Francesca Hung has arts and sociology degree and 50,000 Instagram followers

NORTHERN Beaches model Francesca Hung was crowned Miss Universe Australia at The Sofitel in Melbourne last night.

Being announced as 2018 Miss Universe Australia - Francesca Hung from NSW. Picture: Andrew Tauber

NORTHERN Beaches model Francesca Hung was crowned Miss Universe Australia at The Sofitel in Melbourne last night.

The 24-year-old will join the illustrious company of Jesinta Campbell and Jennifer Hawkins whose careers went international after winning the competition.

Francesca Hung was one of 30 contestants. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Miss Universe Australia winner Francesca Hung at a Sydney beach. Picture: David Swift

Ms Hung is a Chinese-Australian with more than 50,000 followers on Instagram and has recently landed major contracts with Westfield and Slate Swimwear.

The rising star — who has an arts and sociology degree from University of Sydney — beat 29 young women from across the country to be crowned

It was the first competition in the event’s history not to feature a swimsuit section as organisers move away from judging focused around contestant’s physiques.

Ms Hung follows in the footsteps of Jesinta Campbell and Jennifer Hawkins. Picture: David Swift.