Finalists announced for the 2026 #WeAreInternational Awards
September 09, 2026
Today, we announce the finalists for the 2026 #WeAreInternational Awards.
94 finalists have been shortlisted across 15 award categories, recognising excellence across the UK’s international education and skills sector.
The awards celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations helping to create exceptional international student experiences across the UK, from student volunteers and student groups to universities, students’ unions and pathway providers.
Together, these finalists represent some of the remarkable work taking place across the UK to create welcoming, inclusive and enriching experiences for international students.
Launched in 2025, the #WeAreInternational Awards recognise international students, showcasing education and skills providers and the talented professionals across institutions who contribute towards the UK’s world-leading education sector.
UKCISA Chief Executive Tina Renshaw said:
“I am delighted to celebrate the finalists in this year’s #WeAreInternational Awards. These awards showcase the extraordinary commitment, creativity and care demonstrated across the international education and skills sector.
From fostering belonging and building communities, to delivering outstanding services and support that enable students to achieve their potential, this year’s finalists demonstrate an incredible commitment to creating exceptional international student experiences.
The quality of nominations this year made shortlisting incredibly difficult, and I’m so proud to see how our members are delivering outstanding activities to boost the academic, employability and wellbeing outcomes for international students.”
Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists.
Join us in celebrating at the #WeAreInternational Awards ceremonym, when the winners will be announced, on 18 November at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London.
We would like to thank our headline sponsor, Duolingo English Test, for supporting the 2026 #WeAreInternational Awards.
A note on College of the Year
This year, we introduced College of the Year to recognise the important contribution publicly funded and private further education colleges make to international education and the experiences of international students across the UK.
While we did not receive any completed nominations for this category, we know that publicly funded and private further education colleges across the UK are doing valuable work to welcome and support international students. Such colleges remain a valued part of UKCISA’s membership and the wider international education sector, and we look forward to continuing to champion their work.
