British Council Opens Applications for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2027, Spotlighting UK-Educated Changemakers

Applications are now open until 15 October 2026 for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2027
India finalists will be announced in January 2027, ahead of the global awards later in the year
The previous edition attracted more than 1,800 applications from alumni across nearly 120 countries

New Delhi, 07 September 2026: From pioneering new ideas and businesses to advancing social change, championing creativity and addressing global challenges, UK alumni around the world are using their education and experiences to create meaningful impact. The British Council, UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities is inviting applications for the Study UK Alumni Awards, recognising the achievements of exceptional alumni who are making a difference across their communities, professions and societies.

Now in its 13th edition, the Study UK Alumni Awards provide a global platform for UK alumni to share their journeys and celebrate how their UK education has shaped their careers and contributions. The awards recognise individuals across four categories: Science and Sustainability; Culture, Creativity and Sport; Social Action; and Business and Innovation.

Applicants will be considered for recognition at both national and global levels. Following national selections, 28 alumni from across the world will be shortlisted as global finalists, from whom four global winners will be selected by an international judging panel.

Beyond the recognition itself, the awards offer alumni an opportunity to amplify their work and connect with a wider international community. Global winners will benefit from increased international visibility, professional networking opportunities and a dedicated networking visit to the UK. In India, finalists will also be recognised at a national awards ceremony, bringing together alumni who are creating impact across diverse sectors.

Applications for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2027 are open until 15 October 2026. India’s finalists will be announced in January 2027, while the global winners will be announced in August 2027 and featured through a digital campaign showcasing their stories, achievements and contributions.

The 2026 edition saw strong participation from the global UK alumni community, with more than 1,800 applications from over 120 countries. In India, the national ceremony held in Bengaluru in March 2026 brought together winners and finalists from a range of professional and creative fields and was attended by Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Higher Education Minister for the Government of Karnataka, alongside senior leaders from the British Council and UK Government. The event highlighted the breadth of impact being created by UK alumni across India and beyond.

Speaking about the Alumni Awards 2027, Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director of Education India, British Council, said, “The journey with Study UK does not end when a student completes their education in the UK. For many, it marks the beginning of new collaborations, ideas and relationships that continue to grow across borders. India’s UK alumni community is a reflection of this enduring connection, with individuals using their experiences to open new doors for themselves and for others. The Alumni Awards celebrate that journey by bringing these stories to the forefront and recognising the breadth of talent and contribution within this community. We look forward to hearing from alumni whose work, ideas and experiences are helping shape what comes next.”

The Study UK Alumni Awards offer UK-educated alumni a global platform to showcase their achievements, share their stories and gain recognition for the impact they are creating in their respective fields. Winners will have the opportunity to strengthen their international profile through global media and digital coverage, build valuable professional and business connections, and take part in an exclusive professional networking visit to the UK.

For full details on the award categories, eligibility criteria, application process and how to apply, please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.in/study-uk/alumni-awards