Vietnamese wins prestigious award for international students in Australia

Juliet Bao Ngoc Doling, a 22-year-old Zoology and Animal Science student, received the "International Student of the Year – Regional" award at the Victorian International Education Awards earlier this month.

The annual award, worth AUD$6,000 (US$4,000), is presented by Study Melbourne, an initiative of the Victoria state government to recognize international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and made significant contributions to the community. Ngoc was the only Vietnamese recipient among the eight categories.

"I was surprised when I heard my name. I feel incredibly lucky to have been selected from among 400 applicants," Ngoc shared.

Juliet Bao Ngoc Doling receives the "International Student of the Year – Regional" award at the Victorian International Education Awards on Oct. 3, 2024. Photo courtesy of Juliet Bao Ngoc Doling

In Vietnam, Ngoc was known for her role as an actress, starring in the 2022 Vietnamese film "Glorious Ashes," adapted from two short stories by novelist Nguyen Ngoc Tu.

Ngoc moved to Australia in 2021 after receiving a full-tuition scholarship from Deakin University, which recently ranked 197th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings by British Quacquarelli Symonds, marking its highest ranking to date and placing it among the top 20 universities in Australia.

Thu Nguyen Vo, director of admissions for Deakin University in Vietnam and Cambodia, described Ngoc as one of the school's "exemplary" students. Ngoc graduated in early 2023 with a High Distinction and is currently pursuing an honored degree, with plans to pursue a PhD next year.

In addition to her academic achievements, Ngoc has been actively involved in environmental protection. She plays a key role in the Deakin Waterwatch group, a partnership between Deakin University and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA), which monitors water quality and aquatic life. She also leads a local litter collection group.

Juliet Bao Ngoc Doling and local people during a trash collection trip on the beach in Geelong, Victoria, Australia. Photo courtesy of Juliet Bao Ngoc Doling

Ngoc and her team focus on researching and monitoring water quality and waste management to support local authorities in various environmental initiatives.

She organizes activities to raise awareness about the environment and water composition, and she guides residents on waste sorting, collection, and recycling.

Ngoc shared that these efforts have positively impacted the community. For instance, after her group's proposal, Geelong city council replaced paper parking tickets, which were often discarded carelessly, with electronic ones.

Participating in these activities, Ngoc says, brings her joy and valuable connections.

Juliet Bao Ngoc Doling at the research lab of Deakin University, Australia. Photo courtesy of Juliet Bao Ngoc Doling

To balance her academic work, Ngoc reviews her course list and assignment deadlines at the start of each semester. She sets daily and weekly goals, ensuring she completes assignments early enough for revisions. Ngoc dedicates five to six hours each day to studying and avoids distractions like her phone to stay focused.

One of her key strategies for academic success, she says, is staying engaged with professors, mentors, and industry professionals to gain insights and chart a clear career path.

"Ask as many questions as possible and always be curious to learn new knowledge," she advises.