Dr Ruth Appiah, a 28-year-old Ghanaian PhD student, has been named International Student of the Year in recognition of her academic work, medical practice, and volunteer efforts across South Australia.
Dr Appiah is completing a PhD in Physiotherapy at UniSA, focusing on chronic pain among refugees and culturally diverse communities, while working part-time as a doctor at Lyell McEwin Hospital. She has also committed herself to volunteering, supporting a wide range of community initiatives.
Among her activities, Dr Appiah reads the Advertiser to a vision-impaired radio audience, serves meals for Baptist Care SA, and has supported refugees through the Survivors of Torture and Trauma Rehabilitation Service (STTARS). Her work aims to foster connection and inclusion among some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Dr Appiah arrived in South Australia in 2023 after being accepted for her PhD and said she hopes to stay and build her career in the state, noting, “Adelaide chose me.” Her dedication also earned her the Community Engagement award at StudyAdelaide’s annual International Student Awards, making her the first recipient of that category to receive the top honour.
The awards, recognising contributions to South Australia’s $3 billion international education sector, were presented by Her Excellency the Governor Frances Adamson AC at SkyCity Adelaide on October 24. StudyAdelaide received 210 entries across 13 categories, representing 35 nationalities.
Joe Szakacs said, “Through her extensive volunteering, advanced academic pursuits, and critical work in our state’s health system, Dr Appiah is an exemplary member of our South Australian community and a deserving winner of this year’s top award. International students make an incredible contribution to our state during and after their studies. It’s only right that we celebrate those who are going above and beyond.”
Jane Johnston, Chief Executive of StudyAdelaide, added, “Ruth Appiah personifies every aspect of international students’ valued contribution to South Australia. As a part-time medical doctor, a student in an in-demand sector, and a dedicated volunteer, she shows the impact these students have on our economy, workforce, and communities.”
Dr Appiah said her volunteer roles have given her insight into the challenges others face, while also helping her appreciate her own circumstances. “I have balanced academic work with meaningful community engagement, contributing time, skills, and energy to strengthen inclusion, reduce social isolation, and support wellbeing. These experiences allow me to make a tangible impact on diverse South Australian communities while continuing my studies and growing personally and professionally,” she said.
She added that balancing the demands of her PhD, part-time medical work, volunteering, and student representation has been challenging but rewarding.
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