“It’s so friendly and welcoming,” he says. “Everybody seems to know everybody else. It’s a very close-knit community. 

“People are willing to give you a helping hand. I’ve made a lot of friends.” 

He believes the Territory is an ideal place for international students because it is small, multicultural and accepting – and has a good university. 

Cong Do, who has adopted the western name of Peter, has been named Study NT International Student of the Year. 

He is working for the Department of Education while studying at Charles Darwin University. 

Peter, who is from central Vietnam, is an ambassador for the IT Code Fair at the university and helps bridge the gap between IT students and industry professionals. 

He serves as a senior mentor for the CDU Student Buddy program, providing advice on scholarships, living expenses and academic matters. 

And he is a tutor for several units, helping international students understand course material and improve their academic performance. 

Peter, 28, recently showcased his thesis project on AI-driven road sign detection, inspiring fellow students to explore AI technology. 

He also finds time to volunteer for the Lions International Club. 

The International Student Awards recognise the accomplishments and contributions to the Territory made by students and alumni, as well as the international businesses that employ and mentor them. 

Study NT works with education and training providers, businesses and the local community to welcome and support international students, who are an important part of the Territory’s community, workforce and economy. 

A positive experience shared by students helps attract other students to the Territory. 

International students strengthen cultural, social and economic ties, and bring diversity to the community and skills to the workforce. 

Analysis by Ernst & Young shows that in 2023 each student contributes an average of nearly $42,000 to the NT economy. 

In 2023, the international education and training sector generated $236.5 million in export revenue, estimated as the sum of student revenue and visiting friends and relatives. 

As of August 2024, 5098 international students were enrolled across 25 NT international education and training providers. 

THE WINNERS 

Study NT International Student of the Year 

Cong Do Le 

Study NT International Student Alumni of the Year 

Hari Sharma 

Study NT International Student Volunteer of the Year 

Billy Nafoyo Chepkemoi 

Study NT International Student Employer of the Year 

NTEX