Celebrating Excellence in International Education
The ISANA Awards celebrate the people, partnerships and initiatives that exemplify excellence in international education. By recognising innovation, leadership, collaboration and student-centred practice, the Awards inspire continuous improvement and strengthen the sector’s collective commitment to creating outstanding experiences and outcomes for international students.
These awards represent the highest level of recognition within our association, celebrating the individuals and programs that go above and beyond to support the international student experience.
The winners will be celebrated at the Conference Dinner, held at the stunning Metropolis Melbourne during the conference on 8–9 September 2026.
Award Categories
- ISANA Outstanding Practitioner Award
Recognises an individual who has demonstrated excellence in professional practice and made an outstanding contribution to supporting international students through their work.
- ISANA Innovation in International Education Award
Recognises innovative initiatives, programs, technologies or practices that have transformed international education and improved student outcomes.
This award includes innovation in:
- Digital transformation
- Artificial Intelligence
- Teaching and learning
- Student services
- Student wellbeing
- Service delivery
- Technology-enabled solutions
- ISANA Research and Evidence Award
Recognises outstanding research, evaluation or evidence-informed practice that advances international education and improves outcomes for international students.
An Emerging Researcher Commendation may also be awarded to an outstanding early-career researcher.
- ISANA Vision and Leadership Award
Recognises an individual who has demonstrated visionary leadership, inspired positive change and made a significant contribution to the advancement of international education.
- ISANA Partnership Excellence Award
Recognises outstanding collaborations between organisations that have delivered measurable benefits for international students, institutions or the international education sector.
- ISANA Student Experience, Access and Inclusion Award
Recognises initiatives that improve international student success through excellence in student experience, equity, inclusion, belonging, wellbeing and participation.
- ISANA Excellence in Global Citizenship and Community Engagement Award
Recognises initiatives that strengthen connections between international students and local communities while promoting intercultural understanding, community engagement and global citizenship.
- ISANA Distinguished Service Award
Recognises an individual whose sustained leadership and exceptional contribution have significantly advanced international education and the international student community over an extended period.
Eligibility
Nominations are welcomed from across the international education sector, including:
- Universities
- Vocational education and training providers
- English language providers
- Schools
- Pathway providers
- Student accommodation providers
- Government agencies
- Peak bodies
- Community organisations
- Industry partners
- Student associations
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Individual practitioners
- Research organisations
Nominees do not need to be members of ISANA unless otherwise specified.
Who May Nominate?
Nominations may be submitted by:
- Colleagues
- Managers
- Institutional leaders
- Professional peers
- Students
- Alumni
- Community organisations
- Partner organisations
Self-nominations are accepted unless otherwise stated.
Assessment Criteria
Each award has specific criteria; however, judges will generally consider the following:
- Demonstrated excellence
- Innovation and originality
- Leadership and influence
- Positive impact on international students
- Contribution to international education
- Evidence of measurable outcomes
- Sustainability and future potential
- Contribution to the wider community and sector
Judging Process
All nominations will be independently assessed by an expert judging panel appointed by ISANA.
Judges will assess nominations against the published criteria using a standard scoring framework.
The judging panel may:
- request clarification if required;
- recommend a nomination be considered in another category;
- award a Highly Commended recognition where appropriate; or
- decide not to present an award if the required standard is not met.
The decision of the judging panel is final, and no correspondence will be entered into regarding the outcome.
Judging Weightings
Unless otherwise specified, nominations will be assessed using the following framework:
|
Criterion |
Weighting |
|
Impact and Outcomes |
30% |
|
Innovation and Excellence |
20% |
|
Leadership and Contribution |
20% |
|
Evidence of Success |
20% |
|
Sustainability and Future Impact |
10% |
Nomination Requirements
Each nomination must include:
- Completed nomination form
- Nomination statement addressing the assessment criteria
- Summary of achievements
- Supporting evidence
- Two referee contacts
- Nominee consent
Supporting Evidence
Supporting documentation is strongly encouraged.
Examples include:
- Evaluation reports
- Research publications
- Project reports
- Strategic plans
- Student testimonials
- Survey results
- Media coverage
- Awards or recognition
- Videos
- Presentations
- Infographics
- Impact data
- Case studies
Up to five supporting documents may be submitted.
Referees
Each nomination must include two referees who are familiar with the nominee’s work and can verify the information provided.
Referees may be contacted by ISANA during the judging process.
Nominee Consent
The nominee must be aware of the nomination and consent to:
- participating in the Awards process;
- the information being shared with judges;
- the use of photographs and nomination material for promotional purposes if shortlisted or selected as a finalist or winner.
Award Conditions
- Nominations must be submitted before the published closing date.
- Late submissions may not be accepted.
- Information submitted must be accurate and truthful.
- ISANA reserves the right to verify information contained within nominations.
- ISANA reserves the right to combine, amend or discontinue award categories where necessary.
- Awards will only be presented where nominations meet the required standard of excellence.
Finalists
Shortlisted finalists may be invited to:
- provide additional information;
- participate in interviews if required;
- supply high-resolution photographs;
- provide a short biography; and
- participate in promotional activities associated with the Awards.
Recognition
Award recipients will receive:
- An ISANA Excellence Award trophy
- A certificate of achievement
- National recognition at the ISANA Conference Gala Dinner
- Promotion through ISANA communication channels, including the website, newsletter and social media
Highly Commended recipients may also receive a certificate of recognition at the discretion of the judging panel.
Key Dates
Nominations Open: Download the Nomination Form
Nominations Close: 15 August 2026
Awards Ceremony: ISANA Conference Gala Dinner
Enquiries
For enquiries regarding the ISANA Awards, nomination process or eligibility, please contact:
ISANA President at president@isana.org.au