Leading China expert at UTS, Professor David Goodman, has won a prestigious award for his outstanding and continuing contribution to international education.

Professor Goodman, the Director of the Institute for International Studies, was presented the IDP award at the 15th Australian International Education Conference in Sydney.

IDP Education Australia presents the award each year to an individual who shows leadership in policy and strategic development, demonstrates a track record in global capacity building through education, and is a key influencer within the international education industry.

Chief Executive of IDP Education Australia, Lindy Hyam, said Professor Goodman had played a key role in encouraging Australian students to study abroad. "Since 1994, David Goodman has led the development at UTS of an International Studies Program that prepares graduates to interact with the increasingly internationalised workplaces they encounter on graduation," she said.

Professor Goodman said he was honoured to receive the award. He said the award also recognised the University as a whole - including the Vice-Chancellor, the Senior Executive, the Deans and the Faculties ­ as all had contributed towards developing the International Studies Program.

"The International Studies Program at UTS allows Australian students to combine a full degree course in any discipline or professional activity with study, knowledge and understanding of another culture and society, including its language. Local students undertake a full year studying in another country during their course," Professor Goodman said.

"It is crucial that Australia send students abroad both as part of their education so that they can become truly globalised professional graduates, but also because this kind of diplomacy is a proven way of assisting the development of a safer and more interesting world.

"There has been significant growth in student enrolments in the combined international studies degrees at UTS. In partnership with more than 60 universities overseas, the program encourages Australian students to travel and study internationally."