Nepalese student Bijay Sapkota of Banksia has been named as co-winner of the 2016 NSW International Student of the Year – Higher Education award by Study NSW under the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The former student of UTS:INSEARCH, which is a pathway to the University of Technology Sydney, was nominated for the award after he took on an active role supporting students following the Nepalese earthquake in 2015.
Mr Sapkota, of Kathmandu, was recognised for his ongoing efforts in building strong connections between Australian and Nepalese communities.
He coordinated fund-raising projects, and raised more than $40,000 for Nepalese families.
He also completed Foundation Studies and the Diploma of Engineering at UTS:INSEARCH before progressing to UTS where he is studying civil engineering.
