Business remains one of the most in-demand fields for internationally mobile students, and its importance continues to grow as global industries evolve. This award recognises institutions that are redefining how business programs are being delivered for today’s learners. With the workforce shifting rapidly, how are you adapting and leading change? This category honours education institutions that demonstrate strong innovation, responsiveness, and impact in supporting international students and preparing them for their future career.

Student recruitment is central to a thriving global education sector, and this award recognises organisations that demonstrate excellence across the entire recruitment journey. From innovative practices and global partnerships to strategic growth, portfolio diversification, and exceptional student support, we celebrate those setting new standards in international recruitment.

Entries may be submitted directly by recruitment organisations or by institutions wishing to nominate an outstanding partner.

This award celebrates creative and impactful marketing campaigns that have successfully engaged audiences and elevated brand presence within the global education sector. We recognise campaigns of any scale that demonstrate strong results (whether through reach, resonance, or measurable impact) while also considering the resources and budget available. Entries should showcase fresh ideas, thoughtful messaging, and innovative approaches that set new benchmarks for marketing in international education.

This award celebrates education programmes that are reimagining how learning is designed, delivered, and measured, specifically for international students. We recognise initiatives that significantly innovate pedagogy, and provide culturally responsive, globally relevant learning experiences - empowering international students to thrive academically, socially, and professionally in a rapidly evolving 21st-century world.

Our flagship award, PIEoneer of the Year, celebrates organisations that are redefining what is possible in global education. This category recognises transformative initiatives that have moved beyond concept or pilot stage and demonstrate tangible, sector-wide impact. There is no time-frame attached to this award.

We welcome entries from any organisation driving genuine progress – through breakthrough innovation, bold strategy, or initiatives that improve the experience, access, or outcomes of globally mobile learners. Entrants from all categories may submit if their work represents a milestone achievement with the power to influence the direction of international education. This award celebrates trailblazers who are setting new standards and shaping the future of our sector.

Supporting international students holistically is essential to their success. This award recognises organisations offering innovative and effective support at any stage of the student journey – across wellbeing, academics, language, finances, accommodation, faith, community integration, and more. We celebrate initiatives that create inclusive environments where international students feel supported and empowered.

As sustainability takes on increased urgency, this award recognises organisations in global education that are embedding environmentally responsible practices into their operations. We celebrate initiatives (local or global) that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and drive measurable progress toward a more sustainable and globally responsible international education sector.

This award recognises secondary schools that are pioneering new approaches to global education, specifically for international students - cultivating creativity, STEM skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and global citizenship from an early age. We celebrate schools that are redefining the international student study experience and preparing students to thrive academically, socially, and professionally in further and higher education, and/or the global workforce.

This award recognises rising leaders with 10 years or less work experience who are already driving meaningful impact within their organisation and the wider international education sector. We celebrate individuals whose contributions go beyond the expectations of their role and demonstrate exceptional initiative, influence, and promise for the future. Self-nominations and nominations on behalf of others are both welcome.

International study is often driven by an objective to enhance long-term career prospects. This award honours organisations that are actively improving the potential employability outcomes for their international students. Whether through innovative teaching, enhanced career support, or new initiatives that better prepare learners for the global job market, this category recognises those delivering a demonstrable impact on international graduates’ ability to secure meaningful employment post-graduation.

International education and study abroad experiences have the power to transform lives, yet financial, social, and structural barriers continue to limit access for many students. This award recognises organisations that are actively breaking down those barriers and expanding participation among underrepresented groups. From inclusive recruitment strategies to tailored support services, we celebrate those making international education more equitable – and ensuring a wider, more diverse community of students can access global learning opportunities.

Digital learning is continuing to evolve quickly, with new tools and platforms, including the use of AI, enhancing how educators teach and how international students learn. This award recognises institutions and organisations that are effectively leveraging technology to improve learning outcomes, strengthen digital teaching practices, and expand access for learners across borders. We celebrate innovative solutions that elevate online, hybrid, or tech-enabled education in today’s dynamic digital environment.

Digital transformation has been redefining how institutions attract, engage, and support prospective international students, who expect seamless, personalised, rapid, and transparent recruitment experiences. This award recognises organisations that are leading this evolution through impactful digital solutions that enhance the applicant journey, expand global access, and enable better-informed study decisions. We celebrate innovators setting new standards for effective, tech-driven international recruitment.

This award celebrates organisations leveraging modern data capabilities to transform decision-making and improve the international student experience. As the sector shifts from relying on historical trends to using real-time insights, dashboards, and advanced analytics, we highlight initiatives – across private, public, or collaborative efforts – that demonstrate excellence in using data to drive smarter planning, greater efficiencies, and more accurate and responsive support for globally mobile students.

This award recognises language training providers that deliver exceptional learning experiences and empower students (domestic or international) to become confident and capable communicators in another language. We recognise organisations that go beyond industry norms through innovative teaching, outstanding student support, and/or forward-thinking approaches that elevate the language-learning journey. Entries should highlight initiatives that truly set the provider apart within the global language education sector.

This award recognises membership organisations that deliver exceptional value to their communities, going above and beyond standard expectations, to provide meaningful support, advocacy, and other services. We celebrate organisations whose work in 2025 has had a significant and/or lasting impact on their members and the wider international education sector.

This award honours individuals who have played a transformative role in shaping the global education sector. Open to nominations made on behalf of others, it recognises those whose career-long leadership, influence, or innovation has driven meaningful and sustained change. Entries must clearly demonstrate the individual’s impact and how their contributions have advanced the international education landscape throughout their career.

Cross-sector and collaborative partnerships continue to shape the future of global education, spanning recruitment, articulation agreements, market development, student accommodation, and digital delivery, as examples. This award recognises outstanding partnerships that achieved notable impact in 2025 by leveraging complementary strengths to enhance services, expand opportunities, and drive meaningful innovation for international students.

This award recognises institutions and organisations delivering innovative, high-impact, short-term study abroad and/or exchange programmes or experiences. It celebrates creative approaches that broaden global perspectives, develop future-ready skills, and/or open pathways to non-traditional destinations, redefining how global learning is experienced, and shaping globally-minded citizens.

In memory of Charlene Allen, former Chair of BUILA and Co-founder of the IC Global Partnership, this award celebrates female leaders with 10+ years’ of experience in the global education sector. They will have made an exceptional impact, driving meaningful change within their organisation, shaping the wider industry beyond the expectations of their role, whilst demonstrating inspirational leadership. Nominations can be made on behalf of others or as a self-nomination.