2026 WA INTERNATIONAL VET STUDENT OF THE YEAR

The CISWA WA International VET Student of the Year Award is about recognising the significant contribution that international students make to the Western Australian Community.

CISWA acknowledges an international student who demonstrates academic excellence and contributes to enhancing the student experience both at the VET College 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 showcased through the education sector’s peak bodies, higher education media, and the CISWA website.

Sponsored by the Department of Training and Workforce Development, the awardee is presented with a certificate, a trophy, and $500 in prize money at the AGM/End of Year Event by StudyPerth in December.

Nominations open Monday 31st August and close Friday 16th October 2026!

Doc-text Doc-text Self-Nomination Form
Doc-text-inv Doc-text-inv Nomination by Referee form

Nomination Process

There are two ways to nominate for this award:

  1. Self-Nomination
    • Eligible individuals may submit their own nomination, by providing all required information and supporting evidence against the selection criteria
    • Attachments required: a student photo, most recent academic results, student visa grant letter, referee statement supporting your nomination, resume (optional)
  1. Nomination by a Referee
    • A nomination may be submitted by a referee (such as an academic, staff member, colleague, student, community partner, or other relevant stakeholder) who can attest to the nominee’s achievements and impact.
    • The nominee must be informed of the nomination and consent to the submission.
    • Attachments required: a student photo, most recent academic results, student visa grant letter (can be provided at a later date), student statement supporting their nomination

Note: Self-nominations and referee nominations will be assessed equally against the published selection criteria. There is no advantage to either nomination method.

Selection Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Be enrolled or completed a VET qualification in 2026, in Western Australia
  • Demonstrated benefits of the student’s activities to the broader student community and/or wider community
  • Demonstrated academic excellence
  • Demonstrated community engagement, volunteer work, and service activities undertaken
  • Previous awards, recognition, and achievements (formal or informal), either individually or as part of a team, project, group, or organisation
  • Degree of difficulty of the achievement – for example, in the face of hardship/adversity
  • The student currently holds a Student Visa and is enrolled in or has recently completed a VET course.
  • Application has been completed in full including all required attachments uploaded
  • You agree that CISWA has permission to use this application for promotional/marketing purposes

Key Dates

  • Applications open: Monday 31 August 2026
  • Applications close: Friday 16 October 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

Last year’s winner of the WA International VET Student of the Year:

Louise Hill – Central Regional TAFE

Sponsored by Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD)

Louise’s nomination stood out for her exceptional academic performance, her natural leadership attributes within the learning environment, and for consistently delivering work of the highest standard. Beyond her studies, she has made a significant contribution to the local community through her active involvement in community environmental organisations, volunteering her time for conservation work and community education. It was her deep passion for the environment, combined with her active involvement in local conservation initiatives and her willingness to share her knowledge with others, that marked her out for this award.

Each student who was nominated in this category brought forward a unique story of achievement and personal growth, and the panel was truly impressed by the passion and professionalism shown across all applications. Selecting just one recipient was not an easy task, as each nominee has made meaningful contributions and represents the strength and diversity of international students within Western Australia’s VET sector.

Congratulations Louise for your success in this category.

Rod Jones, Chairman StudyPerth and Jacquie Johnstone, General Manager TIWA, present Louise with her award. 

This award is proudly sponsored by

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