Westminster students named finalists in Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2026

The Undergraduate of the Year Awards were established in 2021 to celebrate the UK’s best undergraduate students. Each award category is partnered with a prominent employer who provides an exclusive prize for the winner, which could include a paid internship, a trip abroad or other professional opportunities. 

The first finalist is International Relations BA Honours student Dania El-Amin, who has made it to the final of the Multilingual Undergraduate of the Year category. Dania speaks German, English and Arabic and is currently in her second year at Westminster. The category recognises students who excel in multiple languages, have a passion for finance and a desire to make a positive impact.

About the nomination Dania said: “I was really surprised and happy to be nominated. Being raised between different cultures and languages has shaped so much of my perspective, so it means a lot to have that recognised. I’m really looking forward to the awards.”

Dania El-Amin

Jayda Jackson-Warren, Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours student, has been named a finalist in the Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent category. In her second year at Westminster, Jayda is passionate about the complexities of the human body and contributing to advancements in healthcare.

Finally, three Westminster students were recognised as finalists for the Social Mobility in Real Estate and the Built Environment category, in partnership with global commercial real estate services and investment company CBRE. The finalists are Ayub Abdulkadir, Architecture BA Honours student, and two Real Estate BSc Honours students Ameera Rizwan and Marigona Zymeri.

This category recognises students who are passionate about a career in Commercial Real Estate Surveying with strong skills and a commitment to respect, integrity, service and excellence. 

Ayub Abdulkadir

Ameera said: “Being selected as a finalist was something I never expected. To be one of ten people in that position is something I’m genuinely proud of. It’s not just about the outcome; it’s about everything that led up to it. Taking that initial step, backing myself and not overthinking the process is what got me there. That’s something I’ll always carry with me.

“If there’s one thing I would say to other students or recent graduates, it’s this: put yourself out there, even if it feels uncomfortable. I know how difficult that can be, especially if you’re naturally shy like I am. But stepping outside your comfort zone is where the growth happens.”

Marigona added: “Being selected as a finalist feels incredibly rewarding and has given me a real confidence boost to keep pushing myself within the industry.”

Dr Jan Wilcox, Director of Employability for Westminster’s School of Applied Management and Senior Lecturer in Real Estate, said: “I was delighted to hear that once again two University of Westminster Real Estate students have been shortlisted for the Undergraduate of the Year Award. Ameera has just completed her second year and has impressed me with her proactivity which is evidenced by, amongst other things, sorting out her own work experience and internship. She also makes a considerable effort to attend the extracurricular activities we offer. Marigona has made a strong start to the first year of her degree. She takes up all opportunities offered to her to increase her knowledge and her network.”

The students’ work directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities 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. 

The winners will be announced at the grand final in Canary Wharf on 24 April.

Find out about Westminster’s success in the Undergraduate of the Year Awards 2025.