Alumni Awards

Celebrating the achievements of alumni worldwide

When outstanding individuals receive a world-class education in the UK, the effects can last a lifetime. The 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 offers a prestigious award celebrating the outstanding achievements of the UK’s international alumni around the world. Applications for the 2025 awards are now closed.

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.

The awards are open to alumni 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 (HEI), at degree level or above (degree level is defined as band nine 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).

Award categories

There are four award categories:

Science and Sustainability Award – 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 Award – 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 Award – 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 Award – 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.

Timeline

 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 2025 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.