IEAA Excellence Awards 2025: winners revealed 

An innovative program designed to address the wide variation in international students’ maths skills, a college’s transformative corporate social responsibility initiative, and an outstanding thesis on the impact of study abroad programs were among the standout entries at the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) 2025 Awards.

The awards, which span seven categories, recognises leadership, innovation, best practice, professional commentary, research and the next generation of international education in the sector.

Keri Ramirez, once an international student from Mexico and now a leading Australian expert on international education datasets, took the accolade for ‘Excellence in Professional Commentary’. 

“It’s a very special award, particularly during this period of volatility for the sector. To hear that the insights have been useful in navigating change is very special and also deeply appreciated, especially as it comes from the community itself,” Ramirez, who also serves as the managing director at Sydney-based, Studymove, told The PIE News.

“For us, our commitment is to the sector and to rebuilding the right policy framework — one that attracts the right group of international students and ensures they have the best possible experiences.”

IEAA CEO Phil Honeywood said each winner reflected “the passion that has always driven international education in Australia”, adding that it was an honour to highlight their achievements.

“Despite policy turbulence, and a challenging financial environment for the sector, the international education community continues to innovate and inspire,” he said. 

Despite policy turbulence, and a challenging financial environment for the sector, the international education community continues to innovate and inspire

_{Phil Honeywood, IEAA}

Two individuals were also awarded IEAA life membership at the event. 

“The winners demonstrate how international education connects to our communities, uplifts professionals, boosts English language learning, embraces data, supports students, and reaches out to the world,” said IEAA president, professor Ren Yi.

“The whole international community should be proud that such outstanding individuals and teams represent us.”

Saskia Loer Hansen, former deputy vice-chancellor (international and engagement) and interim general director of RMIT Vietnam, was honoured posthumously with the award for ‘Distinguished Contribution to International Education’ for her significant impact on the sector. She passed away earlier this year.

“In every role she held, Saskia led with quiet authority and authenticity. She was trusted by government officials, admired by colleagues, and relied upon by the communities she served,” noted Chris Ziguras, director, Centre for the Study of Higher Education, University of Melbourne, who added that Saskia’s distinguished career spanned Denmark, Scotland, England, and Australia, including senior roles at Aston University before returning to RMIT.

“Saskia’s legacy lives on through the professionals she mentored, the many she inspired here today, and through everything she built and contributed to over a remarkable career.”

The full list of winners and highly commended are: 

• Best Practice in International Education:

Winner

‘OC’s Education With Purpose: Learning that Builds Communities’ by Orange College. 

• Distinguished Contribution to International Education:

Winner

Saskia Loer Hansen

High Commendation

Eve Ollerenshaw 

• Excellence In Leadership in International Education:

Winner

Sophie O’Keefe

High Commendation

Dr Alek Voninski

Caryn Nery

• Innovation in International Education Award:

Winner

‘Passport to Maths (P2M)’ by the P2M Project Team, Monash College

• Outstanding Postgraduate Thesis:  

Winner

Dr Elena Williams

• Excellence in Professional Commentary related to International Educations:

Winner

Keri Ramirez

• Tony Adams Rising Star Award:

Winner

Georgia Hooper

• Life Membership:

Melissa Banks

Janelle Chapman 

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