SuniTAFE Accounting student Yuying ‘Linda’ Ding is a finalist for this year’s Victorian International Education Awards, in the category of International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training.

The Victorian International Education Awards form part of the Victorian Government initiative called Study Melbourne.

The awards are designed to give recognition to outstanding Victorian international students, alumni, and education providers who champion international education.

Linda was selected as a finalist due to her active involvement in community service. She continues to help newly arrived students settle into their new homes and encourages others to consider studying at SuniTAFE.

She is an advocate for local businesses and restaurants in Mildura, using her passion for photography to promote the area to potential tourists.

In the lead up to the award announcement, Linda’s peers and teachers were impatient to hear news.

“My teacher was asking if I had heard anything about the awards, and she checked the Study Melbourne website, but it wasn’t up yet. Other people were asking too, so I checked again and saw my name, I was very, very surprised,” Linda said. 

“But I am also happy and excited. My friends have been so happy for me, and I spoke to my mum and sisters back home and they are proud too.”

Originally from Rizhao in East China, Linda has been in Australia for close to five years. After spending years working on farms, she decided to turn to study at SuniTAFE.

Linda has already had success in her time at TAFE, being awarded SuniTAFE’s International Student of the Year for the 2022 academic year.

SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer Brett Millington is pleased to see Linda recognised for her achievements.

“Linda is an impressive young person who has been committed to her studies and a welcome contributor to our Mildura campus,” Mr Millington said.

“Her thoughtfulness for others and for community are clearly evident, and the nomination thoroughly deserved.”

Linda first applied for the Victorian International Education Award after her classmate Alexiane Beck encouraged her to give it a go. Alexiane, who graduated from SuniTAFE this year, was the winner of this same award in 2022.

Linda is hopeful that she will join her peer as an International Student of the Year – Vocational Education and Training winner.

The winner will be announced at the Victorian International Education Awards ceremony on 26 October.