Monash celebrates award winners at the 2026 Victorian International Education Awards
Monash University Vice President (Growth and International) Sunny Yang along with the award winners at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony.
Individuals from across the Monash community have achieved remarkable recognition at the 2026 Victorian International Education Awards (VIEA), winning prestigious International Student of the Year awards.
Monash University student Jesselyn Sin, Monash College student Lucas Jin, and Monash University Research Fellow Dr Alireza Heidarian were celebrated for outstanding achievements in their respective fields at the recent awards ceremony, held on Tuesday 29 September.
Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine student Jesselyn Sin was awarded International Student of the Year – Higher Education.
During her time in Victoria, Jesselyn has mentored fellow international students through the Malaysian Medical Students and Alumni of Victoria, helped raise funds for people experiencing homelessness and created opportunities for students to connect and belong.
She has also co-authored six peer-reviewed research papers, led critical care research and helped develop a planetary health lecture now taught to more than 900 first-year medical students. Her achievements have been recognised through Dean’s Commendations, scholarships and research awards.
“Victoria has given me more than an education; it has given me a community worth serving,” Jesselyn said.
Lucas Jin won the award for International Student of the Year – English Language.
Lucas completed his Monash English studies and is now undertaking a Diploma of Business at Monash College. He turned his English language learning into a pathway for confidence, leadership and community connection.
Since arriving in Victoria in 2025, Lucas has strengthened his academic English at Monash College, supported new international students and contributed to multicultural events across Melbourne.
“Studying English in Victoria is not only about improving language skills. It is also about building confidence, independence and future opportunities,” said Lucas.
“Victoria has given me education, opportunity, confidence and a supportive environment to grow. I want to continue contributing to Victoria by supporting international students, participating in multicultural communities, and using my language, business and communication skills to create economic and social value.”
Dr Alireza Heidarian won the Emerging Leader – International Alumni award.
Since completing his PhD in mechanical and manufacturing engineering at RMIT in 2023, Dr Heidarian has become a Research Fellow with Monash University.
His research focuses on developing technologies that improve health outcomes and support clean-energy innovation. He is also an emerging leader in research commercialisation, helping turn Victorian research strengths into industry partnerships, investment and real-world impact.
“Victoria invested in me as an international student, and I give back — by supporting persecuted communities, helping other migrants succeed, improving health outcomes for Victorians, and connecting the state to global networks,” said Dr Heidarian.
As part of this year’s awards, two other Monash University students, Lane Meredith and Yiwen Zhang,were named finalists in the International Student of the Year – Research category.
“Together, these students represent the diversity, ambition and academic strength of Monash’s international community, and the supportive environments provided by the University’s faculties, research teams and student services,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) and Senior Vice-President Professor Sarah McDonald.
“The success at this year’s awards reflects the depth of talent across the Monash University and Monash College international student community, and highlights Monash’s commitment to excellence in global education, research and student experience.
“These industry accolades underscore Monash’s institutional strengths and its collaborative approach to delivering world-class international engagement and student support.”
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