The award recognizes leaders, innovators, scientists, artists and social activists who have effectively applied the knowledge, skills and ideas gained during their studies in the UK to create lasting value.
Globally this year, the organizing committee received over 1,800 applications from over 120 countries and territories and over 140 universities in the UK. Among them, 28 outstanding candidates will advance to the global final selection and be introduced through a media campaign from April to August 2026.
In August 2026, four global champions will be announced in four categories: Business and Innovation, Culture, Creativity and Sport, Science and Sustainability, and Social Contribution. Champions will be invited to the UK to take part in networking activities and connect with other outstanding leaders, experts and alumni.
In addition to the global awards, 18 countries and territories also held national awards ceremonies to honor local graduates.
In Vietnam, the Study UK Alumni Awards 2026 award ceremony will be held in Hanoi on February 28, 2026. The best three from each category will advance to the national finals, and the British Council will announce the winners at an awards ceremony.
Dinh Thuy Huong, the 2021-2022 Business Innovation Award winner from the University of Northampton, spoke about the significance of this award: “The Alumni Awards are like a ‘visa’ that opens the door to prestigious international academic forums.” From her ordinary experiences as a student, she developed a passion for sustainable development and gradually developed into an international value creator. For Ms. Fong, this award is a solid testament to her dedication and the recognition she has been fortunate to receive.
Meanwhile, 2021-2022 Science and Sustainability award winner and former University College London student Nguyen Khanh Diu Hong sees the award as an important milestone in her research career. She believes that her experience studying abroad in the UK helped her develop confidence, independent thinking and creativity in science. Beyond her personal achievements, she hopes to contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnam and the world by inspiring and supporting more women to pursue STEM fields.
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