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 international alumni of UK higher education institutions are making in their chosen fields, and how this was sparked by their studies in the UK. 

The British Council has launched the twelfth 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. 

Eligibility

The awards are open to international alumni currently residing in any country outside the UK, who have within the last 15 years (i.e. 2010 - 2025), 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, OR awarded a full UK degree level qualification (or higher), awarded by a recognised UK HEI, in their home country (Transnational Education - TNE/long distance). 

There are four award categories: 

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. 

Recognising alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts, culture and sport. 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).  

 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. 

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.

Have you studied in the UK and gone on to achieve exceptional success? If so, apply for one of the Awards. Applications open from 1 September 2025!  

If you're applying in the USA, you can be chosen as a finalist/winner for the national awards that will be celebrated in-person in May 2026, AND your application will also be forwarded for a chance to a be finalist/winner for the global awards, where you'll be competing with other alumni from around the world.

Timeline

1 September 2025

Applications open

16 October 2025

Applications close at 17.00 UK (BST)

October - November 2025

Shortlisting of applications

December 2025 - March 2026

Announcement of national finalists

May 2026

USA national-level winners announced

July - August 2026

Global finalists announcement and digital celebration

August  2026

Global Alumni Awards winners announced

 Applications open on 1 September 2025 and close on 16 October 2025. 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.  

The finalists and winners of the global Alumni Awards will be announced in 2026 and celebrated in a digital campaign that will raise the profile of their story and success. Winners of the global awards will be celebrated on a global scale and invited to the UK to re-connect with their universities, meet with the Study UK stakeholders and to support the ongoing development of their careers.

How to apply webinars 

We will talk you through the application process, help, and tips – join us to learn more.

Register here for the "How to apply webinars"

Meet the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025 finalists and winners

On February 2025, we celebrated a variety of strong applicants at a ceremony for US finalists and winner in Los Angeles. These candidates stood out with their contributions, find out what makes their stories unique.

Alumni Awards 2025 winners

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