University of Birmingham wins national award for Muslim student inclusion

The University of Birmingham has been recognised for its work creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for its Muslim student community

The University of Birmingham has been named the 2026 winner of the Aziz Inclusion Award, recognising its work supporting the British Muslim student experience.

Joe Dobson, Director of the Aziz Foundation, Zarin Khan, an Aziz Foundation Scholar, and Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham, Professor Adam Tickell. | ©Nicola Gotts Photography

placeholder image — Joe Dobson, Director of the Aziz Foundation, Zarin Khan, an Aziz Foundation Scholar, and Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham, Professor Adam Tickell. | ©Nicola Gotts Photography

The award, presented by the Aziz Foundation, celebrates higher education institutions demonstrating excellence in supporting Muslim students.

The University has more than 6,000 Muslim students on its Edgbaston campus and was praised for its approach to inclusion, including faith-sensitive facilities, inclusive policies, tailored student support and working with students.

Steve Allmark, Head of Student Recruitment at the University of Birmingham and a student from the University of Birmingham Islamic Society (ISoc). | ©Nicola Gotts Photography

Professor Adam Tickell, vice-chancellor and principal at the University of Birmingham, said the award reflected the “dedication and commitment” of staff and students to creating an inclusive environment.

Initiatives highlighted by the judging panel included dedicated prayer facilities, halal food, alcohol-free accommodation and a formal Code of Practice for accommodating religious observance.

Professor Matthew Leeke, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) and students from the University of Birmingham Islamic Society (ISoc). | © Nicola Gotts Photography

The University has also opened a new central prayer space next to the Library, refurbished existing facilities and extended the opening hours of its central Islamic prayer room in the University Centre. There are now three dedicated Islamic prayer rooms across the Edgbaston campus.

The University’s partnership with its Islamic Society was also recognised, including events such as the annual Community Iftar during Ramadan, which attracts more than 600 people.

Judges also highlighted the University’s Sanctuary Scholarship programme, which provides financial, pastoral and academic support to students whose education has been disrupted by conflict.

University of Birmingham Islamic Society students with Joe Dobson, Director of the Aziz Foundation, and Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Birmingham, Professor Adam Tickell. | ©Nicola Gotts Photography

Joe Dobson, director of the Aziz Foundation, said the award was “a real achievement” for the University of Birmingham.

The recognition follows other work by the university to promote inclusion, including achieving Silver status in the Race Equality Charter earlier this year.