APA Board of Directors Student Prize 2026
Celebrating future leaders in physiotherapy
The APA Board of Directors Student Prize recognises an APA student member whose nomination demonstrates outstanding leadership, meaningful contribution to the APA student network and their university community, community-focused involvement beyond the APA and strong academic progress in their entry-level physiotherapy program.
2026 nominations now open
Nominations for the 2026 APA Board of Directors Student Prize are now open and close at 9.00 am on 28 August.
Those nominated must be proposed by the student's Physiotherapy Head of School or a senior lecturer.
For any questions, please email Jody Hammel, APA’s BoD Student Prize returning officer: Jody.Hammel@australian.physio
Selected by the APA Board of Directors, the recipient is entrusted with representing the interests of physiotherapy students at a national level and contributing to the future direction of the profession.
Position description and eligibility
Criteria
Nominees must meet the following requirements:
- be enrolled in an entry-level physiotherapy program
- be a current APA student member
- hold at least credit level, or equivalent average grades, across their entry-level program
- be studying physiotherapy at an Australian university and graduating in 2026.
Nominees will be judged on:
- contributions to the APA Student Network and their university
- leadership, motivation and ability to inspire others, beyond their contribution to the APA
- involvement in community-focused activities, such as charitable work, support programs for people with chronic disease or disability, health promotion or advocacy
- commitment to strong academic progress in their entry-level program.
Nominations must be proposed by the head of the student's physiotherapy school or a senior lecturer.
The award
Nominees for the award will be recognised in APA publications – read the InMotion article about 2025's Student Prize recipient, Benjamin Ong.
The award recipient will receive:
- $1000 from the APA and its corporate partner ASICS
- free APA New Graduate Membership (in the first year they become eligible)
- free membership to two APA National Groups of their choice in the same year as their new graduate membership
- a $500 APA professional development voucher from the APA's corporate partner FlexEze.
Award recipient requirements
The award recipient will be required to make themselves available for up to three APA appearances within 13 months of winning the award to promote the APA and the Board of Directors award. Appearances may include speaking at student information evenings, university events and other APA activities. Dates and times will be arranged by mutual agreement.
The award recipient is determined by the APA Board of Directors. The Board's decision is final and no appeals will be considered.