QRC has quadrupled its intake numbers since it opened in 2006 and recently bought the former Queenstown Lodge to offer accommodation to its students.
The investment future-proofs the college's infrastructure needs and marks the first step in its long-term vision of establishing a student campus in Queenstown.
Awards judge Mike Sutherland said the college had put a lot of investment into the region, particularly with the purchase of the lodge.
"It's hard creating a new learning institution outside of a large city, but QRC's strategy appears to be working and they're going full steam ahead in the market."
QRC chief executive Charlie Phillips said he was delighted his team had received such high recognition.
"This win reinforces our work to ensure tertiary study is a now a serious option in Queenstown.
"QRC is committed to ensuring the region becomes known as an outstanding place to gain a high-level education and we're proud to have introduced a totally new way of attracting people to the region."
