines at a pop-up COVID-19 testing centre, providing care and support to her local community.
“Despite never envisioning myself as part of the pandemic workforce, the experience has shaped me into the person I am today. Receiving the [Premier’s Award] was a source of motivation, as it showed me that I can still make an impact regardless of the challenges I’ve faced along the way,” she says.
Divya, who is completing her studies this year, will soon be taking the next step in her nursing career, having recently secured a position as an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse at the Epworth Emergency Department.
In addition to her commitment to nursing, Divya is also a staunch advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights – a cause she has even written about for Insider Guides – and mental health. The latter interest has even led her to launch her own podcast, Unwind with Divya, a podcast about mental wellness and stigma within the South Asian community.
@insiderguides Thinking of applying for the Victorian International Education Awards (VIEAs)? Here one of last year’s winners, @Divya, shares her top three tips for creating a stand-out application. Applications close: 5 June 2023 at 11:59 AEST #internationalstudents #studyinvictoria #studymelbourne #studyinmelbourne #awards #studentawards #VIEA #vieas ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
As for future applicants, Divya encourages them to highlight their achievements, “Don’t be afraid to showcase your achievements and highlight the impact you’ve made in your community or field of study.”
She also recommends seeking feedback on your application before you submit it from a trusted source like a teacher, mentor or friend.
“This can help you identify areas where you can improve your application and make sure that you’re presenting yourself in the best possible light,” explains Divya.
How to apply
If you think you’ve got what it takes to win the VIEAs, you can lodge your application through the VIEA platform.
You may also review the assessment criteria and terms and conditions in preparation.
Should you have any questions about the criteria or your application, contact viea@studymelbourne.vic.gov.au.
Applications are open until 5 June 2023, 11:59pm AEST, so be sure to lodge yours as soon as possible!
