Applications for the Philippines’ first Study UK Alumni Awards are now open!

When outstanding individuals receive a world-class education in the UK, the effects can last a lifetime. The Alumni Awards shine a light on the impact that alumni of UK higher education institutions are making in their chosen field, and how this was sparked by their studies in the UK.

The British Council in the Philippines is proud to announce that it will be joining the launch of the tenth year of the prestigious Alumni Awards. In line with our 45th anniversary in the country, we wish to celebrate the contributions of Filipino UK alumni and increase their visibility and exposure to professional opportunities.

The awards are open to alumni who have, within the last 15 years (i.e. 2008 - 2023), enrolled at an officially recognised body or received a recognised award from a UK higher education institution, 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).

 

There are four award categories:

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. 

Culture and Creativity Award

Recognising alumni who have carved a career for themselves in arts and culture. 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). 

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.

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.

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Have you studied in the UK and gone on to achieve exceptional success? If so, apply for one of the Awards here.

The portal will be open until 22 October 2023, 23:00 PST.

Want to make your application stand out? See our top tips on making a great application.

Below are just some of the benefits of winning a prestigious Alumni Award:

  • 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

 

Timeline

1 September - 22 October 2023 Application period
October - November 2023 Shortlisting of applications
December 2023 Announcement of national finalists
February 2024 National awards
April - August 2024 Announcement of global finalists and digital celebrations
August - November 2024 Announcement and celebration of global winners

The finalists and winners of the global Alumni Awards will be announced in 2024 and celebrated in a digital campaign that will raise the profile of their story and success. All eligible applicants at the national-level will be put forward for the global Awards.

If you wish to have more in-depth understanding of the Awards, we are also conducting webinars this 21 September and 12 October where we will walk prospective applicants through the application process and provide tips. Register here.

Meet some Filipino alumni who have made it to the Global Awards:

Baby Ruth Villarama, 2018 Global Alumni Awardee for Social Impact

Birmingham City University

Baby Ruth Villarama is an award-winning filmmaker internationally acclaimed for her documentaries which shed light on social issues such as human trafficking and slavery. She began in her field as a researcher, producer and journalist for renowned media outlets like ABS-CBN News, Reuters, National Geographic Channel and CNN, and later co-founded Voyage Film Studios which works with local and international creatives alike to produce compelling and socially relevant films.

Her latest work, Sunday Beauty Queen, which tackles the themes of identity, escapism and the harsh realities of Filipina domestic workers in Hong Kong, won Best Picture at the 2017 Metro Manila Film Awards. 

Melvin Sanicas, 2023 Global Finalist for Science and Sustainability

London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, University of Leeds, University of Leicester

Melvin’s cost-effectiveness study on the 2-dose human papillomavirus vaccination schedule was instrumental in Southeast Asia adopting a school-based vaccination programme, protecting more girls from cervical cancer, the fourth most frequent cancer among women in Asia. He launched the Collaboration for Tuberculosis (TB) Vaccine Discovery, a global network dedicated to developing new vaccines for TB. His publication on live TB vaccines helped shape the development pathway for whole cell TB vaccines. He ensured expansion of the use of the quadrivalent influenza vaccines (QIV) for children 6 months of age and older, protecting thousands of children from influenza each year. He was also one of the top 100 scientific influencers globally on Covid-19.

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