Coventry University receives Queen's Award for Enterprise

Coventry University has today been awarded one of the most coveted accolades in UK business in recognition of its international growth and success over the past six years.

The University will receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise – which is decided and awarded by Her Majesty the Queen – making it one of only a select few higher education institutions in the history of the awards to be honoured.

In the awards' 50th anniversary year, Coventry University will be commended in the international trade category in recognition of its 'continuous achievement' since 2009 in growing and supporting its international student population in the UK and overseas.

The University draws students from over 150 different nations – making it one of the top ten UK universities for the size of its international population – and it operates teaching programmes abroad for over 12,000 students at 14 different locations.

The award also recognises the positive contribution subsidiary company Coventry University Enterprises has made to the institution's international operations, as well as the University's research programmes.

Today's award marks the latest and most significant in a series of accolades – including a Guardian university award – for Coventry University and its international activities, which have recognised its leading provision of work experience for international students, its excellence in student mobility and its role in making Coventry one of the most highly ranked destinations for students.

Dr David Pilsbury, deputy vice-chancellor for international development, said:

The growth in scale and breadth of our international activities is something we're immensely proud of and it is wonderful to have it recognised by receiving the UK's most prestigious business and enterprise award.

The University has embedded 'international' in all that we do, opening up new and exciting global opportunities and partnerships for the benefit of students, staff and other stakeholders. We are delighted that the talent and relationships we bring enrich the city, the region and the UK as a whole, and we look forward to further successes as we continue to roll out our 2020 international strategy.

The Queen's Award scheme was originally inaugurated in 1965 as the Queen's Award to Industry scheme, having been instituted by Royal Warrant following the recommendations of a committee chaired by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

Each award is decided by HM the Queen following recommendations from the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee. The first Queen's Awards for Enterprise were made in 2000. For further information about the awards, visit www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise.

For further information, please contact Alex Roache, external press and media relations officer, Coventry University, on +44 (0)24 7765 5050 or email alex.roache@coventry.ac.uk.