Recognising excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions to international education in Australia.
ISANA Awards
Awards of Excellence
The ISANA Awards celebrate the individuals and institutions who are making an outstanding difference in the lives of international students. Presented at the conference gala dinner on 8 September 2026.
ISANA Outstanding Practitioner Award
Recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to improving outcomes for international students through their professional practice.
Innovation in International Education Award
Awarded to an individual or team that has implemented a creative, evidence-based innovation that has demonstrably improved the international student experience.
Emerging Researcher Award
Celebrates an early-career researcher whose work is making a significant contribution to the international education field.
ISANA Life Membership
The highest honour bestowed by ISANA, awarded to those who have made an extraordinary and sustained contribution to the association and the sector.
Award Criteria
All nominees must meet general eligibility requirements and award-specific criteria.
General Eligibility
Current financial ISANA member at time of nomination
Demonstrated significant impact on international student outcomes
Evidence of sustained contribution to the international education sector
Support from a referee who can speak to the nominee's contributions
Outstanding Practitioner Award
Minimum 3 years working in international education
Evidence of exceptional professional practice
Demonstrated improvement in student outcomes
Innovative approaches to student support
Innovation in International Education Award
Creative, evidence-based innovation implemented
Clear, measurable impact on student experience
Scalable or transferable model
Documentation of outcomes and learnings
Emerging Researcher Award
Early-career researcher (within 10 years of first research degree)
Significant contribution to international education research
Published work or evidence of research impact
Potential for future research leadership
For Awards
How to Nominate
1
Nominations Open
June 2026
2
Submission Deadline
Friday, 1 August 2026
3
Winners Announced
Gala Dinner, 8 September 2026
Nomination forms are available for download below. Completed forms should be submitted to isana@isana.org.au
Bursaries
Conference Bursaries
35th Annual Conference Support
ISANA offers a limited number of bursaries to support attendance at the 35th Annual Conference, particularly for early-career professionals and those from under-resourced institutions.
Early Career Professional Bursary
Supports professionals in the first 3 years of their career in international education to attend the ISANA Conference for the first time. Covers registration costs.
Application Timeline
1
Announcements & Criteria
June 2026
2
Applications Open
Early July 2026
3
Applications Close
Early August 2026 (TBA)
Downloads
Access the nomination form and awards guidelines below.