Deakin student wins International Education award
Three Deakin University students have been recognised in the 2026 Victorian Education Awards, with a Warrnambool medical student taking out the award for International Student of the Year – Regional.
The awards, presented by Study Melbourne, recognise the efforts and achievements of exceptional Victorian international students and alumni in the community.
While studying a Doctor of Medicine at Deakin’s Warrnambool and Geelong campuses, Canadian student Stella Schneckenburger was commended for her work advancing LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent and disability inclusion and representation in healthcare.
Embracing life in regional Victoria, Stella has held various leadership roles including Queer Chair of the Australian Medical Students’ Association in which she founded ‘QueerCon’, an annual conference dedicated to LGBTQIA+ health education, connection and advocacy for future healthcare professionals.
Reflecting on her experience as an international student at Deakin, Stella said she was grateful for the opportunity to achieve her dream of becoming a doctor while being supported by a close-knit community in regional Victoria.
Studying in regional Victoria has been an incredible experience. Pursuing medicine after always dreaming of doing so has been incredibly fulfilling and knowing international education has given me the opportunity to become a doctor has been central to my experience as a student.
Joining Stella as finalists were Bachelor of Psychological Science student and Study Melbourne ambassador Aditi Mishra and Bachelor of Nursing student Isini Puhula Gamayalage, an emerging community leader in Geelong.
John Molony, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) said the finalists’ achievements not only reflected their exceptional talent and dedication, but the transformative impact international students can have on Victorian communities and culture.
‘We are incredibly proud of all our student finalists recognised in this year’s Victorian International Education Awards. International students bring a wealth of diversity and cultural perspectives to Deakin and the wider community, and we are committed to providing them with an inclusive and supportive environment where they can reach their full potential,’ he said.
Finalists were selected by expert judging panels including industry, government and community leaders and praised Stella, Aditi and Isini for their community involvement, leadership and academic achievements.
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