British Council opens applications for Study UK Alumni Awards 2026; four categories announced

The British Council has opened the application process for its twelfth edition of the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026. The awards recognise leaders who have studied in UK universities and made significant contributions to their communities, industries, and countries.

The UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities is accepting nominations for the Study UK Alumni Awards from today, September 1. The last date to submit the applications is October 16.

The awards are given under four categories – science and sustainability; culture, creativity and sport; social action; and business and innovation. Applicants will have the option to compete at both the national and global levels.

“The four global winners are chosen from the 28 global finalists by our judging panel members. Global Alumni Award winners will have the opportunity to raise their international profiles, expand professional networks, and enhance their careers through a dedicated networking visit to the UK,” the British Council said.

India will also host a national ceremony to honour its finalists, it added.

As per the tentative schedule, the winners of the India awards will be announced in February 2026, whereas the global winners will be announced in August 2026. The digital campaign highlighting their achievements will also be organised.

Last year, more than 1,300 applications were received from international UK alumni, from nearly 100 countries across the UK. The award ceremony of the eleventh edition was held in Delhi in March 2025.

Aashish Mathur, an alumnus of Ulster University, won the science and sustainability award. The culture and creativity award was presented to Gayatri Madkekar. Raju Kendra from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, received the social action award and the business and innovation award was given to Mayank Bherulal Nagori.

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Study UK Alumni Awards 2026

The timeline of events are given below.