Celebration filled the room in Sydney last night as students, educators, industry leaders, and government representatives came together for the 2025 NSW International Education Awards. The annual event, now in its twelfth year, highlighted the contributions international students make across education, community life, research, and business.
International education continues to play a major part in NSW’s economic and academic strength. According to government figures shared at the event, international students represent 42 per cent of postgraduate research enrolments in the state and support more than a quarter of university research funding across Australia. Many also play a role in business growth, with almost one in seven Australian startups employing a current or former international student.
Three students received honours in the NSW International Student of the Year categories. In the schools category, Araf Iaj Khan from Bangladesh was recognised for leadership and community service at Homebush Boys High School, where he has completed more than 160 hours of volunteering and helped promote multicultural engagement.
The VET and ELICOS award went to Mexico’s Diego Luna Alamilla, a Diploma of Counselling graduate from the Australian Learning Group. He was acknowledged for supporting international student wellbeing and promoting inclusion for young people across NSW.
The higher education award was presented to UNSW medicine student Jiaqi (Ellen) Jiang from China, recognised for leadership in health advocacy and student welfare. Her work spans more than 200 initiatives and campaigns aimed at making the state safer and more inclusive for students studying away from home.
Industry awards were also presented to organisations supporting international education. MortarCAPS Higher Learning Data Standard received the Innovation in Education award for a data framework now used by more than 70 institutions to improve secure academic record sharing between countries. The City of Sydney received the Industry Excellence award for the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Welcome for International Students, which helps new arrivals build community connections and access support services.
Minister for Industry and Trade Anoulack Chanthivong said the winners reflect the role of education in shaping the state’s future. He described international education as central to developing a skilled workforce and a stronger economy and commended those who are working to strengthen the experience of students in NSW.
Speaking after receiving her award, Ellen Jiang shared that her involvement in student societies started as a way to meet peers with similar backgrounds, but grew into advocacy and leadership after seeing the resilience and achievements of fellow students. She said awards like this help unite motivated leaders from across different cultures and universities.
MortarCAPS CEO Charlsey Pearce said their recognition reflects the collaborative effort behind the organisation’s work to help learners move more freely across borders and ensure qualification recognition remains consistent worldwide. She said spotlighting innovation in the sector encourages new ideas and responsibility for supporting the next generation of graduates.
The event again highlighted how international students help shape research, cultural life, business growth, and social impact in NSW. With thousands studying across the state and many choosing to stay after graduation, the contributions recognised last night reflect a broader story of community participation and shared opportunity.
More information about the awards can be found here.
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