'Need to find out more about the International Student Awards? Check out the answers to these frequently asked questions. '
How will the entries be judged?
The entries will go through a number of rounds of judging. After initial judging at national level, entrants will be grouped into the following regions:
- North West
- Yorkshire
- North East
- West Midlands
- East Midlands
- East of England
- South West
- London
- South East
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
- Wales.
Short-listed entries will go forward to a regional judging panel, from which a regional winner and two runners-up will be selected.
- Each of the 24 regional runners-up will receive a cash prize and a commemorative certificate
- Each regional winner will be invited to the national final in London. Here, a judging panel will interview each regional winner and select the overall International Student of the Year 2011.
Is this like a scholarship scheme?
No. The International Student Awards is a competition. If you are seeking a scholarship to fund your studies in the UK, you should contact the British Council office in your home country or use the Find a Scholarship function on the right-hand side of the page.
I've entered the awards before. Can I enter again this time?
Of course, as long as you still meet the entry criteria. It is likely that you will have enjoyed additional experiences and can claim new achievements since you last entered. Tell us about them!
Who will judge the entries?
Judges will include staff from the British Council, education organisations and students. All have a very good understanding of the opportunities and challenges for international students in the UK.
My English is OK – but I'm not fantastic at writing letters! Does this matter?
No, it doesn't. This isn’t an exam! Your entry will not be judged on the quality of your writing, but on the experiences or achievements you describe.
When will I find out how well I have done?
A list of regional finalists will be announced in mid-March 2011.
In early April 2011, the 12 regional winners will be named and invited to the final judging and awards’ ceremony, to be held in London in Mid-April 2011.
Do you check up on the students' letters?
If a student’s letter impresses the judges and he or she gets through to the finals of the competition, then their letter – and their achievements - will be verified by their institution.
I've only been a student in the UK for a few months. Can I still enter?
Yes you can, as long as your course lasts at least six months. In the short time you have been here you might still have had many valuable experiences and taken part in many worthwhile or exciting activities. It's your choice.
I'm still not sure if I am eligible to enter. What should I do?
Please read the eligibility criteria section carefully –this should answer your questions. If you are still not sure if you are eligible to enter, please send an e-mail to shine@britishcouncil.org telling us where you are studying, the name of your course and how long it lasts. We will send you a response by e-mail.
If you have any queries that have not been covered on this site please contact the Shine! team at shine@britishcouncil.org
