award celebration
10 September 2026

Finalists Revealed for Study NT's 10th Annual Awards

Study NT is proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 International Student Awards, marking the 10th anniversary of the awards program and a decade of celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of international students, alumni, and employers across the Northern Territory (NT).

Launched in 2017 initially as part of the NT Export Awards, the Study NT Awards have recognised individuals and organisations that have made a significant impact on the lives of international students and the broader Northern Territory community. 

Over the past ten years, the awards have showcased inspiring stories of leadership, innovation, volunteerism, academic excellence, and community contribution.

Following an independent judging process, finalists have been selected across four award categories, highlighting the diverse talent, dedication, and achievements that continue to strengthen the Territory's international education sector.

The 2026 Student NT International Student Awards’ finalists are:

Student of the Year
  • Iris Wong, Hong Kong SAR, Charles Darwin University, Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)
  • Ramya Narayan Khandika, India, Charles Darwin University, PhD in Chemistry
  • Shishtata Bhandari, Nepal, Charles Darwin University, Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Tausif Ahmed, Bangladesh, Chares Darwin University, Bachelor of Engineering Honours
Volunteer of the Year
  • Baishakhi Shib, Bangladesh, Charles Darwin University, Master of Engineering
  • Devansh Sharma, India, Charles Darwin University, Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Civil & Structural)
  • Lakshi Jayawila, Sri Lanka, Canterbury Institute of Management, Master of Business Administration (Accounting)
  • Samia Akter, Bangladesh, Charles Darwin University, Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Valentina Chona, Colombia, Darwin City College, Advanced Diploma of Information Technology
Alum of the Year
  • Joan Liwanag Tran, Philippines, Principal Partner, SAMAF Consultants
  • Maged Mohamed, Egypt, Senior Network Engineer, One IT Services
  • Ravijani Gunathilaka, Sri Lanka, Senior Project Officer, Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations
  • Tazin Ahmed, Bangladesh, Student Recruitment Officer, Canterbury Institute of Management
Employer of the Year
  • Charles Darwin University
  • Jackadder International 
  • NEC Australia
  • Unique Auto Tech

A special acknowledgement goes to our judges for their time, expertise, and dedication throughout the assessment process:

  • Ben Poveda-Alfonso, Department of People, Sport and Culture
  • Claire Field, Claire Field and Associates
  • Coralie Brannelly OAM, Lions Club 
  • Dirk Mulder, The Koala News
  • Jason Yule, Tourism Top End
  • Matthew Donlon, Voyage
  • Melissa Dixon, Department of Education and Training
  • Monica Bugno, The Last Supper
  • Hon Phil Honeywood, International Education Association of Australia
  • Sarah Andrews, Hospitality NT
  • Shanthi Bandara, Volunteering NT
  • Yaam Thapa, Industry Skills Advisory Council NT

For more information about the finalists, visit: studynt.nt.gov.au/student-experience/student-stories/awards 

Winners will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on 18 November 2026, held at Northern Territory’s Parliament House.