The Excellence Awards, which are held annually, celebrate the contributions of individuals and teams developing Australia’s reputation for quality and innovation in international education. The awards span leadership, best practice, innovation, research, and the rising stars of the next generation.
Simon Ridings, who began as a tutor and PhD candidate at the University of Queensland, took the accolade for ‘Distinguished Contribution to International Education.’ Recognised for his broad contribution to Australia’s international education across three decades, six universities and the sector’s largest professional body – IEAA – his work has benefitted not only international students, but also the professionals who serve them.
Serving as the IEAA vice-president and president from 2020 to 2024, he helped grow the organisation’s membership, expand its professional development, and strengthened its research.
Ren Yi, president of IEAA, said the winners “represent the best Australia has to offer the world of education,” adding that the organisation is proud to highlight the accomplishments within the community.
“From innovative programs which elevate the student experience, to outstanding examples of leadership, the winners and commendations once again demonstrate how much impact individuals can have on international education as a whole,” he said.
The platform miXabroad won the ‘Innovation in International Education’ award for producing a global benchmark for learning abroad. The framework, developed by researchers and university practitioners across Australia, the UK, Europe and the US, allows institutions to benchmark student experience and impact across programs, cohorts and countries by connecting student voices and comparative evidence.
This evidence base has helped highlight the value of global mobility and the role it plays in creating adaptable, resilient and globally capable graduates at a time when international education is being challenged.
“Even as the sector is buffeted by policy shifts and political pressure, these leaders continue to adapt and innovate in the service of our world-leading international education industry, ” said Phil Honeywood, CEO of IEAA.
“The award winners and commendations demonstrate the depth of talent in Australia, and how international education continues to transform lives, one student at a time,” he said.
The award winners and commendations demonstrate the depth of talent in Australia, and how international education continues to transform lives, one student at a time.
Phil Honeywood, CEO of IEAA
Chris Ziguras was also awarded IEAA life membership at the event.
The full list of winners and highly commended are:
Best Practice in International Education
Winner
‘The Southern Cross Model’ – Southern Cross University Academic Portfolio Office
High Commendation
‘Student Voice Week’ – Kaplan Business School
Distinguished Contribution to International Education
Winner
Simon Ridings
Excellence in Leadership in International Education
Winner
Rongyu Li
Innovation in International Education
Winner
‘From Anecdote to Evidence: A Global Benchmark for Learning Abroad’ – Emily O’Callaghan, Greg Gawinowski, and Peter Muntz. miXabroad
High Commendation
‘Atlas Ad Intelligence’ – Bosco Anthony and Melanie Buckley, Global Rev Gen
Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis
Winner
‘Resilience in Senior Leadership in Higher Education: An investigation of perspectives, practices and experiences’ – Alison Taylor
Tony Adams Rising Star Award
Winner
Susan Schlinker
High Commendation
Felipe Augusto Fogaca Pereira
Life Membership
Chris Ziguras
