Hammed Kayode Alabi and Inga Ackermann have been selected from more than 420 nominations from 120 institutions across the UK as winners at this year’s #WeAreInternational Awards. The awards celebrate all aspects of an inclusive international student experience, including Outstanding Student Support (from wellbeing and academic experience to visas and immigration and making a home in the UK), Student of the Year, Staff of the Year, Community Impact and Institution of the Year.13 winners were celebrated on 19 November 2025 at a ceremony in the Bloomsbury Ballroom, each demonstrating an exceptional commitment to delivering a positive experience for international students.The awards, run by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) were created to celebrate the dedication and achievements of international students and all those who support them across the UK. The #WeAreInternational Award winners showcase the people and partnerships that make the UK a leader in international education. At a time when policy changes continue to challenge the sector, it’s heartening to see so many creative and empathetic approaches to deliver the best possible experience for international students in the UK. Anne Marie Graham Chief Executive, UKCISA UKCISCA award winners at this year's ceremony. Alum of the Year Award: Hammed Kayode Alabi After graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 2021, Hammed has been leading transformative work in the UK, from mentoring refugees to designing life-skills programmes for asylum seekers. He now works at the University of Edinburgh supporting Mastercard Foundation Scholars in their transitions after graduation. His youth-led NGO, Kayode Alabi Leadership and Career Initiative (KLCI), has trained over 10,000 young people across Africa. He recently co-founded Rafiki AI, Africa’s first generative AI career adviser for displaced youth. In July 2025, Hammed also received the Being Edinburgh award, which celebrates a member of the University’s alumni community who brings the University’s values to life through their contributions to public life and impact on the world. Hammed Kayode Alabi honoured with Being Edinburgh Award Global Community Award: Inga Ackermann Inga was recognised for leading The Life of Impact Volunteering Initiative – an innovative, student-led response to global and local challenges powered by 75 Africa-based online students. Between January and July 2024, this community led local volunteer projects across 10 African countries, the UK, USA and Canada. These impactful community projects resulted in more than 1,200 hours of volunteering, impacting more than 3,000 lives. The initiative has strengthened the University of Edinburgh’s international online student community, raised awareness about the potential of online students to lead social change, and enriched the University’s reputation for inclusive, global engagement. ‘Life of Impact’ volunteering projects recognised as changemakers #WeAreInternational Awards category winners The category winners, selected from 63 finalists, showcase the talent and dedication that makes the UK a global leader in international education. 2025 category winners Publication date 09 Dec, 2025
