The University of Nottingham has reinforced its reputation as a truly global university with a win for its international strategy at the inaugural Guardian University Awards.

The awards celebrate the best of Britain’s universities and act as a benchmark for excellence across the higher education sector.

Nottingham won for its international strategy which encompasses the creation of research partnerships, an extensive network of global commercial partners and its campuses in Malaysia and China.

The University has more than 9,000 international students in the UK from more than 150 countries and more than 9,500 students in Malaysia and China. Some 25% of academic staff are international and it has one of the UK’s largest scholarship programmes for the developing world. The University has strategic partners in 25 countries and 37% of research income is obtained internationally.

Registrar Dr Paul Greatrix, who was at the London ceremony to pick up the award, said: “This award is a wonderful accolade for the international strategy of The University of Nottingham. The University has pursued a multifaceted approach over the past 12 years, building major campuses in Malaysia and China, establishing significant strategic teaching and research partnerships and sustaining a first class International Office. This is terrific recognition for Britain’s global university.”

Dr Greatrix, left, and Vincenzo Raimo, Director of the International Office at the University, Raimo are pictured receiving the award from BBC education correspondent Reeta Chakrabarti.