In a glittering ceremony last night, Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas unveiled the standouts of the Victorian International Education Awards. Now in their 10th year, the accolades pay homage to the impact of international students on Victoria, while lauding exceptional education providers.
“Congratulations to all our student winners and finalists—they all have made incredible contributions to their community and the state,” said Minister Pallas, adding weight to the significance of the awards.
A total of 18 students and 23 education organisations were spotlighted for their roles in enriching the wider community and the education sector. “Victoria’s education providers and opportunities are unmatched, and that is reinforced by the excellence on display across so many fields at the awards,” Minister Pallas remarked.
The awards emphasised the manifold value that international students bring to the Victorian community, be it in economic terms, cultural enrichment or global partnerships. “We welcome international students with open arms—they make us a more diverse and dynamic state,” said the Minister, encapsulating the broader societal benefits of international education.
This year’s finalists hailed from 11 different countries, showcasing the broad spectrum of nationalities that choose Victoria as their education destination. Their collective presence boosts not just the state’s academic stature but also its cultural diversity and global reach.
Sarbjeet Singh, an Engineering Honours student at Deakin University, bagged the Premier’s Award for International Student of the Year. His work transcends classroom boundaries; he’s a respected figure in the Geelong community. Singh has been pivotal in creating study groups that assist international students in acclimatising to university life. In addition, he has been proactive in fostering cross-cultural ties, particularly with the Indian community, by spearheading events and festivals. His contributions have previously won him accolades, including this year’s Geelong Youth Awards.
Meanwhile, RMIT University emerged as the Premier’s Award winner for international education providers. The varsity shone in two categories: Student Employability and Career Development and International Student Experience. The institution gained brownie points for its holistic wellness approach and an effective student coaching programme that has touched the lives of over 6,000 international students.
The grandeur of these awards resonates beyond the evening’s celebrations. International education is a behemoth industry for Victoria, churning out $8.4 billion in revenue last year while backing more than 40,000 jobs across the state.
Last year saw the Allan Labor Government taking strategic steps to sustain and grow this sector by launching the International Education Recovery Plan 2025. With a robust $53 million funding package, the initiative aims to further solidify Victoria’s reputation as a nucleus of educational brilliance and top-tier student experiences.
Melbourne’s status as Australia’s prime hub for international students received a shot in the arm earlier this year, courtesy of the QS Best Student City report. Having maintained its lead in the Australian context since 2015, Melbourne climbed to the fourth spot globally this year, trailing only behind London, Tokyo and Seoul.
The ranking evaluated various parameters, including affordability, quality of life and academic standards. The diverse and vibrant cultural scene also played a role in sealing Melbourne’s high rank, reaffirming the city as an attractive destination for students from all corners of the world.
As Victoria revels in the spotlight, one thing is clear: the symbiotic relationship between the state and its international student population is not just about numbers. It’s a narrative of enriching experiences, shared learning, and local impact. Indeed, the awards illuminate the faces and stories behind Victoria’s educational prowess, reminding us that every student is a microcosm of potential and every education provider a catalyst for change.
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