Nominations are now open for the 2022 International Student Awards, and over the next few weeks Study NT will showcase previous award recipients, like our 2020 International Student of the Year winner, Manfred Mletsin.

Manfred was studying a Bachelor of Accounting at Charles Darwin University when he won the award in 2020. He now owns multiple small businesses, including the accounting firm SAMAF, as well as a small goods and coffee shop in Nightcliff, Porkin. Manfred is on the executive board for Kindness Shake (as he has been, since it was created), and is the president of the Estonian-Australian Association of Australia. Since arriving in Australia as an international student, Manfred has given his time and energy into supporting the community around him.

Manfred says that “while awards make us feel good, these awards are not only an acknowledgment of the individual but those around them, who support and help international students”.

Manfred believes that applying for the award is a "great opportunity to be recognised, but also a chance for you to meet like-minded people". He also says that international students should “be true to yourself. Even if you don’t win, being nominated is a wonderful achievement. Take me for example, I was a finalist for 4 years in a row, until I won the award in the fourth year. Hard work and determination will pay off”.

Nominate yourself or a friend for the 2022 International Student Awards.