The Global Australian Awards celebrate the extraordinary impact of Global Australians — from Australians living abroad and at home, to international alumni of Australian universities, and recent migrants who now call Australia home.

These Awards shine a spotlight on inspiring individuals who are innovating in their fields and shaping a better world.

Nominations are open year‑round.  If you know a Global Australian making an outstanding contribution — or you are one yourself — we invite you to submit a nomination here. 

Winners and finalists, selected by a panel of eminent Australians, represent the very best of our global community: leaders, innovators, and changemakers driving progress across industries and continents.

In 2025, we look forward to showcasing these remarkable stories and hosting gala events in key Australian hubs around the world.

CATEGORIES

Winners are recognised in the following broad industry/sector categories:

• Alumni
• Leadership
• Technology & Innovation
• Agriculture, Food & Wine
• Advertising, Marketing & Communications
• Arts & Creative Excellence
• Education, Science & Research
• Finance and Professional Services
• Community & Social Impact
• Sustainability & Climate Change
• Sport

In addition to the above categories, the Judging Panel will recognise individuals who have made a significant global impact throughout their careers. Similar to a lifetime achievement award, nominees for this category may be household names in Australia or, as determined by the judges, deserving of increased recognition among Australians.

CRITERIA

People may nominate themselves and/or others. Eligible nominees must:

• Be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident; OR alumni of an Australian university who are non-Australian citizens or residents
• Be working and/or active within your industry (i.e. not in initial studies or fully retired)
• Not be a current Advance Ambassador, or a current member of Advance staff / Advance Board of Directors / Advance Asia Advisory Committee.
• A nominee may be considered for more than one category
• Nominees will have the opportunity to self-select their eligibility for the Special Awards as part of their application. 
• Unsuccessful nominees may re-nominate in subsequent years
• Award winners cannot receive a second award in the same award category. They can be considered for recognition in a separate category in the following years
• Groups of people or couples will typically not be eligible, though in exceptional cases, the selection panel reserves the right to consider such nominations
• The selection panel reserves the right to determine the relevance of nominations and to move nominees across categories
• All category winners will be considered for the Global Australian of the Year Award (which remains separate to this process)
• No weight is given to multiple submissions for the same nominee
• Awards will not be granted posthumously

You may nominate yourself and/or others. Eligible nominees must:

• Be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident; OR alumni of an Australian university who are non-Australian citizens or residents
• Be working and/or active within your industry (i.e. not in initial studies or fully retired)
• Not be a current Advance Ambassador, or a current member of Advance staff / Advance Board of Directors / Advance Asia Advisory Committee.
• A nominee may be considered for more than one category
• Unsuccessful nominees may re-nominate in subsequent years
• Award winners cannot receive a second award in the same award category. They can be considered for recognition in a separate category in following years
• Groups of people or couples will normally not be eligible, though in exceptional cases the selection panel reserves the right to consider such nominations
• The selection panel reserves the right to determine the relevance of nominations and to move nominees across categories
• All category winners will be considered for the Global Australian of the Year Award
• No weight is given to multiple submissions for the same nominee
• Awards will not be granted posthumously

• For the Alumni category, nominees must be alumni of an Australian university program and a non-Australian citizen or resident