2024 WA INTERNATIONAL TERTIARY STUDENT OF THE YEAR

THE CISWA WA INTERNATIONAL TERTIARY STUDENT OF THE YEAR AWARD IS ABOUT RECOGNISING THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION THAT INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS MAKE TO THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY.

CISWA seeks to acknowledge an international student, who has demonstrated academic excellence and has contributed to enhancing the student experience both in the school and in the community.

In selecting the recipient of this award, the student’s achievements and contributions during their time as an international student in Australia are taken into consideration. Additional weight is given to any activities which promote interaction with Australian students and with the local community.

This award is sponsored by Perth Airport, and the winner is presented with a certificate, trophy and $500 prize money.

2024 WA INTERNATIONAL TERTIARY STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Awardee: Shawn Raphael Tan

Sponsor: Perth Airport

CISWA’s Tertiary Student of the Year Award is reserved for those who embody academic excellence, community engagement, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of student life.

This year’s recipient, Shawn Raphael Tan, exemplifies these qualities in every way.

Shawn is currently pursuing a full-time Doctor of Philosophy degree (in his third year) at the University of Western Australia, where his research focuses on the critical area of mental health. His PhD investigates the risk and protective factors associated with depression in international students—a study that holds the potential to shape policies and enhance the health and well-being of students in WA and beyond.

Beyond his remarkable academic achievements, Shawn has shown an extraordinary commitment to serving his community. He has been an active volunteer on advisory committees and reference groups at UWA, seeking to create a supportive and inclusive environment for his peers.

As a lead tutor at UWA, Shawn has positively impacted countless students. His referees attest that his enthusiasm, understanding, and dedication have created positive learning experiences and fostered meaningful engagement within the university community.

Academically, Shawn’s excellence speaks for itself. Graduating with First Class Honours in his Bachelor of Philosophy in Psychology with an outstanding GPA of 6.5 out of 7, Shawn has also earned numerous academic awards and scholarships.

Shawn Tan’s achievements, both in academia and in service, exemplify the spirit of this award. His contributions have made a lasting impact on the university and its students, and his work promises to influence student well-being far into the future.

Photo: Pan Pan, from Perth Airport, presents Shawn his award

Eligibility Criteria

  • Currently hold a student visa
  • be enrolled in a tertiary (Bachelor or above) course at a WA tertiary provider
  • If a referee is nominating a student, the student must be notified of the nomination

2025 Key Dates

  • TBC September– Applications Open
  • TBC November – Applications Close (5pm)
  • TBC November – Judging Completed
  • TBC December – All award winners announced at StudyPerth AGM and End of Year Event

Selection Criteria

Selection criteria information

Self-nominating:

In 500 words or less provide a summary that addresses the below Selection Criteria:

  • Your contributions and achievements
  • Benefits to other students and/or the community of the student’s activities
  • All community and volunteer work undertaken
  • a referee will be required

OR

Nomination by a referee:

In 500 words or less provide a summary that addresses the below Selection Criteria:

  • The student’s contributions and achievements
  • Benefits to other students and/or the community of the student’s activities
  • Community and volunteer work undertaken

This award is proudly sponsored by

2023 WINNER: Fitrah Ningsih Saleh – (Indonesia) The University of Western Australia

Our sponsor Perth Airport, represented tonight by Rei Seah, VP Market Development. presented the WA International Tertiary Student of the Year Award to Fitrah Ningsih Saleh from The University of Western Australia.

Fitrah Ningsih Saleh is an Indonesian student completing second year in the Master of Strategic Communication at UWA.

She holds an Australia Awards Scholarship and has achieved excellent academic results while here in Perth.  At UWA she has been an International Engagement Ambassador, facilitating the transition of new international students. She has also been chosen on many occasions by UWA and the Indonesian Consulate to be a Student Speaker, focusing on strengthening ties between Australia and Indonesia

She also uses her academic interests and abilities in service to the community in two main areas. Firstly, she has spearheaded a public speaking training program for the Indonesian community in Perth, including international students and migrant workers.

Secondly, she works with the Migrant Women Network, focusing on empowering these women through developing their communication skills. She also works as a mentor and coach in this area.

Her academic achievements and her devotion to developing and empowering her community mean that she is a worthy recipient of the CISWA WA International Tertiary Student Award for 2023 presented by our sponsor Perth Airport, represented tonight by Rei Seah, VP Market Development.