Ulster University has achieved an exceptional double victory at the Education Awards 2026, winning both the Overall Excellence Award and the Best Marketing / Communications Team Award.
Announced at an award ceremony, held on 16 April at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath, these awards are a powerful endorsement of Ulster University’s innovation and impact across the island of Ireland.
The Education Awards brought together leading institutions from across the third‑level sector to celebrate innovation, dedication and outstanding achievements shaping the future of the education industry.
The Overall Excellence Award
The Overall Excellence Award is the highest honour of the evening, recognising an institution that demonstrates sector‑leading performance across teaching, leadership, innovation and student experience.
The judging panel commended Ulster University for its sustained commitment to delivering high‑quality, future‑focused education:
“This entrant demonstrates a consistent commitment to delivering high-quality, forward-thinking education that meets the evolving needs of students and industry alike.
“Through innovation in teaching, strong leadership and a focus on real-world impact, it has created meaningful and lasting outcomes for its learners.
“Its collaborative approach and investment in excellence have strengthened both academic performance and student experience.
“By continuously raising standards and embracing change, it sets a benchmark for others across the sector. Its influence extends beyond the classroom, shaping the future of education through vision, ambition and sustained achievement.”
Market Engagement Team Named Best Marketing / Communications Team
Ulster University’s Market Engagement Team was awarded the Best Marketing / Communications Team Award, acknowledging its sector‑leading approach to student recruitment, outreach and engagement.
The Market Engagement team interacts with prospective students and develops their conversation with Ulster University through a range of initiatives including School Visits, Open Days, Careers Fairs and Digital communications to support Faculties in achieving all their targets within the Academic Plan, and its work ensures that Ulster University remains a compelling choice for learners across Ireland.
The judges highlighted the team’s strategic clarity, operational excellence and measurable impact:
“The judges were drawn to this entrant's outstanding marketing and engagement function, operating at scale across Ireland.
The team demonstrates exceptional strategic clarity, operational rigour and sustained impact in both domestic and cross-border recruitment.
Ulster University’s approach to sustainable and responsible growth is backed by a strong framework and clear methodology.
The well-structured submission, with engaging visuals, highlights the team’s achievements, including impressive funding and a positive impact on the Derry campus.”
Anthony McGrath, Head of Market Engagement, said:
“Winning both the Overall Excellence Award and the Best Marketing / Communications Team Award at this year’s Education Awards is an incredible honour and we are absolutely delighted that Ulster University Marketing and Student Recruitment teams, led by the Market Engagement team, has been recognised in this way.
“The judges’ acknowledgement of the University’s commitment to highquality, forwardthinking education - shaped by innovation and impact - makes this recognition especially meaningful.
“These awards reflect the strategic focus, professionalism and commitment to building meaningful relationships with prospective students across the island of Ireland that underpin our approach to student recruitment.
“This work continues to make a significant and positive impact on the University and on the communities we serve.”
Find out more
The Education Awards recognise, encourage and celebrate excellence across the third‑level education sector - both state and privately funded - on the island of Ireland. Full details of all Shortlist | Education Awards 2026
More information about the team’s work can be found at Market Engagement | Ulster University Departments.
