2026 WA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENT OF THE YEAR
The CISWA WA International School Student of the Year Award recognises the remarkable contributions that international students make to Western Australia. Each year, CISWA has celebrated an international school student who has demonstrated academic excellence and enhanced the student experience both at school and within the wider community.
When selecting the recipient, careful consideration is given to the student’s achievements and contributions during their time in Australia, including the benefits their activities have provided to the broader student and wider community, as well as all community engagement, volunteer, and service work undertaken.
The accomplishments of the winning student will be highlighted across the education sector through peak bodies, higher education media, and the CISWA website.
Sponsored by the Department of Education, the award will be presented at the StudyPerth AGM & End of Year event in December, along with a certificate, trophy, and $500 prize, formally acknowledging the student’s outstanding impact.
Applications open Monday 31st August 10:00AM
Nomination Process
Nominations for the CISWA International School Student of the Year Award may only be submitted by a referee on behalf of an eligible student.
Referees should ensure that all assessment criteria are addressed and that the required supporting documentation is included with the nomination submission.
Assessment Criteria
Nominations should provide evidence of the student’s:
- Contributions and achievements
- Benefits of their activities to the broader student community and/or wider community
- Community engagement, volunteer work and service activities
- Previous awards, recognition and achievements (formal or informal), either individually or as part of a team, project, group or organisation
- Demonstrated academic excellence (minimum Credit average)
Required Supporting Information
The following information must be provided as part of the nomination:
- Student’s full name and contact details
- Age
- Nationality
- Personal statement from the referee
- Referee’s contact details
- Recent student photograph
- Most recent academic results/transcript
- Copy of student visa grant letter (may be provided at a later date)
- Student résumé/CV (optional)
Important Notes
- Nominations must be submitted by a referee who can verify the student’s achievements and contributions.
- The referee should ensure the student is aware of the nomination and has consented to the submission of supporting information.
- Incomplete nominations may not be considered by the assessment panel.
- All nominations will be assessed against the published selection criteria.
Selection Criteria
In 500 words or less provide a summary that addresses the below Selection Criteria:
- The student’s contributions and achievements
- Benefits to other students and/or the community of the student’s activities
- All community and volunteer work undertaken
The student must currently hold a Student Visa, Schools sector.
The nominator must be a staff member at the student’s education institution who has worked with the student when performing any of the roles mentioned in the application.
2026 Key Dates
- Applications open: Monday 31st August 2026
- Applications close: Friday 16th November 2026
- Judging completed/Winners advised: late November
- All award winners are officially announced on: 10th December (evening) at the StudyPerth AGM and End of Year Event
This award is proudly sponsored by
Photo: Rod Jones, Chairman, StudyPerth and Joe Bontempo, Manager, International Education of the Department of Education presenting Avril with her award.
Last year’s winner!
🏆2025 WA International School Student of the Year
Winner: Yan-Rong (Avril) Chen – Greenwood College
Sponsored by Department of Education, Western Australia
Yan-Rong (Avril) Chen is an outstanding recipient of the International Student of the Year Award, exemplifying academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. Avril has consistently excelled in her studies, earning numerous subject awards, two High Flyer accolades, and a Certificate of Distinction for WACE in Year 11. As a proud member of the prestigious ‘90s Club’ with a predicted ATAR above 95, she has demonstrated exceptional academic ability and commitment to learning.
Beyond academics, Avril has made significant contributions to her school and the wider Perth community. She has actively volunteered for initiatives such as Greenwood College’s Sustainability Week and the Dalmain Primary School Science Expo, where she inspired younger students through hands-on experiments. Avril’s leadership shines through her involvement in the City of Joondalup Youth Forum, her role as a Year 10 Student Councillor, and her participation in programs like Curtin Rising Scholars in Business Innovation. Balancing these responsibilities with part-time work, Avril demonstrates maturity, integrity, and a strong sense of purpose. Her ability to lead, serve, and inspire others makes her a role model for her peers and a true ambassador for international education.
The panel agreed that all nominees in this category were of an outstanding standard. They commented that this year’s nominations were of the highest calibre we have seen to date. We strongly encourage all the students nominated this year to apply again next year – if they are still eligible.
Congratulations to Yan-Rong (Avril) Chen—and congratulations also to the other three nominated students on their exceptional achievements.