Every day, University of Manchester students are changing lives.
They’re tackling period poverty, protecting local biodiversity, supporting isolated PhD researchers and helping fellow students feel less alone.
Now it’s time to recognise them.
⏳ Nominations close Monday 2 March 2026 at 10am — and there’s only a week left.
About the Awards
The Volunteer of the Year Awards celebrate students who go above and beyond to make a difference.
There are three categories:
🌍 Student of the Year (Supporting the Wider Community)
For individual students whose volunteering benefits communities locally, nationally, or internationally.
🤝 Student of the Year (Supporting Other Students)
For individual students improving the lives and wellbeing of fellow students.
👥 Student Group of the Year
For two or more students volunteering together to support the wider community.
The individual winner in the “Supporting the Wider Community” category will also receive the President’s Medal for Social Responsibility — one of the University’s most prestigious honours.
Why nominate?
Think about someone who:
🫶 Gives up their evenings to support others
🤫 Volunteers quietly without recognition
💚 Makes your student community better
💡Inspires people around them
A nomination takes just a few minutes — but it could mean the world to them. You can even nominate yourself.
Who can be nominated?
- All current undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Previous 1st, 2nd or 3rd place individual winners cannot be nominated again for the same role
- Previous winning groups can be nominated again (if focusing on work from the past 12 months and current membership)
Shortlisted nominees may be invited to take part in media and publicity activities.
🚨 Don’t miss the deadline
Closes: Monday 2 March 2026 at 10am