The British Embassy in Abu Dhabi has announced the opening of applications for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2027, which recognise and celebrate UK university graduates now living in the UAE who have made a significant professional or social impact.

Despite the impression created by references to a “free trip”, the initiative is not a public prize draw open to all UAE residents. Applicants must be eligible graduates of UK higher education institutions. Winners of the UAE awards will advance to the global competition, with the overall global winners invited to the UK to take part in networking, professional development and special events.

The awards are presented in four categories: Business and Innovation; Culture, Creativity and Sport; Science and Sustainability; and Social Action. Selection criteria include the impact of applicants’ work, the role their UK education played in their success, and their ability to inspire others.

Under the British Council’s official eligibility criteria, applicants must generally have studied at degree level or above at a recognised UK institution, or obtained a recognised UK qualification, between 2011 and 2026. Applications are now open to eligible UAE residents.

Geraldine McCafferty, the British Ambassador to the UAE, said last year’s programme created a network of 855 UK alumni across the seven emirates and encouraged eligible candidates to apply for the new awards cycle.

The British Embassy in the UAE’s latest official announcement lists the application deadline as 23 October 2026, although the British Council UAE webpage still shows 16 October. Applicants are therefore advised to follow the deadline displayed on the official application portal when submitting their applications.

🌐 Application website