Award for Excellence in Internationalisation
The Excellence in Internationalisation award celebrates higher education institutions who have implemented creative solutions in response to current and ongoing challenges, helping to reshape international education through impactful and inclusive initiatives. We will consider projects, initiatives, programmes or activities that promote responsible international higher education, show specialised outcomes with a demonstrable impact, and reflect the EAIE values.
2024 winner
FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences
FH JOANNEUM is a modern University of Applied Sciences in Styria, Austria, with campuses in Graz, Kapfenberg, and Bad Gleichenberg. Founded in 1995, it has grown to become one of Austria's leading universities, known for its innovative, practice-oriented education focusing on sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility. Home to 5,000 students from 80 countries, FH JOANNEUM offers bachelor's and master's programs in Applied Computer Sciences, Engineering, Management, Media & Design, Health, and Building, Energy & Society.
The university emphasises a strong connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application through internships, projects and close cooperation with industry partners. Its numerous research centres and projects address real-world challenges, driving technological and societal progress. For nearly 30 years, FH JOANNEUM has continuously expanded its international activities, becoming a leader in internationalisation, student and staff mobility, and international projects among Austrian universities of applied sciences. Its degree programmes are designed to meet global social and technological challenges, emphasizing key competencies and professional skills. Cultural diversity and international perspectives are integral to the university's educational model.
In 2018, FH JOANNEUM was listed as a ‘Place of Respect’ in Austria for its 'Refugees on the run - FH JOANNEUM helps' initiative, which supports people fleeing persecution and violence. Since 2023, FH JOANNEUM has been a member of the European University Alliance EU4DUAL and has received the Austrian Erasmus+ Award several times, most recently in 2023, for excellence in international cooperation and mobility.
FH JOANNEUM receives the 2024 EAIE Award for Excellence in Internationalisation for its holistic approach to internationalisation, which focused on their diverse student community and creating meaningful and impactful experiences through their innovative initiatives. Join FH JOANNEUM’s session, Internationalise Yourself! Tips and Tricks for a Global Mindset at this year's EAIE Conference in Toulouse. During this session, they will reveal some of the secrets behind their innovative approach to internationalisation. Join them on Thursday, 19 September, from 09:30 to 10:30 in the plenary hall.
Winning the EAIE Award for Excellence in Internationalisation highlights FH JOANNEUM's commitment to internationalisation and innovative education.
Highly commended
University of Aveiro
The University of Aveiro was founded in 1973 with the mission to create, transmit, and apply knowledge to positively transform society. With a simple and linear structure, without autonomous faculties, and benefiting from the interaction between the university and polytechnic subsystems, the University of Aveiro provides a rich and varied academic environment, which allows for the extraction of potential from disciplinary diversity and the integration of knowledge.
Since its founding, internationalisation and the relationship with the region and companies have been high priorities. As part of the ECIU University, it is designing and exploring innovative solutions to meet the qualification needs that are already present and that will shape the future, both in initial and lifelong training.
The University is aware of the challenges and demands of a rapidly changing world, including the need for quality teaching, a diversified training offer aligned with the needs of the varied publics that converge on higher education today, and flexible and agile training models. There is a need for a model of teaching, research, and innovation without barriers, centred on the crossing and sharing of knowledge.
The University of Aveiro is highly commended in the Excellence in Internationalisation category in 2024 for its ambitious and enthusiastic strategy, focusing on regional engagement and intrinsic motivation for internationalisation.
Eligibility criteria
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The institution is located in one of the member countries of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
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The institution’s activities embody and reflect the four EAIE values: collaborative, inspiring, inclusive and excellence.
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The institution’s activities have specific and significant outcomes, which they are willing to share with other institutions.
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The nominator is an EAIE member and employed by the nominated institution.
Prizes
The winning institution will share its success story with the EAIE community, gaining extensive recognition and exposure. The winner received:
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Extensive visibility at the EAIE Conference, including at the Opening and Closing plenaries and on event signage
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Two fee waivers for the EAIE Annual Conference, and two invitations to the President’s Reception for the award presentation
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Opportunity to present a session about your winning internationalisation activities, offering actionable takeaways for others to follow
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Invitation to participate in a podcast, webcast or blog post
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EAIE group membership pack of five memberships for 2025
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An EAIE award to display in their home or office
Nomination process
Nominations for the 2025 EAIE Awards will open early next year. To create a winning nomination, you'll need to respond to questions such as the following examples, within the specified word count.
What is the impact of internationalisation at your institution?
Provide a concise overview of the measurable effects internationalisation has had on your institution and internal and external stakeholders, for example in terms of diversity, academic collaboration, global partnerships, or any other areas where you have seen a change. (500 words)
Please provide tangible examples of your internationalisation activities
Highlight how your institution has implemented creative solutions to new and ongoing challenges. In doing so, please include links to websites, comparisons to data or benchmarking that help to show the impact of these specific activities. (800 words)
How do your internationalisation activities relate to the four EAIE core values?
Detail how your internationalisation efforts align with the EAIE’s core values of collaborative, inspiring, inclusive and excellence. (500 words)
What are the next steps and goals for your internationalisation strategy?
Briefly outline future plans and activities for your institution’s internationalisation strategy, highlighting the direction and aspirations for future growth and development. (500 words)
How can other institutions replicate your activities?
Provide insights or ideas on how other institutions could emulate or adapt your successful internationalisation activities, sharing any key steps or lessons you have learned which can be universally applied or tailored to different contexts. (500 words)