Study Melbourne has revealed the finalists for this year’s Victorian International Education Awards, honouring the state’s most outstanding international students and recent graduates.
Among the nominees, five Indian students have been recognised for their contributions in higher education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
In 2024, there are eight student award categories, with finalists contending for prestigious titles such as International Student of the Year – Higher Education, International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year, and Emerging Leader – International Alumni Award.
The Indian students who have emerged as finalists are:
Angela Sojan, finalist in the International Student of the Year – Higher Education, is a passionate advocate for diversity in STEM education. As an educator at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre, she has inspired thousands of students in subjects like physics and astronomy.
Angela also coordinates the Girls Programming Network, championing gender diversity in computer science. Additionally, she serves as the diversity and inclusion officer of the Mathematics and Statistics Society at the University of Melbourne, promoting inclusive initiatives. Her leadership and dedication have had a profound impact on both local and global communities.
Ayushi Daga, finalist in the International Student of the Year – Higher Education, has made significant contributions through her volunteer work in Victoria. She provided critical support during emergencies like the February 2024 Grampians wildfires, using her multilingual skills to assist diverse communities. Her leadership roles with the Australian Kookaburra Kids Foundation and the Iceberg Foundation highlight her dedication to mental health and inclusivity.
As a Student Ambassador for Study Melbourne and Monash University, Ayushi has enhanced support for international students and promoted Victoria as a premier study destination. Her passion for health equity underscores her exceptional leadership.
Muhsin Kizhisseri, finalist in the International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year, leads the innovative startup Healovate, which focuses on stroke prediction. His research has brought significant advancements in understanding stroke mechanisms and holds potential to revolutionise patient care.
Healovate was a recipient of the Study Melbourne Future Founders Venture Scholarship in 2024. With a background in Professional Engineering from Deakin University and an entrepreneurial spirit, Muhsin is a rising star in the MedTech industry.
Preetham Akula, finalist in the International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year, is known for Dropout Chaiwala, a popular food and beverage startup. Leveraging his engineering skills, Preetham founded Akula Tech, a pioneering space technology company. The startup, which secured $1 million in pre-seed funding, is preparing for its first satellite launch.
Akula Tech has also partnered with Australian telecom giant VOCUS, aiming to expand into government and enterprise markets. Preetham is committed to fostering talent development and industry collaboration within Victoria’s startup ecosystem.
Fazil Mohammed, finalist in the Emerging Leader – International Alumni Award, is a distinguished leader and advocate for international students. Having received the Emerging Leader Award from Swinburne University, Fazil now works as a Cloud Operations Engineer at PwC Australia. His YouTube channel, which promotes the international student experience in Melbourne, has amassed over one million views. Fazil’s commitment to community engagement and industry collaboration makes him a recognised figure in Victoria’s international student community.
Winners of each category, including the coveted Premier’s Award for International Student of the Year, will be announced at the official awards ceremony in October.
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