British Council Cyprus is honoured to host the Study UK Alumni Awards in partnership with the British High Commission Nicosia.
Now in their third year in Cyprus and twelfth year globally, these prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of the UK’s international alumni, showcase the value of a UK higher education and raise the international profile of UK alumni and their former universities.
Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, industries and countries.
The awards are open to alumni currently residing in any country outside the UK, who have within the last 15 years (i.e. 2010–2025) enrolled at an officially recognised body or received a recognised award from a UK higher education institution (HEI) 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).
Applications open on 1 September 2025 and close on 16 October 2025.
Award categories
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.
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.
Prizes
The British Council will offer a prize of up to €1,000 to the winner of each of the main categories in Cyprus for a professional development opportunity of their choice.
The benefits of winning a prestigious Alumni Award also include the opportunity to:
- raise your international profile through global press and digital coverage
- build your professional networks and business connections
- win a professional networking visit to the UK.
Apply for one of the awards
Have you studied for a UK qualification in the UK or in Cyprus and gone on to achieve exceptional success? If so, apply for one of the Awards!
What makes a great application? Read our top tips on the Study UK Alumni Awards website.
Finalists and winners from countries hosting national awards and all eligible applicants from countries not hosting national awards will be put forward for the global Alumni Awards.
The finalists and winners of the global Alumni Awards will be announced in 2026 and celebrated in a digital campaign that will raise the profile of their story and success. Winners of the global awards will be celebrated on a global scale and invited to the UK to re-connect with their universities, meet with the Study UK stakeholders and to support the ongoing development of their careers.
‘How to apply’ webinars
Interested in learning more about the application process and getting tips and help? Register for one of the ‘How to apply’ webinars we are organising in September and October.
Timeline
| 1 September 2025 | Applications open |
| 16 October 2025 | Applications close at 17.00 (UK time) |
| October – November 2025 | Shortlisting of applications |
| December 2025 – March 2026 | Announcement of finalists |
| January – March 2026 | Cyprus national-level winners announced |
| July – August 2026 | Global finalist announcement and digital celebration |
| August 2026 | Global Alumni Awards winners announced |
The application deadline is Thursday 16 October 2025.
Other ways to connect with international UK alumni
It doesn’t end with the Study UK Alumni Awards. Make sure you register to join Alumni UK, the British Council’s global networking and professional development platform for UK alumni around the world. Sign up today!