Anisha Pradhan lived in Nepal before coming to Australia, and began studying at Newstead College halfway through year 11 in 2017.

She said her interest in hairdressing began when working in a beauty salon in Nepal.

"I started when I was in Nepal. My friend's mother had a beauty parlour and I got work in there, so I got a bit more experience in there," she said.

"When I came here, I didn't know they had this sort of subject. Later I found and joined and enjoyed it."

She said her favourite part was chatting to people.

"I love communication with people," she said.

"You get to know more people and design hair and blow dry with many styles."

Ms Pradhan said it was amazing to be recognised with the TASC Outstanding Achievement Award in VET.

"It was very special for me," she said.

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Ms Pradhan's teacher, Sharon Turner, said though they didn't spot her talent straight away due to her quiet demeanor, she soon shone.

"She's very deserving," she said.

"She's a bit of a star."

Ms Turner said she had been hairdressing for more than 30 years and had never met a more talented student in hair styling, braiding, basin services, and blow drying.

"She's made the school proud," she said.

Now having graduated from Newstead College, Ms Pradhan has gained more experience at Top Knott Hair and Beauty at Mowbray, but said she planned to find an apprenticeship soon.

The Outstanding Achievement Award recipients were students who had demonstrated an excellence in a VET program and had successfully completed their TCE.

VET award recipients were selected by a panel of experts in VET and the education sector, with the decision based on the nominees' achievements against criteria such as skill, ability, and determination.

Students received their awards from Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC at Government House on January 3.

Newstead College student James Radford was also recognised for his achievements in his Certificate II in Agriculture, which he studied at Lilydale District School.