The story is a familiar one: a refugee arrives in Australia, performs worthy deeds within the community, and eventually wins national recognition.

But this time there is a twist. Monash student Tan Le has accomplished all this, and has yet to celebrate her 21st birthday.

Just 16 years after fleeing her native Saigon, 20-year-old Tan has won the highest honour her adopted country can bestow on its youth -- the title of Young Australian of the Year.

The award, like Australia Day itself, is about uniting Australians and recognising the contributions that all Australians make to the country, Tan says.

"It's very important to realise that these awards are a source of pride and inspiration to young Australians," she said.

Tan, now in her final year of a commerce-law degree, was recognised for her work in establishing the Australian Vietnamese Services Resource Centre in Melbourne's western suburbs.

"The centre provides training and employment services to unemployed people, taking into account cultural differences and language barriers," she said.

In keeping with her community focus, Tan is now establishing an educational trust that will award scholarships to young people in the region.

"My aim is to raise $200,000 in corporate sponsorship, and then use half of the interest every year to offer scholarships to secondary students with leadership potential.

"Young people in the western suburbs have a lot to offer. There's so much talent there that is untouched. My aim is to recognise people's hard work and reward them.

"I also hope the project will encourage young people to get involved in their communities."

Tan's journey to national fame was sparked not only by a desire to understand how the world around her worked but also by an ambition to help others.

"My outlook comes from being forced to cope in difficult circumstances, and from seeing the incredible hardships endured by Vietnamese people around me."

Given her priorities, law seemed a logical path to follow after completing her VCE. And that was where Monash came into the picture.

"The University of Melbourne didn't accept me into its law course," Tan said.

"Monash, however, has an open-minded approach to potential students. As well as considering students' marks, the Law faculty conducts interviews to assess students' other qualities, and they accepted me.

"You really can't judge people only by their marks. There are other things that count more. Previously, people didn't recognise my community work. That's the best thing about Monash -- it has a different attitude."

Monash also offered a unique environment, Tan says. "I was attracted by the friendly and supportive staff and by the great facilities. Student life here is buzzing."

For Tan, the future looks bright. "I am aware of how the world around me works, and I love to help others. My law degree will be the door to new opportunities and challenges."