It's time to celebrate our city and region's international students, a group deeply valued for the profound impact they have on Ōtautahi Christchurch and Waitaha Canterbury.

The Awards celebrate the diverse and exceptional contributions made by international students who, through their remarkable leadership, mentorship, cultural exchange, and community engagement, enrich our local community and make our city a better place.

The Awards are open to all international students across all levels of study, irrespective of their educational providers within Waitaha Canterbury.

Nomination Form - I nominate myself

Nomination Form - I nominate someone else

Award Categories:

The following three categories will recognise three awardees, one from Schools, one from English Language Providers, Private Tertiary Establishments and Ara Institute of Canterbury, and one from our Universities.

Community Engagement Award

The Community Engagement Award honours an international student who has actively engaged with the local community through volunteer work, service projects, or other initiatives. This award acknowledges their dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of community members, promoting meaningful connections, and fostering a spirit of collaboration and empathy within Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Leader and Mentor Award

The Leader and Mentor Award celebrates an international student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and has effectively influenced positive change within their educational institution and the community. This award recognises the student's ability to inspire others, take initiative, and guides collaborative efforts that contribute to the betterment of Ōtautahi Christchurch. This award could also acknowledge an international student who has selflessly mentored and supported fellow students, particularly newcomers or those facing challenges. This award recognises the student's commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, offering guidance, and empowering others to succeed academically and personally.

Cultural Ambassador Award

The Cultural Ambassador Award celebrates an international student who has actively promoted cultural exchange and understanding between diverse communities within Ōtautahi Christchurch. This award recognises the student's efforts to celebrate cultural heritage, create opportunities for intercultural dialogue, and build bridges between various cultural groups. It also honours an international student who has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within their educational institution or the community. This award recognises the student's commitment to raising awareness of social issues and creating a more inclusive environment that embraces people of all backgrounds in Waitaha Canterbury.

Supreme Award - Mayor's International Student of the Year Award

In addition to the three awards above, the Mayor's International Student of the Year Award recognises an exceptional international student who has demonstrated outstanding achievements, leadership qualities, and a significant positive impact on Ōtautahi Christchurch, Waitaha Canterbury, and who is an inspiring role model for fellow students and residents alike. All nominees of the Community Engagement Award, Leader and Mentor Award, and Cultural Ambassador Award will automatically be nominated for the Mayor's International Student of the Year Award. This is a single award irrespective of the category students belong to and students cannot be nominated for this award directly.

Eligibility Criteria:

Students must...

• have demonstrated contributions to our city, which may include leadership roles, mentorship, community service, cultural exchange, or other forms of meaningful involvement AND

• be enrolled as international students in a recognised educational institution located in Waitaha Canterbury. This includes schools, language providers and tertiary institutions AND

• must have completed at least one-third of a full-time course at their respective educational institution OR

• must have studied no less than six months in Waitaha Canterbury.

Application Process:

Nominations can be made by the student themselves OR by faculty members, peers, community members, international directors or other stakeholders who can attest to the student’s eligibility for the award criteria. Nominators must complete and submit the online nomination form, seeking consent from the student(s) they are nominating to include student’s personal information, a statement of their achievements, and any supporting documents.

Nominations close 5pm on Wednesday 9 July 2025. Students successfully shortlisted will be invited to attend the awards ceremony on Thursday 7 August (1-3pm for Schools) (2.45-5pm for Ara Institute of Canterbury, Universities, Private Training Establishments and Language Schools) at Nga Hau E Wha National Marae. 

Nomination Form - I nominate myself

Nomination Form - I nominate someone else

The 2025 Waitaha Canterbury International Student Awards are proudly supported by Christchurch Educated, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council and the University of Canterbury.