10th Study NT International Student Awards
Launched in 2017 initially as part of the NT Export Awards, the annual Study NT International Student Awards recognise and showcase the achievements of outstanding international students, alumni, and local employers that support and mentor international students.
In 2026, the Awards program marks a significant milestone, celebrating its 10th anniversary!
The four categories available for public nomination are:
This award recognises international students who provide exceptional peer support, demonstrate outstanding academic achievements, and act as a role model for other international students in the NT.
Eligibility
This award is open to international students who:
- are currently studying at International Education and Training (IET) institutions registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in the NT
- hold a valid Student visa (subclass 500) at the time of nomination, or did hold a Student visa (subclass 500) between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026 (calendar year)
are currently residing in the NT.
Selection criteria
Nominations must include details and a supporting statement by the education and training institution.
The nominee should be able to demonstrate:
Peer support (30%)
Support and activities the nominee has provided to fellow international students between 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Leadership (30%)
- How and when the nominee has demonstrated leadership and acted as a role model to fellow international students between 1 January 2025 to 30 June 2026.
Academic excellence (40%)
- Exceptional academic results across the nominee’s studies in the NT.
This award recognises international students’ involvement and contributions to the NT community, highlighting their impact with personal growth and outcomes.
Eligibility
This Award is open to international students who:
- are currently studying at an International Education and Training (IET) institution registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in the NT
- Hold a valid Student visa (subclass 500) at the time of nomination, or has held a student visa between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026 (calendar year)
- are currently residing in the NT.
Selection criteria
Nominations must include detailed information, accompanied by a supporting statement from a volunteer supervisor or organisation confirming the nominee’s involvement and contributions.
The nominee should be able to demonstrate:
Volunteer Action and Commitment (50%)
- Valuable involvement in and contribution to the Territory community
- Activities and efforts to connect international students with the broader community
Impact and Results (30%)
Evidence of measurable impact or outcomes, clearly identifying who has benefited from their work. Evidence could include quantitative and qualitative data, as well as testimonials
Personal Growth and Outcomes (20%)
- Evidence of significant achievements in personal and professional development as a result of volunteering.
This award category recognises the career achievements and community contribution of former international students who have studied and still reside in the NT.
Eligibility
This award is open to former international students who:
- have completed studies with International Education and Training (IET) institutions registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in the NT
- have held a Student visa (subclass 500) before the 31 December 2025
- are at least eighteen (18) years of age
currently reside in the NT.
Selection Criteria
Nominations must include details and a supporting statement by an employer, volunteer organisation or international education and training institution.
The nominee should be able to demonstrate:
Career achievements (50%)
- significant achievements or progression in the nominee’s career in Australia or globally.
entrepreneurial or innovative endeavours at a local or international level.
Community contribution (50%)
- activities that contribute to the NT community and promote the NT as a study and work destination for international students and alumni.
Nominated by a current international student or graduate, this award recognises employers in the NT that employ international students or graduates at a casual, part-time or full-time capacity, and contributed to their career journey.
Eligibility
This award is open to employers with registered Australian Business Number (ABN) currently employing or who have employed international students on a Student visa (subclass 500) or a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass485) between 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026.
The below criteria must apply to the nominating international student, who is or was employed by the employer:
- current studying or has studied at an International Education and Training (IET) institution registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in the NT
- is holding or previously held a valid Student visa (subclass 500) or a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) during their employment at the nominated employer.
Selection Criteria
The nominee should be able to demonstrate:
Genuine employment opportunity (40%)
Activities or examples of how the employer has offered genuine employment opportunity and supported (an) international student(s) throughout the employment period
Impact (30%)
- Evidence of measurable impact and difference the employer has made on professional development and career journey of (an) international student employee(s) / graduate(s)
Advocacy (30%)
- Examples of how the employer has advocated for international students as a source of talent in the NT workforce.
Key dates
Nominations open: 22 June 2026
Nominations close: 20 July 2026 (5pm)
Finalist announced: September 2026
Award ceremony: 18 November 2026
Who can nominate?
The International Student of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards are open to international students who are currently:
- studying with a provider of Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) in the NT (including NT schools; vocational education and training; English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS); higher education; professional year; or non-award courses)
- holding a valid student visa (subclass 500) at the time of nomination, and
- residing in the NT.
The Alum of the Year is open to former international students who have completed their studies at an NT education provider and now reside in the NT.
International students and alumni can self-nominate. The public can nominate eligible individuals for the International Student of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Alum of the Year.
Nominations for the Employer of the Year must be submitted by a current international student or graduate.
A selection panel comprising community, government and international education industry representatives will assess nominations to determine finalists and winners.
The panel’s decision is final.
Contact
For more information or if you have any questions, please email StudyNT@nt.gov.au or call +61 8 8999 7500.