Twelve international students and six organisations have been announced as finalists in the 2021 NSW International Student Awards, recognising the outstanding contributions international students make to communities in NSW and celebrating excellence across the international student community engagement.

Investment NSW CEO Amy Brown said the annual awards are always highly competitive, highlighting the impact international students have on our society.

"The finalists come from a range of countries such as China, India, Laos, Brazil and Myanmar, leaving their hometowns and choosing to not only study here, but contribute to our society and support others less fortunate," Ms Brown said.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for international students, but out of adversity comes generosity and our finalists have all gone above and beyond to create opportunities for their fellow students and local communities."

Ms Brown said the award finalists were recommended by a selection panel made up of leaders in the international education, community and business sectors.

"The awards, which are in their eighth year, see finalists from a range of educational facilities such as Saint Augustine’s College Brookvale, Le Corden Bleu Ryde and TAFE Albury.

"In 2020, more than 260,000 international students enrolled in courses across NSW’s excellent institutions, helping to make NSW the vibrant, multicultural and dynamic place that it is and becoming great ambassadors for NSW in the process.

"The NSW Government acknowledges their valuable contribution, and these awards are a chance to recognise and thank them."