How do I apply?
Complete and submit a separate application for each eligible category in the online portal of your state or territory. The application must address all eligibility criteria, as outlined in the Program Guidelines, and must be completed in full, with all required attachments. You must submit your completed application and attachments before the closing date.
Find your state or territory online portal.
Is there a cost to applying?
No, it is free to apply for the awards.
How does the program work?
Step 1: Exporters apply once in their state or territory export awards program (where your business head office or main operations are located). Applications are assessed against the judging criteria.
Step 2: State and Territory winners are announced at state and territory ceremonies. Eligible winners progress to be national finalists in the Australian Export Awards program.
Step 3: National finalists are assessed against the judging criteria by national category judges and the National Judging Panel.
Step 4: Winners are announced at the National Export Awards ceremony in Canberra, and one winner is also crowned the Australian Exporter of the Year.
How does entering the Australian Export Awards benefit my business?
Celebrate your export success.
In addition to receiving recognition within your state or territory export awards program, national finalists will be recognised as one of Australia’s top exporters within the Australian business community, helping businesses unlock new business opportunities.
Discover why the Australian Export Awards is a great move for your business.
Who can apply?
The Australian Export Awards are open to all exporting businesses that meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines.
Reach out to your state or territory program contact with any questions related to eligibility.
When do applications open?
Applications open 14 April 2026.
Applications close 12 June 2026.
What are the eligibility criteria?
There are various eligibility criteria related to business, products or services and financials, and eligibility criteria for each national award category. To learn more, read the Program Guidelines.
How do I prepare my application?
Preview the application questions and gather the information you require to complete all questions.
Businesses are encouraged to understand the assessment criteria for each Section, to understand how their application will be assessed.
What are the award categories?
There are 13 national categories in the Australian Export Awards.
Some states or territories have additional award categories that are not considered part of the Australian Export Awards national program.
Reach out to your state or territory program contact for more information on state or territory categories.
Can I apply in multiple categories?
A business can only apply in one of each of the following national category types:
a. National sector categories: represent export industries and sectors across a broad range of Australian goods and services exports.
b. Cross-cutting categories: cross-cutting categories, agreed between Austrade and its state and territory government partners, are not sector specific. They highlight achievements of Australian goods and services exporters across the economy.
Read the category descriptors to determine which categories best relate to your business. Be sure to check category-specific eligibility criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines. also.
State and territory program contacts reserve the right to determine the most suitable category or categories for your business.
Example 1
Business A, harvests and manufactures avocado oil from their operational headquarters in Atherton, Queensland. Business A has an annual turnover of $8million and has been exporting for more than 5 years.
Business A would be eligible to apply for the Agribusiness, Food and Beverage category, as well either the Regional Exporter or Small Business category.
Example 2
Business B designs ready to wear athletic clothing from their headquarters in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Business B has an annual turnover of $1.5 million and has been exporting for 16 months.
Business B would only be eligible to apply for the Emerging Exporter category.
What category do I apply for if I previously applied for e-Commerce?
You should apply in the category that best reflects what you export (e.g. product, service or sector). E-commerce and digital channels can be highlighted as part of your export strategy within your application.
Can I use my submission from previous years?
No. Application questions and assessment criteria change from year to year, so be sure to read the 2026 Program Guidelines before getting started.
Can I re-apply in consecutive years?
Yes. Past applicants are encouraged to re-enter the Australian Export Awards, if they still meet the eligibility criteria.
Businesses inducted in the Australian Export Awards Hall of Fame are not eligible to apply.
Who sees the information supplied in my application?
All information supplied in your application will be treated as commercial-in-confidence.
State and territory and national export awards coordinators use the information solely for the purpose of judging the 2026 Australian Export Awards.
All judges sign a confidentiality agreement and conflict-of-interest declaration.
Is it possible to edit my application?
Yes. Edits and updated to your application can occur anything during the application period (14 April – 12 June 2026) via the online application portal.