University of Melbourne PhD candidate named International Student of the Year
For the second consecutive year, a University of Melbourne student has been awarded the prestigious Premier’s Award for International Student of the Year at the Victorian International Education Awards.
PhD candidate Josh Nguyen received the top prize at a ceremony in Melbourne last night, in addition to winning the International Student of the Year – Research award.
Presented by Study Melbourne, the annual awards celebrate the achievements of international students and recent graduates who have contributed significantly to Victoria’s community, education sector and global engagement.
Mr Nguyen is a researcher and a clinical psychologist focused on advancing suicide prevention and mental health equity.
He moved to Australia from Vietnam as an international student 10 years ago and is completing his PhD at the Centre for Youth Mental Health, part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.
Mr Nguyen’s research explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to predict and prevent suicide and self-harm among young people and underserved populations, with a particular focus on multicultural and LGBTQ+ communities.
The Premier’s Award is given to the most outstanding student award winner across all assessment criteria and is selected from the winners of the other student awards.
The International Student of the Year – Research award recognises a postgraduate international research student who has delivered exceptional research outcomes with clear academic, industry or social impact.
The University of Melbourne’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Gunn AO, congratulated Mr Nguyen on his outstanding achievements.
“Josh’s accomplishments, and those of his fellow nominees, are a testament to the vital contributions our international student community makes through leadership, advocacy and a commitment to excellence,” Professor Gunn said.
“Students from diverse backgrounds enrich our campuses and communities in countless ways. These awards underscore the intrinsic value of international education in being able to transform lives and create lasting, positive change within the communities we serve.”
Mr Nguyen said he was honoured to accept the awards.
“It’s humbling to have received both the International Student of the Year – Research award and the Premier’s Award,” he said.
“I feel privileged to help people experiencing mental health challenges through my research, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that higher education has afforded me in being able to support others when they need it most.”
Individual category winners receive $3000 each, with the Premier’s Award winner receiving an additional $5000.
Two other University of Melbourne students were recognised at the ceremony in Melbourne last night – Research category finalist Leo Li Li, who is completing his PhD in Ophthalmic Epidemiology, and Mohammed Putra, who is completing a Master of Public Policy and Management and received a special commendation from the judges.
Melbourne is Australia’s highest ranked student city and remains one of the world’s leading higher education destinations, receiving 4th place in the latest QS Best Student Cities 2027 ranking.