Celebrating the achievements of UK alumni in United Arab Emirates.
Have you studied in the UK and gone on to achieve exceptional success? Applications for the Study UK Alumni Awards open on 1 September 2026.
The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrate the achievements of international UK alumni who are making a positive impact around the world. Delivered by the British Council and now in their thirteenth year, the awards recognise leaders, innovators and changemakers whose UK higher education has helped shape their success.
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 audiovisual media creation (e.g blogging, vlogging including for YouTube and social media).
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.
Why apply?
The Study UK Alumni Awards provide an opportunity to raise your professional profile and become part of a distinguished global network of UK alumni making a difference around the world.
Successful applicants are recognised at a country awards ceremony, where they have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements and connect with fellow alumni, university partners and key stakeholders.
Country winners are then automatically entered into the global Study UK Alumni Awards. Global winners are then invited to the UK to take part in a programme of networking, professional development and celebration events.
Timeline
| 1 September 2026 | Applications open |
| 16 October 2026 | Applications close at 17.00 BST (UK time) |
| October - December 2026 | Shortlisting of applications |
| January 2027 | Announcement of finalists |
| February 2027 | To be confirmed |