The UK has long been committed to nurturing world-class graduates—outstanding individuals who go on to become leaders in their fields, driving creativity, diversity, inclusion, and innovation. Launched by the British Council in 2014, the Study UK Alumni Awards are now held in over 100 countries around the world. These awards aim to recognize the remarkable achievements of UK alumni and their impact on their communities, industries, and countries.
About the Study UK Alumni Awards 2027
Application dates: The opening date of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2027 is 1 September 2026 at 00.01 UK time (BST). The closing date for all countries is 15 October 2026 at 17.00 UK time (BST).
“How to Apply” webinars
Join our ‘How to Apply’ webinars, hosted by our UK team and open to all alumni worldwide. These interactive sessions are designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to submit a strong application. Our guest speakers include previous award winners and members of our global British Council team. Register to attend using this form.
The dates and times are:
- Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 10.00-11.00 (UK time) / 17.00 - 18.00 (Taiwan time) – Ms Enchia Tsai, the Business and Innovation Awards 2025 global winner from Taiwan will share her insights during this session.
- Wednesday 7 October 2026 at 16.00-17.00 (UK time) / 23.00 - 00.00 (Taiwan time)
Eligibility Criteria:
Alumni must have studied:
- within the last 15 years (i.e. 2011 - 2026)
- 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)
The Alumni Awards are open to international UK alumni who are residing outside the UK.
There are four award categories:
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.
Culture, Creativity and Sport Award - 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 audio-visual media creation (e.g blogging, vlogging including for YouTube and social media).
Science and Sustainability Award - Recognising alumni who have distinguished themselves through their careers 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.
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.
Application and Shortlisting Timeline
| 1 September 2026 | Applications open for all countries |
| 15 October 2026 | Applications close at 17.00 (BST) |
| November 2026 | Shortlisting of applications for applicants from Taiwan |
| December 2026 or January 2027 | Award Ceremony in Taiwan |
| August 2027 | Global Alumni Awards winners announced |
Find out more about Study UK Alumni Awards
