National teaching awards
There are a number of external award schemes which recognise achievement in teaching and learning.
If you are interested in applying to any of the schemes listed below, please contact ITaLI's Teaching Recognition Coordinator at teaching.awards@uq.edu.au for advice.
The Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) were established in 1997 by the Australian Government to celebrate and reward excellence in university teaching. Since then, the Awards have become a valued form of recognition for university educators Australia wide.
The AAUT recognise the impact that educators have on the learning and teaching experiences and outcomes of university students. They celebrate and reward programs and practices that support students and enhance learning. They promote excellence in learning and teaching in all aspects of higher education. Recipients, with the support of their institutions, contribute to systemic change in learning and teaching through the ongoing sharing and dissemination of knowledge.
The University of Queensland (UQ) applicants to the AAUTs are identified by an internal selection process and receive an invitation to participate each year.
How to apply
UQ applications to the Australian Awards for University Teaching are submitted by invitation only. Applicants are identified from the UQ award recipients, and by recommendation from the University Senior Management.
All applications to the AAUTs must be accompanied by an endorsement for the nomination from the University. As such, each year, identified applicants will receive an invitation to submit a draft application and participate in an internal selection process by committee.
Please be aware that writing an award application and developing strong evidence to support a claim take time. If you are interested in a future application to the AAUTs, we recommend that you refer to the program information and nomination instructions below, review past applications available in the Exemplar award application library (staff login required) and speak to an award winner about their experience.
Universities Australia releases updated program information and nomination instructions on their website in May each year. To access the program nomination information and instructions please visit the Universities Australia AAUT website.
Information session
If you are interested in applying for a teaching and learning award in the future (either a UQ award or an AAUT), please register to attend an upcoming Applying for a UQ Teaching and Learning Award information session. This session is interactive and designed to assist you to develop a plan for your awards applications.
ITaLI also hosts an information session for invited applicants annually.
Please contact teaching.awards@uq.edu.au if you would like to receive alerts regarding the different Teaching and Learning award schemes.
Key dates
The internal selection of UQ’s nominees for the Australian Awards for University Teaching commences in March of each year. Identified applicants receive an invitation to participate in this process before the end of April.
Final submissions of endorsed applications are usually due in September. Awards are announced by Universities Australia in February of the following year.
For more information regarding this year's key dates, please go to the AAUT website.
Previous award winners
The Australian Financial Review (AFR) Higher Education Awards highlight at a national level the tremendous contribution that the higher education sector makes to Australian prosperity and quality of life.
There are 8 award categories, including teaching and learning excellence and employability.
Applications for the AFR Higher Education Awards open in April and close in May 2023. Please note, applications to this scheme are invited by Expression of Interest.
If you are interested in applying for recognition through the AFR Higher Education Awards for your work supporting your students’ learning in one of the following categories:
- Teaching and Learning Excellence
- Employability
- Equity and Access
- Community Engagement
- Industry Engagement
Please email your Expression of Interest with the following information:
- Project, Team or Initiative Title
- Team Member Information
- 50-word summary of your contributions to student learning and experience
- 200 words addressing your positive impact on student learning and student experience and on the sustainability of your initiative.
University of Queensland Nominees for the AFR Higher Education Awards will be selected by University Senior Leadership.
If you would like to be considered, please submit your expression of interest to teaching.awards@uq.edu.au by no later than 5:00pm, 21 April 2023.
Visit the AFR Higher Education Awards website for more information.
Applications for the Reimagine Education Awards open in March and close in July each year. The awards aim to acknowledge those most successful in creating transformational educational initiatives, enhancing student learning outcomes and/or employability.
Educational innovators from all over the world can apply for an award under 15 categories. For information about the key criteria and application requirements, visit the Reimagine Education Awards website.