Two outstanding Indians have been recognised at the Victorian Government’s International Student of the Year Awards, with Geelong-based construction student Vish Goswami and Melbourne STEM advocate Angela Sojan taking home major titles for 2024.
Vish, a Master of Construction Management (Professional) student at Deakin University, was named International Student of the Year – Regional for his remarkable contribution to student life in Geelong.
Since moving to the regional city, he has immersed himself in the campus community, championing inclusive and culturally diverse spaces for international students.
The founder and president of BuildHub Deakin, Vish has mentored hundreds of students, organised cultural activities, and helped peers secure internships and industry connections. He also serves as the postgraduate representative on Deakin University’s Academic Board and sits on its Teaching and Learning Committee.
Through ambassador roles with Study Melbourne, Study Geelong, the Lounge International Student Centre, Deakin Talent and the Australian Red Cross, he has supported countless international students to feel welcomed and empowered.
Vish aims to become a construction and design professional focused on sustainability, innovation and community-centred solutions for regional Victoria. He encourages students considering regional study to embrace leadership and hands-on learning opportunities “that expose you to real-world challenges and help you grow as a confident, socially responsible professional”.
Angela, a Bachelor of Science graduate from The University of Melbourne, was named International Student of the Year – Higher Education.
A passionate STEM advocate, Angela has inspired young Victorians as a mentor with the Girl Power program and as an educator at the Victorian Space Science Education Centre. Her research has appeared in the Astronomer’s Telegram, and she was awarded the Emerging Space Pioneer Award by the Australian Aerospace Association.
Angela also championed equity as the Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the university’s Mathematics and Statistics Society, pushing for greater representation across backgrounds and experience levels.
She shares her journey with incoming students to help them navigate life in Victoria, volunteers with the Teddy Bear Hospital to support children’s health education, and assists artists with disabilities to sell their work.
Reflecting on her study experience, Angela said Victoria “is not just about education—it’s a journey”, urging new students to take initiative and “follow your dream, the sky is not the limit”.
Presented by Study Melbourne, the awards celebrate exceptional international students, recent graduates and industry champions, highlighting the global impact and community contribution of Victoria’s world-class international education sector.
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