Australia’s international education sector is being asked to recognise its standout performers, with nominations officially opening for the International Education Association of Australia’s (IEAA) Excellence Awards 2026.
Now in its seventeenth year, the awards celebrate the individuals and teams helping shape Australia’s international education landscape through leadership, innovation, research and best practice.
The call for nominations comes at a pivotal time for the sector. Universities, colleges and student support organisations continue to navigate the impacts of tighter visa settings, student allocation policies, geopolitical uncertainty and the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence. While these challenges have created significant disruption, they have also accelerated innovation across the industry.
IEAA President Professor Ren Yi said Australia’s international education community continues to have a profound impact around the world.
“While the challenges are many in international education around the world, Australia still sets the standard in providing a launchpad for the leaders of tomorrow,” Professor Yi said.
“Millions of professionals around the world owe their beginnings to Australia and its international education community. Australia remains committed to launching the careers of millions more.”
For international students, the awards offer a reminder that behind every successful study experience are educators, researchers, support staff and leaders working to improve outcomes both inside and outside the classroom. Many of the initiatives recognised in previous years have focused on student wellbeing, employability, inclusion, mobility and engagement.
IEAA Chief Executive Officer Phil Honeywood believes periods of uncertainty often create the greatest opportunities for progress.
“As visa restrictions, student allocations, global turmoil and artificial intelligence test our community, these disruptions can provide boundless opportunity for leadership and innovation,” he said.
The 2026 awards will recognise excellence across seven categories: Best Practice, Distinguished Contribution, Innovation, Leadership, Professional Commentary, Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis and the Tony Adams Rising Star Award.
The awards have become one of the sector’s most respected forms of recognition, highlighting projects and individuals whose work often influences policy, institutional practice and the broader student experience across Australia.
Winners will be announced during the Australian International Education Conference, known as Australian International Education Conference 2026, which will be held in Sydney from 27 to 30 October.
Anyone working in international education can be nominated, although nominations must generally be submitted by an IEAA member. The exception is the Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis category, which is open to nominations from any source.
Nominations close on 12 July 2026.
The awards are supported by IDP Education, Macquarie University, Pearson, TOEFL and The University of Sydney.
Further information and nomination details are available via the IEAA Excellence Awards page.
