The British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, is inviting applications for the 11th edition of its prestigious Study UK Alumni Awards programme. The awards are dedicated to honouring leaders who have leveraged their UK education to make significant contributions to their communities, industries, and countries.
The Study UK Alumni Awards feature four categories to spotlight exceptional achievements and impact in various fields: Science and Sustainability, Culture and Creativity, Social Action and Business and Innovation. Eligible applicants will have the opportunity to compete on both the Global and National stages of the Alumni Awards. Global Alumni Award recipients will gain a chance to boost their international profiles, expand their professional networks, and enrich their careers with a professional networking visit to the UK. Additionally, India will host a national ceremony to honour their finalists.
The last date to submit applications is 21st October 2024. The finalists and winners of India awards will be announced in March 2025 whereas, the Global winners will be announced in July 2025 and celebrated through a digital campaign highlighting their remarkable stories and successes. Last year, the award received over 1,500 applications from UK alumni residing in nearly 100 countries. These applicants represented more than 130 higher education institutions located throughout the UK.
For many years the UK has been one of the most popular study destinations for Indian students and the number of students from India to the UK has witnessed a significant jump. In fact, a total of 147,051 sponsored study visas were granted between July 2023 to June 2024, with Indians accounting for over two-fifths (46 per cent).
This mobility is powered by the achievements of Indian alumni who have made substantial contributions to their communities, industries, and nations. The International Alumni Awards programme recognises such alumni and honours them and their work that inspires others around them.
Speaking about the Alumni Awards 2025, Rittika Chanda Parruck, Director of Education, British Council India, said, “The StudyUK Alumni Awards acknowledge and recognise exceptional individuals who have applied the expertise and experiences they gained while studying at UK universities to positively transform their home country, their communities, and the world beyond. These awards not only celebrate their achievements but also show the impact of a UK education locally and globally. I urge all eligible alumni to apply for the awards and share their inspirational stories with the world. The StudyUK Alumni Awards are a great platform to showcase what you have achieved and celebrate your incredible success.”
Sandhya Sukumaran, Winner of Science and Sustainability Award 2024 said, “Receiving this award is a truly humbling experience. The prestige associated with the Study UK Alumni Awards is unparalleled, and I’m deeply grateful for the recognition it affords. As an Indian alum of a UK university, I’m proud to have been able to apply the knowledge and skills gained during my studies to make a meaningful impact in India. This acknowledgement validates the efforts I’ve made to drive positive change in my home country, significantly enhancing my professional credibility”.
For comprehensive details on how to apply, categories, application process and eligibility criteria, please visit https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/alumni-awards