Student Excellence Awards

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Portrait of Vice Chancellor Tyrone Carlin

A message from the Vice Chancellor

These Awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of our students to leadership, volunteering, sport, the arts, and engagement within the University and our broader communities. I wish all finalists and winners the very best and congratulate them for their commitment to enriching the student experience and creating lasting, positive change. Last year, we celebrated the achievements of our extraordinary students, whose contributions span from student societies and cultural initiatives to championing mental health, advancing Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and encouraging participation in sport and community service. Our winners represent the very best of our student community.

Professor Tyrone Carlin, Vice-Chancellor & President, Southern Cross University

The Awards

Student Excellence Awards will be granted in recognition of a student who has demonstrated excellence and impact through a significant contribution to enhancing student experience, fostering positive change or engagement with communities leading to lasting impact.

Student Excellence Award category recipients (4) will receive:

• $1000
• A trophy
• a framed certificate signed by the Vice Chancellor 
• acknowledgement of award on their Australian Higher Education Academic Statement (AHEGS)

A Highly Commended recipient from each category will receive:

• $500
• A framed certificate signed by the Vice Chancellor

Important Dates

Date Event
Monday 3 August Nominations open
Friday 4 September     Nominations close
Thursday 19 November Awards presentation

Award criteria

The Award will be granted in recognition of a students who demonstrate excellence in the following areas.

SCU Student of the Year: Outstanding Student Leadership

Evidence of exceptional leadership demonstrated through a club, society, or other significant student-focused initiative, either individually, in managing a team, or as part of a university program. This includes the ability to inspire and influence others, drive positive outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to student engagement and development. Demonstrated positive contribution to student life at Southern Cross University (e.g. SCU Mates, Peer Assisted Learning (PALS), Ally Network, SCU Social Sports, SCU Sports, SCU Vollies, and Ambassador programs) will be highly regarded.

SCU Student of the Year: Community Advancement

Evidence of significant contribution that leads to positive social change or community advancement. This includes demonstrated impact in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), promoting equal opportunity, and supporting underrepresented or marginalised groups, including a strong commitment to supporting Southern Cross University’s international student communities. Contributions may also extend to environmental sustainability or other areas of social significance, with clear evidence of meaningful engagement and impact.

SCU students can self-nominate or be nominated by another SCU student or staff member. 

SCU Student of the Year: First Nations Excellence

Evidence of outstanding achievement by a First Nations student who has demonstrated excellence across academic, leadership, and/or community contributions during their time at the University. This includes meaningful impact, sustained commitment, and contributions that reflect cultural strength, community connection, and positive influence within and beyond the University.

SCU Student of the Year: Co-Curricular Excellence (Sports, Recreation and Creative Arts)

Evidence of exceptional talent, dedication, and impact demonstrated through co-curricular activities at Southern Cross University and beyond. This includes sustained participation, achievement, and contribution in areas such as sport, arts, literature, performance, or debating. Recognition at University, state, or national level, and positive contribution to campus life and student engagement will be highly regarded.

Nominate now

Step 1

Read the Student Excellence Awards Information and Tips to guide you.

Download Tip Sheet

Step 2

Read the Student Excellence Awards Checklist before submitting a nomination.

Download checklist

Step 3

Please submit your nomination by 11.59pm on Friday 4 September 2026. 

Nominate now (available 3 Aug)

2025 Student Excellence Award Recipients

Banujan Kuhaneswaran, PhD Candidate - 2025 Southern Cross University Student of the Year

Banujan Kuhaneswaran is recognised for his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and contributions to building a more connected and inclusive student community. Through his active involvement in student representation, peer mentoring, and volunteer programs, Banujan has consistently demonstrated empathy, initiative, and vision. His commitment to service and his positive influence across the University make him a deserving recipient of this year’s top honour.

Banujan Kuhaneswaran

Anagha Sivaprasad, Master of Nursing - winner of Outstanding Leadership

Anagha Sivaprasad exemplifies outstanding leadership through her vision, initiative, and unwavering commitment to the Southern Cross University community. Anagha demonstrates exceptional leadership as a Student Ambassador, representing SCU with professionalism and warmth at career expos, campus tours, and graduation ceremonies. Anagha leads by example - uplifting others through encouragement, inclusion, and community spirit.

Anagha Sivaprasad

Georgia Collis, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy - winner of Community Engagement Excellence

Georgia Collis is an exceptional student leader and community advocate whose work spans health, education, and cultural inclusion. As a Student Ambassador and committee member of the Occupational Therapy Student Association (OTSA), Georgie has actively strengthened student engagement and fostered supportive, inclusive networks for her peers. Through leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy, Georgie exemplifies community engagement excellence, and inspiring positive social change.

Georgia Collis

Paige Wilkie, Bachelor of Nursing - winner of SCU Engagement Excellence

Paige Wilkie is a dynamic contributor to Southern Cross University, whose energy and dedication have significantly enhanced student engagement across campus. As Founder of the SCU Stingrays Netball Club and SCU Run Club, she has created inclusive opportunities for students to connect, participate in sport, and foster friendships, with over 100 students engaged weekly. Her initiatives provide a supportive, welcoming space that encourages physical activity, wellbeing, and social interaction

Paige Wilkie

Benjamin Guse, Master of Osteopathic Medicine - winner of Outstanding Achievement in Co-Curricular Excellence

Benjamin Guse exemplifies outstanding co-curricular excellence through his exceptional achievements as an elite decathlete representing Southern Cross University and Australia. Balancing rigorous academic study with the demands of training across ten diverse track and field disciplines, Benjamin has demonstrated extraordinary resilience, discipline, and determination. Benjamin was also recognised at the 2025 Gold Coast Student Excellence Awards, winning Excellence in Promoting Sports & Wellness.

Benjamin Guse

FAQs

You can self-nominate or nominate a student by completing the online nomination form from the nomination open date onwards. The form must be completed and submitted before the closing date.

All nominees must be enrolled students or on approved leave of absence for at least one teaching period in 2026. Nominees can be enrolled full-time or part-time and can be from any academic cohort, such as undergraduate or postgraduate. 

Any Southern Cross University staff member or student.

You can only self-nominate once. However, you can be nominated multiple times by staff and/or other students.

Nominations need to articulate how the student is eligible for a Student Excellence Award. Nominations must include the following information.

Staff nominating a student:

  1. Endorsement of the nomination, including evidence of the achievements/reasons for the nomination (approx. 250 - 500 words)
  2. Supporting documentation e.g., photos, social media posts, media coverage, testimonials, videos etc.

Students nominating another student:

  1. Endorsement of the nomination, including evidence of the achievements/reasons for the nomination (approx. 250 - 500 words)
  2. Supporting documentation e.g., photos, social media posts, media coverage, testimonials, videos etc.

Self-nomination:

  1. Description of the nomination, including evidence of the achievements/reasons for the self-nomination (approx. 250 - 500 words)
  2. Supporting documentation e.g., photos, social media posts, media coverage, testimonials, videos etc.
  3. Letter of support for the nomination on a letterhead from an individual or organisation that the nominee has been involved with, for example, an SCU staff member, stakeholder, community organisation, club or group.

The closing date for nominations is 11.59 pm on Friday, 4 September 2026. No late entries will be accepted. Incomplete nominations will not be accepted.

Read the Student Excellence Awards Information and Tips 2026 and the Student Excellence Awards Checklist 2026. This will assist in highlighting which points to include and in drafting the nomination.

Each category winner receives $1000, a trophy, an acknowledgement of their win on their Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement, and a framed certificate signed by the Vice Chancellor, presented at the award presentation event.

A Highly Commended recipient from each category will receive $500 and a framed certificate signed by the Vice Chancellor.

There will be one winner per category and a Highly Commended student per category.

The selection panel will determine how many awards are granted based on the judging criteria and number of nominations. 

The Student Excellence Awards selection panel is made up of SCU staff who have been selected for their knowledge and expertise.

At the Student Excellence Awards presentation on Thursday, 19 November 2026. All shortlisted nominees will be invited to the presentation evening and will be contacted via email in early October. 

In October 2026, all finalists are notified of the outcome of their nomination by email, and the award finalists will be invited to attend the awards presentation.  

After the awards presentation, the winners will be contacted via email to organise their prize money. 

Previous winners

Meet our previous award winners

Discover our incredible past award winners who have distinguished themselves in the areas of leadership, volunteering, community engagement and sport.

Read more
award image

Contact the team for help.

studentawards@scu.edu.au