Westminster shortlisted for two major #WeAreInternational Awards

Home to 19,000 students from 169 countries, Westminster is one of the world’s most international universities. Support for international students at Westminster is institution-wide, coordinated and continuous, beginning before arrival and extending to graduation. This commitment was recognised when Westminster was ranked first in London for Student Support in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2026, based entirely on student reviews.

Through the Westminster Programme for Inclusion, Belonging, and Sustainable Development led by Professor Dibyesh Anand, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Global Engagement and Employability, international and home students can connect across cultures with a range of student-led initiatives such as the World in Westminster festivals and cafés, as well as Westminster Conversations events. This two-way experience is strengthened by opportunities to study and gain experience abroad, with 430 students travelling to 45 countries this year.

For students, 86% of participants reported an increased sense of belonging after attending a World in Westminster event, while the University's International Student Experience Survey found that students who frequently interacted with UK students reported the strongest sense of belonging, demonstrating the value of sustained cross-cultural engagement.

Westminster’s approach is shaped by student voice rather than assumption. International Student Champions, surveys and focus groups, informed by feedback from 255 international students, ensure support responds to real needs. Students are not simply recipients of support but active partners. They contribute as Champions, event organisers, speakers, volunteers and co-creators, ensuring initiatives are shaped by lived experience.

The International Student Support Group brings the University together to co-deliver more than 50 events annually, while colleagues from faith, disability, LGBTQ+ and ethnic-minority networks lead cultural celebrations, making sure festivals are built by the communities they honour.

External partners widen this collaboration further, including links with Neurodiversity in Business, London Transport Museum, Regent Street Cinema, London Higher and Advance HE, alongside an extensive global partner network.  

About the University of the Year Award, Professor Anand said: “We are keen that each and every student, UK and international, feels at home at our University - free to explore, to experience the best of British higher education, and to use it as a stepping stone to succeed in life. Belonging for international students is integral to our commitment to inclusion. This shortlisting belongs to the colleagues across Westminster who make that true every day. My thanks to each of them. Special shout-out to John Peck, Deputy Registrar, who co-chaired the International Students Support Group with me and to Edgar Lee, our International Students Engagement Officer.”

Edgar Lee added: “Home is where the heart belongs. For international students, belonging can grow far beyond where we come from – through the people we meet, the bridges we build and the communities we become part of. Through the Westminster Programme for Enhancing Inclusion, Belonging and Sustainable Development, we hope every international student can find their place and play a part in building a Westminster culture where everyone belongs. These shortlistings recognise our ongoing efforts to make that possible, and we hope students carry that spirit of belonging with them wherever they go and wherever they shine next.”

The University’s commitment to creating opportunities for students to contribute to their communities is also reflected by Fabia Hannan Mone, a second-year PhD student in Public Health Nutrition, who has been nominated for the Student Volunteer of the Year Award. While looking for a meaningful way to contribute to the community while developing her professional and interpersonal skills, she first became involved in volunteering through opportunities shared by the University, which led her to volunteer at Moorfields Eye Hospital.

Since February 2025, she has contributed over 140 hours across the A&E and Pharmacy departments, as well as serving as a marshaller. Her role has involved helping patients navigate hospital services, supporting pharmacy operations during busy times and providing reassurance and assistance to patients experiencing anxiety or distress.

Alongside this, Fabia has also been involved in supporting the University community. As a PhD researcher, she has worked closely with academic colleagues and peer networks to support students through mentoring, employability initiatives, lectures, demonstrations and workshops. She also had the opportunity to provide one-to-one guidance to international students, helping them strengthen their CVs, refine job applications and build confidence in their career development.

Throughout her time at Westminster, she has encouraged students to participate in volunteering opportunities, promoting volunteering as a meaningful way to give back to the community while developing valuable transferable skills.

About the Student Volunteer of the Year Award, Fabia said: “Ever since I came to the UK, volunteering has been my way of connecting with and giving back to the community. From childhood, I've believed we have a human responsibility to help others in any capacity we can. My recent patient-focused volunteer work has been incredibly rewarding, teaching me how our support can drive positive change. Volunteering is about bringing joy, enabling that change and making a tangible difference in people's lives.”

The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony on 18 November at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London.

The award nominations demonstrate how the University directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4: Quality Education, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.  

Find out more about being an international student at Westminster.