Two University of Melbourne students have been recognised with 2025 Victorian International Education Awards – with one receiving the prestigious Premier’s Award for International Student of the Year.
University of Melbourne Bachelor of Science student Adiba Erfan from Afghanistan received the Victorian Premier’s Award for International Student of the Year. The award is given to the most outstanding student award winner across all assessment criteria and selected from the winners of the other student awards. Adiba also received the International Student of the Year in English Language Training award.
Angela Sojan, from India, also a Bachelor of Science student at the University of Melbourne, was awarded the International Student of the Year in Higher Education award.
L-R: The Hon John Brumby AO, Award winner Angela Sojan – Commendation for Premier’s Award and International Student of the Year – Higher Education, Caroline Hartnett, Director International Education, Study Melbourne. Image: SDP media, supplied by Study Melbourne.
Presented by Study Melbourne, these annual awards celebrate the achievements of international students and recent graduates who have contributed significantly to Victoria’s community, education sector and global engagement.
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston congratulated the recipients.
“The achievements of Adiba, Angela and all our student finalists highlight the incredible contribution of international students and the positive impacts they have in our global community,” Professor Johnston said.
“We congratulate Adiba on being recognised as International Student of the Year and receiving the Premier’s Award. Your accomplishments are extraordinary, and we are honoured to have you in our University community
“Our University, and society more broadly, is enriched by talented students from diverse backgrounds and it is wonderful to see our students recognised through these prestigious awards, as community leaders and advocates.”
Adiba previously studied in the University of Melbourne’s Hawthorn-Melbourne English Language Bridging Program and is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Neuroscience. She founded The Pink Education Foundation, an organisation dedicated to advancing education and health awareness for Afghan girls and women.
“These awards are recognition of my belief in the power of education, and I accept them on behalf of 2.5 million Afghan girls who are banned from secondary and tertiary studies since 2021,” Adiba said. “I carry this responsibility with my whole heart and stand for those who can’t.”
L-R: Shari Blanck (Campus Canteen), Adiba Erfan (Premier’s Award and International Student of the Year – English Language Training), Joanne Ligouris, Angela Sojan (Commendation for Premier’s Award and International Student of the Year – Higher Education), Dr Davina Potts, Animesh Ghimiray (International Student/Graduate Entrepreneur of the Year). Image: SDP media, supplied by Study Melbourne.
Angela is studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Computer Science. She is a prominent advocate for women in STEM, empowering young girls in India and Australia to pursue education and careers in this field. As a Girl Power mentor and former educator at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre, Angela worked to spark excitement in STEM amongst young Victorians.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be recognised with this award, I truly couldn’t have done it without the support of the individuals, teams, and organisations, who believed in me,” Angela said.
“Science has always amazed me, and I’m glad I’ve had the chance to share that joy with others. I hope this moment encourages more diversity, more belonging, and more people seeing a place for themselves in STEM.”
Individual category winners received $3000 each, with the Premier’s Award winner receiving an additional $5000.
The University of Melbourne had a strong showing at the awards, including student finalists Abraham (Abi) Alonzo Guiyab (Master of Laws), Animesh Ghimiray (Bachelor of Science) and Miguel Angel Berrocal-Rubio (Doctor of Philosophy).
Additionally, the University’s Campus Canteen was a finalist in the Excellence in International Student Experience industry award. This impressive representation showcases the diverse global talent within the institution and reinforces its standing as a world-class destination for international students.
