Study UK Alumni Awards offer an opportunity to take part in an international competition

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom in education continues to grow each year, creating new opportunities for young people and professionals. The British Council in Uzbekistan plays a key role in this process by delivering projects in education, culture and professional development. It also helps strengthen international ties between universities and improve the quality of education and research. The British Council has been operating in Uzbekistan for 30 years.

A meeting was held in Tashkent to mark this anniversary and to announce the opening of applications for the Study UK Alumni Awards 2027. The event brought together representatives of the British Council in Uzbekistan, graduates of UK universities, previous award winners, and members of the media. Michael Houlgate, Country Director of the British Council Uzbekistan, and Deputy Director Jamila Gulyamova briefed participants on the results and prospects of cooperation between the two countries. The Study UK Alumni Awards recognize UK alumni who apply the knowledge and skills gained during their studies in the United Kingdom to advance their professional careers, their teams, and society as a whole.

Now in its 13th year, the competition is accepting applications from September 1 to October 15. Candidates will be recognized in Business and Innovation; Culture, Creativity and Sport; Science and Sustainability; and Social Action.

“Over the 30 years of the British Council’s work, we have recognized people who have strengthened cooperation in education and culture, and we have discussed opportunities to further develop this partnership”, Michael Houlgate said. “Uzbekistan’s graduates who studied in the United Kingdom have also achieved significant success. They now contribute to Uzbekistan’s economic and social development and help strengthen relations between the two countries. With this in mind, we established the Study UK Alumni Awards to recognize graduates who are making contributions in business, culture, social action, and scientific innovation”.

During the 2024-2025 academic year, 1,295 students from Uzbekistan studied in the United Kingdom. In 2025, Shahboz Ibodullayev, a graduate of Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT), won the Business and Innovation Award.

“I work in investment banking, investor relations, corporate finance, and international trade”, Shahboz Ibodullayev said. “In Uzbekistan, I have worked on fundraising, issuing Eurobonds, and preparing companies for IPOs. Winning the Study UK Alumni Awards 2025 was an important recognition for me. I am also involved in developing the Olamvisa technology platform, which is designed to simplify the international visa application process for travelers from Uzbekistan and Central Asia. Through this project, I am gaining experience in technology and entrepreneurship”.

The Study UK Alumni Awards not only recognize the professional achievements of graduates of UK universities but also provide an opportunity for them to demonstrate their potential. All of this contributes to strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom.

Nasiba Ziyodullayeva, UzA