Launched in 2024, The AHEIA Australian Higher Education Awards recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of professional staff within Australia's higher education sector.
This initiative acknowledges the talent, innovation and dedication demonstrated by university professionals who play essential roles in advancing higher education outcomes.
The program aligns with AHEIA's mission to support excellence in higher education while creating meaningful opportunities to showcase both individual and team achievements.
The 2026 awards nominations will be judged on contributions and achievements from 2025 and will be presented at the AHEIA conference dinner on Wednesday 20 May 2026.
AHEIA would like to acknowledge and thank the Awards Committee for their important contribution in developing the awards:
- Kim Franks, Vice President People and Culture, Southern Cross University
- Martin Sainsbury, Chief People and Culture Officer, University of Newcastle
- Deborah Walker, Director, People and Culture, University of the Sunshine Coast
Read more about the 2025 AHEIA Higher Education Awards recipients.
Who is eligible?
Current staff and teams within Australian universities are eligible to receive an award and nominations are assessed on contributions and achievements from 2025.
Who can nominate?
Nominators must currently work at an Australian university or higher education peak body. Whether you want to put forward your own achievements or recognise the excellent work of others, we encourage all nominations.
What are we looking for?
Outstanding contributions that demonstrate:
- Clear, measurable achievements
- Innovative approaches
- Positive impact on university or sector
- Strategic alignment with university goals
What do you need to provide?
- Evidence-based examples of contribution
- Supporting data showing results if available
- For team nominations - brief outline of each member's role
Key dates
- Nominations open: Monday 16 February 2026
- Nominations close: Friday 20 March 2026
Confidentiality
- All nominations will be treated as confidential
- The content of nominations will only be viewed by AHEIA staff and the judges
The AHEIA Australian Higher Education Awards include the following categories in 2026:
- AHEIA Leadership Excellence Award
- AHEIA Lifetime Achievement Award
- AHEIA Rising Star Award
- AHEIA Excellence in Workplace Relations Award
- AHEIA Excellence in Workplace Culture Award
- AHEIA Excellence in Innovation Award
- AHEIA Professional Excellence Award
Click on each category below for more information. NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Individual nominations only
This award recognises senior leaders (ie. CPO, VP, Director level) who have demonstrated exceptional vision, influence and achievement in advancing their university's mission and the broader higher education sector.
Recipients have successfully led significant change initiatives, fostered innovation and developed high-performing teams, creating measurable positive impact on performance and culture.
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Individual nominations only
Honours individuals who have made sustained, significant contributions to Australian higher education throughout their career.
Recipients, whether in frontline, specialist or leadership roles, have demonstrated outstanding commitment to excellence over numerous years in the sector, creating lasting positive impact through their work, mentorship and advancement of professional staff capabilities in higher education.
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Individual nominations only
Recognises emerging talent who have demonstrated exceptional capability and innovation within their first five years in the higher education sector.
Recipients have shown outstanding initiative, delivered meaningful outcomes and exhibited strong potential for future leadership through innovative thinking, collaborative approaches and commitment to excellence.
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Open to individual and team nominations
The award acknowledges innovative approaches to policy development, dispute resolution and implementation of best practice workplace relations strategies that support university success.
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Open to individual, team and institutional nominations
Acknowledges outstanding initiatives that have created significant, measurable improvements in workplace culture and staff experience through programs such as:
- Diversity, equity and inclusion outcomes
- First Nations strategy
- Staff wellbeing and safety
- Employee engagement and satisfaction
- Organisational development and capability
- Recognition and rewards frameworks
Recipients have demonstrated innovative approaches to cultural transformation with clear evidence of positive outcomes and sustainable impact.
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Open to individual, team and institutional nominations
Recognises breakthrough innovations that have transformed operations, services or outcomes in higher education through programs such as:
- Digital transformation and technology innovation
- Strategic talent acquisition and workforce planning
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
- Process improvement and service delivery
- Change management and implementation
Recipients have demonstrated exceptional creativity, effective implementation and measurable positive impact through their innovative solutions.
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Open to individual, team and institutional nominations
Recognises breakthrough innovations that have transformed operations, services or outcomes in higher education through programs such as:
- Digital transformation and technology innovation
- Strategic talent acquisition and workforce planning
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
- Process improvement and service delivery
- Change management and implementation
Recipients have demonstrated exceptional creativity, effective implementation and measurable positive impact through their innovative solutions.
NOMINATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026
Current staff at Australian universities or higher education peak bodies can submit nominations. You can nominate yourself, a colleague, or a team.
Yes, you can submit nominations across different award categories, provided each nomination represents distinct achievements.
Nominations should focus on achievements and contributions made during 2025. While you may provide context from other years, judges will evaluate impact delivered in 2025.
Your nomination requires:
- Completed online nomination form
- Written submission addressing the criteria (1000 words maximum)
- Supporting documentation (optional)
You may submit one PDF document that could include:
- Case studies
- Supporting data
- Visual evidence of impact
- Letters of support
Nominations are assessed by a judging panel based on:
- Measurable achievements
- Innovation and implementation
- Strategic impact
- Evidence of outcomes
Each AHEIA member university nominates one judge to the panel. Judges do not assess submissions from their own university and must declare any conflicts of interest. AHEIA may invite additional judges if required to ensure comprehensive assessment.
Award recipients will receive confidential notification ahead of the official announcement. Recipients will be publicly announced at the awards dinner on Wednesday 20 May in Adelaide.