Western Australian International Student of the Year Award: Category information and application documents

Information you need to take the leap and apply for International Student of the Year in the WA Training Awards.
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This award recognises the outstanding achievements of an international student undertaking a vocational education and training course in Western Australia. 

Check the eligibility criteria

To be eligible to enter this category you must:

  • be recognised as an international student with a 500/572 visa*; and
  • have completed or be due to complete your training in Western Australia, in the period 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025, in a vocational education and training course that leads to a nationally recognised outcome or qualification.

*Applicants must verify that they hold a 500/572 visa, are enrolled in a vocational education and training course in Western Australia, and identify their country of origin. Please read the information below regarding document requirements.

We are here to help

Talk to us

Contact the WA Training Awards team if you are unsure about the application process, require support with your application, or if you would like further information about the awards program.
 

View our webinars

We have produced webinars to provide you with an opportunity to hear from previous WA Training Awards individual category winners about their experience. Get a run down on what to expect throughout the awards process, and learn what the judges are looking for in an award winning application. 
 
 
Note: These webinars were recorded in 2023, and feature award winners from previous years.

Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions or are unsure about the criteria, eligibility or application process please take a look at our answers to frequently asked questions.
 
 

Ready to take the leap?

Follow these steps

Please read the information in each of the steps below carefully, to ensure that your application can be accepted.

Step 1: Check the conditions of entry

  • Applications must be submitted online via the WA Training Awards application portal by 5:00 pm on the closing date. All applicable sections of the portal must be completed, including all required attachments.
  • Each category requires supporting documentation and references, and these must be uploaded and attached to the online application under the 'Attachments' section.
  • Applicants can apply for one category only, and must meet the eligibility criteria for that category.
  • It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they have selected the correct category.
  • Application responses must be no longer than the maximum word limit allowed.
  • The WA Training Awards is a self-nomination process. Applicants must personally prepare and submit their own applications. However, it is recommended that applicants get a friend, coworker or family member to review their application before submitting.
  • In addition to the required attachments, applicants may attach additional relevant supporting evidence (individual applicants may attach no more than five A4 pages and organisation applicants no more than ten A4 pages).
  • Applicants acknowledge that the information submitted in the 'overview' will be summarised and used as a profile should they be selected as a finalist.
  • Applicants must supply factually correct information with the understanding that this will be checked and confirmed before the application is progressed to the judging panel.
  • Applicants must agree to abide by the decision of the selection panel, as no appeals will be entered into.
  • By entering, finalists and winners agree for their photographs, profiles, video footage, training details and suburbs to be used for promotional purposes by the Government of Western Australia and Commonwealth of Australia. The check box in the application portal must be ticked to substantiate this.
  • Applicants must comply with Department of Training and Workforce Development standards in regards to training, workplace health and safety, and industrial relations matters.
  • Applicants agree to notify the Awards team immediately, should there be a change in an applicant’s circumstances with regard to their training or employment.
  • Applicants must advise the Awards team of changes to their contact details.
  • Individual finalists must participate in the judging day, which includes attending an interview, to remain eligible.
  • Eligible category winners* in individual categories must attend a two-day professional development workshop, before the Australian Training Awards finalist week and presentation dinner.
  • Applicants acknowledge that, should they win their WA Training Award category, their original application will be submitted to the Australian Training Awards if their category is eligible. The Australian Training Awards will allow State winners to update content only where there is new information or information has changed between nominated dates.

* Does not include the Cultural Diversity Training Award or International Student of the Year Award.

Step 2: Read the application guide

To understand the process and what's required for your application in the International Student of the Year Award category, please read through the application guide available below. 

Be sure to check the eligibility requirements and the conditions of entry for the category that you are applying for.

The application guide also has hints and useful tips on how to submit a great application.

View the individual award category application guide

Step 3: Complete the selection criteria

As part of your application, you will be asked to respond to four selection criteria. This is where you have the opportunity to tell us about yourself and your achievements. Each criterion has a limit of 400 words.

Criterion 1: Career and study achievements

Consider things such as:

  • why did you choose to undertake training (eg to get a job, learn new skills or meet new people)?
  • what did you learn? How have you put this into practice?
  • how well did you do in your study? What did you do well and why?
  • how has the course helped you?
  • what challenges did you face while completing your course? (Please explain how you overcame these challenges, eg “I found it difficult to speak English so I completed an English course before enrolling in my qualification”)

Criterion 2: Communication, team and leadership skills

Tell us about any skills you have developed through your training. Consider the following points in your response.

  • How have your oral and written communication skills improved since you started your course? (eg “It’s now easier to communicate with others, which means that…” or “I can now express my point of view to others, which means that…”)
  • What have you learnt about working in teams?
  • Have you shared your knowledge with your family and community? (eg “I encouraged my younger brother to complete a course and he got a job”)

Criterion 3: Ability to be an ambassador (representative) for training in Australia

Consider the following points.

  • If you won this award, how would you promote training opportunities to others?
  • What have you learnt about new developments and trends in your workplace or industry?
  • What do you think are the best things about studying in WA?

Criterion 4: Other qualities and pursuits

You may wish to include information about the following.

  • Do you have any achievements in areas other than study? (eg winning a ballroom dancing championship or football grand final.)
  • Are you involved in the community? How are you involved and what difference have you made as an outcome of this? (eg volunteering at a youth hostel or nursing home, mentoring other international students at your institute.)
  • What is your understanding of current social, economic and political issues in Australia?

Templates to help with your application

You may also like to look at our example draft application templates, as a guide to helping you respond to the selection criteria and complete your application.

View the individual awards draft application templates

Step 4: Complete any required documents

Make sure you have completed the following documents required for the International Student of the Year Award. A template for each document is available via the links below.

  • A signed talent release form (to enable WA Training Awards to use your photo and information if you are a finalist or winner).

View the talent release form

  • At least one written reference from either an employer, host employer or your trainer/lecturer.

View the employer/host employer or lecturer reference template

  • If employed at the time of applying, applicants must provide an employer endorsement.

View the employer endorsement template

  • If currently studying at school, applicants must submit a school endorsement.

View the school contact endorsement template

  • If under 18 years of age, applicants must submit a parent/guardian declaration.

View the parent/guardian declaration template

For this category, you must also provide the following (two-page limit).

  • A copy of your 500/572 visa
  • Confirmation of enrolment notification

Step 5: Lodge your application online

If you meet all of the eligibility criteria; once you have prepared your responses to the selection criteria for the category and have all of the required documents signed and completed, you are ready to submit your application via our online portal.

Key dates

Please be sure to check the key dates for this year's awards programs, for the closing date and time to submit your application.

Information about lodging your application online is available here

Western Australian Training Awards

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