The Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that are making significant, well-planned, well-executed, and well-documented progress toward comprehensive internationalization—especially those using innovative and creative approaches. There are two categories in which an institution can receive a Simon Award, Comprehensive and Spotlight.
Plan ahead - the next application cycle will launch in summer 2025.
Questions? Contact NAFSA through the Simon Award contact form.
2025 Simon Awards Announced
On February 11, 2025, NAFSA announced that eight U.S. universities and colleges have been selected to receive a 2025 Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization.
Join NAFSA in congratulating these institutions on their campus internationalization efforts!
2025 Winning Institutions
Comprehensive Award
Five institutions received the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization in 2025:
- Pennsylvania State University
- San Diego State University
- University of Arizona
- University of Georgia
- University of Notre Dame
Spotlight Award
Three institutions received the NAFSA Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award in 2025:
- Saint Louis University for its Partnership for a Higher Purpose
- University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service for its International Public Service Project
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for its IGlobal Program
Award Categories
Comprehensive
The Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization recognizes overall excellence in internationalization efforts as evidenced in mission, strategies, programs, and results.
This award is presented to no more than five institutions in a selection cycle.
Spotlight
The Senator Paul Simon Spotlight Award is intended to highlight specific individual programs and services that are judged to be outstanding and innovative.
This award is presented to no more than three institutions in a selection cycle.
Benefits and Recognition
Award-winning institutions will receive:
- One complimentary conference registration to attend the next NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
- Two complimentary tickets to the NAFSA Awards Banquet, held during the NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo.
- Recognition at the next NAFSA Annual Conference & Expo including acknowledgement on conference signage.
- Recognition on the NAFSA website and social media platforms.
- One framed certificate shipped to your institution.
- A profile of your institution in the next Internationalizing the Campus annual report.
- Seven complimentary copies of the Internationalizing the Campus report featuring your institution's profile. Additional copies may be purchased.
Past Award Winners
Discover the institutions with innovative international programs.
Application Process
Find out how to apply for the next Simon Award.
Selection Committees
Learn more about the committee of peers responsible for selecting Simon Award recipients.
Profiles of Success
Review NAFSA’s digital Internationalizing the Campus.
About Senator Paul Simon
Learn more about the late senator.
