Application Guidance

The Honours celebrate the remarkable achievements of Indian students and alumni who have pursued British academic programs. This prestigious initiative, in partnership with the British Council, the UK Government, and the UK Higher Education sector is an unparalleled recognition, fostering a thriving community of global achievers whose contributions shape not only the India-UK bilateral relationship but also global discourse on critical issues.

Why Nominate

This is a unique opportunity to join an elite community of excellence, celebrating the profound impact of UK-educated Indian alumni across diverse sectors. The Achievers Honours recognise those who drive positive change in India, the UK, and globally. Winning this accolade showcases your leadership and vision, capable of influencing change and inspiring future generations. This platform is not merely about accolades; it's about being part of a transformative narrative that heralds a new era of India-UK collaborations, highlighting the best of this dynamic educational and cultural exchange.

As one of our Achievers you will be able to raise your international profile and enhance your professional networks.

Winners will benefit from enhanced PR and press opportunities that raise their profile and share their success with international audiences. Our winners will be celebrated on a global scale in a unique campaign spread over several months, that begins with honouring you at a Gala Ceremony; and a digital campaign that will run during 2025.

To be eligible for the honours you
  • Are a current student or an alumni
  • Can show a considerable amount of achievement in one of the award categories, whilst demonstrating social impact commensurate to your expertise in your respective field
  • Must have been an Indian citizen at the point of commencing their UK programme of study
  • Must have studied any type of course in a British HEI, either in-person or transnationally. This can include short fellowships, summer schools etc
  • Certifications, post doc researchers, Chevening and all other scholarship/fellowship holders are eligible
  • Unsuccessful applicants from last year’s awards can reapply (and are encouraged) for this round of honours as long as they meet all the eligibility requirements.
  • Can now be resident anywhere in the world and be of any age

Eligibility Criteria

Every nominee/ participant must meet all the Criteria listed below

To be eligible for the honours you
  • Are a current student or an alumni
  • Can show a considerable amount of achievement in one of the award categories, whilst demonstrating social impact commensurate to your expertise in your respective field
  • Must have been an Indian citizen at the point of commencing their UK programme of study
  • Must have studied any type of course in a British HEI, either in-person or transnationally. This can include short fellowships, summer schools etc
  • Certifications, post doc researchers, Chevening and all other scholarship/fellowship holders are eligible
  • Unsuccessful applicants from last year’s awards can reapply (and are encouraged) for this round of honours as long as they meet all the eligibility requirements.
  • Can now be resident anywhere in the world and be of any age
View the Eligibility Criteria for the "Best Student Society" Award
Best student society
View the Eligibility Criteria for the "Sector's Choice - Agent of the Year" Award
Agent of the year

What are we looking for?

High degree of impact in your respective field with a clear record of being leader in your respective field. Evidence of being a living bridge of UK-India relationship through your work in your respective field.

Alignment with the Achievers program and application category

High degree of impact in your respective field with a clear record of being leader in your respective field. Evidence of being a living bridge of UK-India relationship through your work in your respective field.

Extraordinary achievement and recognition

Clear record of achievement, recognitions, and nomination of the highest quality in your respective field and across the fields. Evidence of mentions and coverage across the media highlighting your extraordinary degree of intelligence, leadership, and ambition.

Curiosity and Innovation

High degree of intellectual curiosity combined with energy and creativity; a record of continuous innovation in your field, addressing the market/knowledge gap and/or use of new technologies.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Evidence of championing equality, diversity and inclusion in your enterprise or field of work. Desire to bring about an equitable society, providing accessible spaces within your sector, social change, and create a conversation to minimise disparities in the society.

Collaborative Spirit

As we move an era of global cooperation, the applicant should show a track record of working in collaboration with either large or small teams. The collaboration could be within the field of expertise, across field of expertise or among various key stakeholders. Evidence of team building and bringing about diverse minds together should be a key factor.

Global Ambition for social Good

Desire to use one’s personal talents, resources and enterprise to make a positive difference in society and the world including climate change, homelessness, education, female empowerment.

Character and Leadership

Evidence of demonstrable potential for leadership with genuine display of hardwork, perseverance, a moral compass, and display of resilience in the face of adversity.

Engagement: International, National and Local

Ability to engage with diverse audiences either globally or locally to influence and inspire them towards a better goal personally as well as for the society. Evidence of empowering next younger generations of internationally mobile students who act as powerhouses and global citizens of the future.

Frequently asked questions

I am a current student, can I apply for the Achievers Honours?
I am/was a Chevening Scholar or I have held another type of scholarship, can I apply?
When can I expect to hear back on the progress of the application?
If I am going to nominate someone, do I need to take their consent or inform them?
If I am completing the application on behalf of someone else, who will be the primary point of contact for sharing the decision on the application?
I am not an Indian citizen, can I apply?
I have filled in the application halfway, can I come back to it later?
I am facing technical issues while filling the application form. What should I do?
How do you intend to use my data?
What type of photograph do I need to upload?
Is a recommendation letter mandatory?
Do I need to register to apply for the honours?

Applicant Webinar

Do you think you have what it takes to be one of our Achivers? We have organised some sessions to help you learn more about the Achievers Honours and answer your questionst all the Criteria listed below

We will cover:
  • What is the India UK Achievers Honours
  • Why should you nominate yourself or someone you know
  • Who is eligible to apply
  • What are the different honours categories
  • How to apply
Time:  14:00 UK | 18:30 India
Time: 14:00 UK | 19:30 India
Time: 14:00 UK | 19:30 INDIA

Best Student Society

We are keen to celebrate/highlight/spotlight the commendable endeavors of registered India societies at UK universities that have undertaken India-centric initiatives, significantly contributing to the enrichment of the cultural landscape and the strengthening of the living bridge between the two nations.

Eligibility Criteria
  • Are a registered student society at a registered UK university or other HEI Students Union
  • Verifiable executive committee elected as per the rules of the concerned Student Union
  • Can show a considerable amount of achievement in their work towards student welfare
  • Undertake India or India-related work, this includes society with a wider or narrower remit, e.g., Indian Cultural, South Asian etc
  • Across all categories, should be able to demonstrate how a particular need of Indian and /or Indian origin students on campus has been met;
  • how social impact has been created, evidence of innovation and leadership

Agent of the Year

Eligibility Criteria – Sector’s Choice: Agent of the Year (India–UK Achievers Honours 2026)
To ensure the integrity and comparability of entries, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Operational Tenure
  • The agency must have been legally registered and operational for at least three (3) consecutive years in international student recruitment.
  • Agencies incorporated after September 2022 are not eligible to apply for the 2026 award.
Primary Market Focus
  • The agency must have demonstrable experience in recruiting Indian students for study in the UK.
  • Agencies recruiting students to multiple destinations are eligible, provided their UK-India operations are significant and verifiable.
Legal Registration & Compliance
  • The agency must be a legally registered entity in India, the UK, or another relevant jurisdiction, with a valid registration or incorporation number.
  • The agency must not be under any active sanction, suspension, or formal investigation by a UK university, government body, or regulator (e.g., UKVI, British Council, DBT).
Alignment with the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF)
  • Applicants must confirm adherence to the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF) and the National Code of Ethical Practice for UK Education Agents.
Transparency in Recruitment Model
  • Both direct-recruiting agencies and those operating through aggregator or sub-agent models are eligible.
Student-Centred Practice
  • The agency’s services must demonstrably prioritise student welfare, informed decision-making, and post-arrival support.
  • Evidence of accurate counselling, transparent cost disclosures, and ongoing student engagement will be required.
Ethical Conduct
  • The agency must not engage in misleading marketing, commission-based bias, or practices that exploit students.
  • Applicants must affirm that all data and testimonials provided are authentic and used with student consent.
Language of Submission
  • All applications and supporting documents must be submitted in English.
Conflict of Interest
  • Any agency directly owned or majority-funded by a NISAU leader or jury member is not eligible to apply.
Verification & Audit
  • NISAU reserves the right to verify information or conduct random audits of submitted materials.
  • Agencies found to have submitted false or misleading information may be disqualified or barred from future participation.