Alumni Awards National Ceremony, USA 2024

When outstanding individuals receive a world-class education in the UK, the effects can last a lifetime. The Study UK Alumni Awards shine a light on the impact that alumni of UK higher education institutions are making in their chosen field, and how this was sparked by their studies in the UK. 

The British Council has launched the eleventh year of a prestigious award celebrating the outstanding achievements of the UK’s international alumni around the world.  

The Study UK Alumni Awards are open to alumni living anywhere outside of the UK. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries, and countries. The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate and showcase the impact and value of a UK higher education and raise the international profile of UK alumni and their former universities. 

Winners of the global awards will be celebrated on a global scale and invited to the UK to re-connect with their universities, and to join activities that support the ongoing development of their careers.

Eligibility

The awards are open to alumni currently residing in any country outside the UK who:

  • Have within the last 15 years (i.e. 2009 - 2024), enrolled at an officially recognised body or received a recognised award from a UK higher education institution, at degree level or above (degree level is defined as band 9 and above on the UK ENIC band framework), either at a UK university in the UK, for a minimum of one term or semester, At degree level or above (degree level is defined as band 9 and above on the UK ENIC band framework).

Or

  • Have been awarded a full UK degree level qualification (or higher), awarded by a recognised UK HEI, in their home country (Transnational Education - TNE/long distance). 

For all details about eligibility criteria, please see the Terms and Conditions at the bottom of this page.

For applicants in the USA, a single application provides two opportunities for recognition. You may be selected as a finalist for the national awards which will be announced in February 2025, while your application will also be considered for the global awards, competing with alumni from around the world.

There are four award categories: 

Science and Sustainability

Recognising alumni who have distinguished themselves through their career and achievements in the world of science and sustainability, and who can demonstrate the impact and scale of their achievements in their profession, and beyond.

• Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: climate action, clean energy, medicine, sustainable cities and communities, engineering, industry and construction. 

Culture and Creativity

Recognising alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts and culture. We are looking for individuals who can demonstrate their artistic ingenuity, influence and creativity.

• Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: arts, design, humanities, traditional media, music, video, TV, sports and online content and audiovisual media creation (e.g blogging, vlogging including for YouTube and social media). 

Social Action

Recognising alumni who have made an exceptional contribution and commitment to creating positive social change and improving the lives of others.

• Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: education, peace and justice and reducing inequality, poverty and hunger and broader humanitarian work or work for social good.

Business and Innovation

Recognising alumni who are active in initiating and contributing to innovative or creative new ideas, solutions or business opportunities, that have the potential for growth.

• Areas of work could include, but are not limited to: entrepreneurship, business, technology and finance.

 

Have you studied in the UK and gone on to achieve exceptional success? If so, apply for one of the Awards. Applications will be open on September 1, 2024!

Selection process  

  • National Awards (USA): After the application period closes, a US judging panel, that brings together a wealth of international expertise in education, entrepreneurship and national policy, will select four national winners among all US finalists. The Study UK team in the USA, will then host an in-person ceremony to celebrate finalists and announce the four national winners in February 2025.
  • Global: All eligible finalists are automatically entered into the global stage of the Study UK Alumni Awards. The selection process and celebration follow a similar flow, with the main difference being that their application will be reviewed by a global judging panel. 

Finalists and winners of the global stage will be announced between April and August 2025.

Timelines

1 September 2024 Applications open
21 October 2024 Applications close at 17.00 (British Summer Time)
October - November 2024 Shortlisting of applications
December 2024 - January 2025 Announcement of finalists
February 2025  USA national level winners announced and in-person Ceremony
 April - August 2025 Global finalist announcement and digital celebration 
 August 2025  Global Alumni Awards winners announced

Applications open on 1 September 2024 and close on 21 October 2024. Finalists and winners from countries hosting national awards, and all eligible applicants from countries not hosting national awards will be put forward for the global Alumni Awards.  

‘How to apply’ webinars 

Encourage your alumni to join one of our webinars, where we will talk through the application process, help, and tips. 

Register here

Get inspired!

Follow Study UK on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X to discover more about #StudyUKAlumniAwards. We encourage to learn more about last year’s finalist and awardees in the USA on the links below.

External links