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NSW / ACT – GOTYA Overview

Download the GOTYA flyer (pdf)

Download the GOTYA Payment Form (pdf)

The Graduate of the Year Awards is an initiative of the NSW branch of the DIA to reward and recognise talent in 5 of the professional spheres that the DIA encompasses; it is open to any student enrolled in a recognised degree or diploma course in their final year of study at a participating NSW/ACT educational institution and the students submit a cross section of their projects from their final year.

The 5 current categories are as follows:

• Interior Design Degree or Diploma (3 years+)
• Interior Decoration Diploma (3 years+)
• Industrial Design Degree or Diploma (3 years+)
• Graphic Design Degree or Diploma (2 years+)
• Textile Design Degree or Diploma (3 years+)

Each of the participating institutions is invited to nominate up to 4 students from their relevant categories. The institutions are asked to make their selections based on not only the students work and work ethic during their studies but also their perceived ability to transfer their skills to the work place.

The nominated entrants are required to make their submissions based on the entry requirements as laid out in the entry form/flyer which is emailed to the institutions as part of the initial invitation.

Submissions are received in mid January and are then subject to a 2 stage judging process by a panel of 7 judges selected from the full range of design disciplines and who are considered to be prominent in their field.

Students do not attend round 1 of the judging. The judges review the work and select the top 3 entries in each of the 5 categories.

The 15 short listed nominations are then notified of their selection and asked to attend round 2 of the judging to. Each student is given 15 minutes to present their work and is then expected to answer questions about their submissions. Each student is allowed to bring to the presentation back up material, samples, models etc to help explain their work. Work relating to additional projects is not permitted.

All nominated students, their families, friends and participating colleges are invited to attend the presentation function which is held early March at a selected trade showroom. Winners and runners-up are announced at the function and successful graduates receive their prizes and have an opportunity to meet and receive the acknowledgment of their peers. In addition, the DIA and GOTYA sponsors receive valuable coverage in the press.

Finally, by rewarding the best graduates, the DIA is actively ensuring that the standard of submissions and the quality of talent flowing in to the industry continues to improve each year. The GOTYA programme started in 2004 with 3 award categories. In 2006 the number of categories was increased to 5 with the addition of textiles and graphics. In 2007, two special awards were added – ‘Overall Winner’ and ‘Colour Prize’. This year an addition prize was added. The DIAS (Student Council of the NSW Branch) was added.