Student awards

Student award categories

The Academic Achievement Award recognises outstanding academic results. The anticipated ATAR of nominated students should be 90 or above.

The Leadership Award recognises students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership through school activities and who are a positive role model and mentor to other students.

The School Service Award recognises students who have contributed to their school community through volunteering and engagement activities.

Eligibility for student awards

• Students must be enrolled in Year 12 at a NSW Government school through the International Student Program.
• Students may be nominated for one or more student awards.
• Nominations for student awards must be submitted by a staff member of the student's school and with the principal’s endorsement.

School and staff award categories

International Student Coordinator of the Year Award

This award recognises professional excellence in delivering services and support to international students.

Selection criteria

• Helped international students settle in at the school.
• Contributed to the ongoing improvement of the learning experience of international students.
• Encouraged a culture of collaboration and connection between international students and local students.
• Supported international student wellbeing.

International Student Support Award

This award recognises school staff members, other than International Student Coordinators (ISC), who have gone above and beyond in delivering services and support for international students.

Selection criteria

• Helped international students settle in at the school.
• Fostered engagement between international students and local students.
• Contributed to the ongoing improvement of the learning experience of international students.
• Supported international student wellbeing.

International Students Program School Excellence Award

This award recognises best practice for schools in delivering activities and initiatives that support international students.

Selection criteria

• Employed a whole-of-school approach to supporting international students.
• Assisted students in adapting to life in Australia and school life in NSW.
• Fostered connections between international students and local students.
• Provided support for international students to develop leadership skills.

Eligibility for school and staff awards

• Schools must be registered with DE International to be eligible for the school excellence award.
• Nominees for the International Student Coordinator of the Year Award must be formally registered as the school's International Student Coordinator.
• Nominees for the International Student Support Award must not be the school's International Student Coordinator.
• The activities for which schools and staff are nominated must have taken place in the 2026 calendar year.
• Nominations for school and staff awards may be submitted by school staff or anyone in the school community. Self-nominations are welcome.