Global Institute of Sport Wins Advancing International Education Award at Independent Higher Education Awards 2025 

The Global Institute of Sport has once again been recognised as one of the UK’s leading institutions at this year’s Independent Higher Education Awards, winning the Advancing International Education category. 

The award recognises the leading independent higher education provider implementing initiatives to enhance the international student experience, promote the benefits of internationalisation and develop their international offer.  

Judges were impressed by GIS’ innovation, industry links and opportunities provided to students for cultural immersion and integration; also noting that GIS exemplifies true collaboration, student-centred opportunity, and impactful partnerships.   

Sharona Friedman, President & CEO of Global Institute of Sport, commented, “Winning the Advancing International Education Award is a proud moment for everyone at GIS and a powerful recognition of our mission to transform the global sports industry through education and collaboration.” 

She added, “We are committed to creating truly immersive, international experiences that prepare our students to succeed anywhere in the world. This award reflects the dedication of our team, our partners, and most importantly, our students who bring our global community to life.” 

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) delivers a truly global student experience. 

Global Summits in London, Miami, New York, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne immerse students in local sporting markets through live sport experiences, behind-the-scenes access to iconic venues, networking with local organisations, and insights from regional industry leaders. These summits help students connect with peers from around the world and understand local markets. 

GIS’s Live Lab in Jamaica was also launched in the past year, offering fully funded, multi-week internships at Mount Pleasant Football Academy, the Caribbean’s leading football centre of excellence. Students undertake work placements across coaching, and performance analysis, media and business operations, contributing to the senior men’s team and academy while gaining firsthand experience of Caribbean football culture. 

Students also have opportunities to study and travel, including paid internships and coaching roles in the USA, Australia, and Dubai, combining academic study with professional experience. 

GIS has expanded its international campuses to deliver courses in even more sports markets. The Sydney, Miami and Brussels campuses opened in 2025 to provide full-time, on-campus study for international students from around the world, delivering programmes from world-class sporting venues. 

Through these recent initiatives, GIS continues to enable students to live, study, and work in sport, combining UK higher education excellence with unparalleled global opportunities.