MNDSA named Employer of the Year at international student awards

An organisation that supports South Australians with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) has been named South Australia’s International Student Employer of the Year.

The Motor Neurone Disease Association of South Australia (MNDSA) was presented with the Award by Her Excellency, the Governor, Frances Adamson AC.

StudyAdelaide, the organisation that promotes the state as a global study destination and supports students in their study and career journeys, announced the award.

The 2025 International Student Awards recognise students, employers, and student associations involved in the state’s $3 billion international education sector.

MNDSA was nominated for the award by its employee Prakriti Chhabra, who works as a support coordinator and graduated with a Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services) from the University of South Australia.

“MNDSA has a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees,” Ms Chhabra said.

“There’s a great sense of camaraderie across the team, which is essential in a field where the work can sometimes be emotionally taxing.

“My role is both rewarding and challenging, as I get to work closely with people during some of their most difficult times, providing not only practical support but also emotional guidance and reassurance.

“MNDSA is highly supportive of international students and graduates, offering a warm and inclusive environment.”

StudyAdelaide Chief Executive Jane Johnston congratulated MNDSA and highlighted the importance of employers welcoming international students into the workforce.

“International students are vital to South Australia’s workforce – particularly in the health and human services sector,” Ms Johnston said.

“As graduates they are valuable contributors with the skills and qualifications we need now and into the future.

“It’s fantastic to see employers like MNDSA welcoming our students into their workplaces, where they are having a tremendous impact on the lives of people who need specialist care.”

Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Joe Szakacs heralded the outstanding work of MNDSA to support international students.

“There is no better endorsement of an organisation than for its employees to be speaking highly of its inclusivity and of the support it provides,” Minister Szakacs said.

“I congratulate MNDSA for winning this award and commend its efforts to create a welcoming environment for its staff.

“The international education sector is worth $3 billion to our state’s economy, and our very capable international students contribute heavily to the South Australian workforce. 

“I encourage more employers to consider how they can best welcome and utilise the expertise of our international student cohort.”

StudyAdelaide received 210 entries for the 2025 International Student of the Year Awards, with 35 different nationalities represented among the entrants.

The winners were presented with their awards by Her Excellency, the Governor, Frances Adamson AC, at SkyCity.

About StudyAdelaide and the International Student Awards

StudyAdelaide is a partnership between industry and government working to increase awareness of Adelaide as an international study destination and to deliver programs to welcome and support international students in Adelaide. 

These include programs to enhance the employability of students and their connections to local employers across South Australia. 

StudyAdelaide carries out employer engagement to grow understanding of the ease and benefits of hiring international students and graduates and their importance in meeting the future skills needs of the State.